CS 1308 Computer Literacy and the Internet
Dec 26, 2015
CS 1308 Computer Literacy and the Internet
PowerPoint Considered Harmful
One of Dijkstra’s last e-mails Why did he feel this way?
What this is?
A quick overview of some things I’ve learned about PowerPoint and using overhead projectors
Typefaces
Sans Serif Typefaces Are often more legible Can be used for page titles and headings This typeface is “Tahoma”
Serif Typefaces Often used for long passages of text because it is
considered “more readable.” This typeface is “Times New Roman”
Type Styles
Some possibilities Italics for special terms Bold for titles and headings ALL CAPS (NOT USED VERY OFTEN
ANYMORE) Underlining looks a lot like a hyperlink
Normal weight text is usually called Roman
Avoid overusing special types or too many different types on one page.
Point Sizes (44 point)
The size of characters is measured in points. 1 point is approximately 1/72 inch (24
point)
Printed text is usually between 9 and 12 points. (This is 12 point). PowerPoint text must be much larger.
(This is 28 point text.) Note that not all typefaces are exactly
the same size at the same point size. Make sure the print is large enough! Be especially careful with code, IDEs
and doc cameras.
Backgrounds
Keep it simple PowerPoint (and third party vendors)
offer an almost unlimited number of templates and you can create your own.
Make sure you have good contrast between the text and the background.
Page Layout
The most common layout is a header with a bulleted list.
Keep down the text density. Only use numbers if they are
significant. Too much text will tempt you to just read the text
to try and get the point across and then it looks like you’re just reading the text and students hate that. Keep the amount of text to a minimum.
Don’t get crazy
With the transitions And special effects I like this one And exits
Colors
Make sure that the colors you use are consistent and mean something.
For example, my using a color here makes no sense.
Pictures
Cute clip art is out.
Tips
Keep the number of slides to a minimum and expand on each point.
Use the PowerPoint presentation as a guide.
My personal opinion is to not use the “strip tease” method on slides. Makes the audience feel like they can’t keep up.
I don’t like this
When They just Show me a little Bit at a time
I like this better
When They just Show me a little Bit at a time
Questions?