Presentation Software:
(http://www.oid.ucla.edu/FNMC/classtep.htm)
There
are many popular presentation software packages including:
-Action by Macromedia
-Harvard Graphics by Software Publishing Corp.
-Persuasion by Aldus Corp.
-Bravo by Alpha Software Corp.
-Claris Impact by Claris Corp.
-Presentations by WordPerfect Corp.
-Curtain Call by The Zuma Group
Authoring
a web page and using the Internet during the presentation can also develop
presentations. This seems to be the latest trend used by speakers at National
Conferences.
Presentation
software such as Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Persuasion are
sophisticated programs for assembling and arranging computer slide shows including
graphics, text, video, and sound. Both programs produce applications
that can be shown in a classroom or run by students in the lab or on the web.
Requires a computer, usually a laptop, and a computer data projector (both
available from Audio Visual Services)
Presentation
software such as Microsoft Powerpoint and Adobe Persuasion are sophisticated programs for
assembling and arranging graphics, text, video, and sound. Both programs produce
applications that can be shown in a classroom or run by students in the media
lab or on the web. Presentation software is relatively easy to learn and use.
Links
to learn more about:
Links
to learn more about:
Adobe Premiere: With Adobe Premiere you can edit and/or create digital videos (both
Quicktime or AVI) for use on their own, in Powerpoint, Authorware, or on the
Web. An educator can quickly string together a series of scanned still images
(say a series of photographs of the Civil War), apply a filter to them that
pans an imaginary camera across the image, add a few cannon explosions to
the sound track and, voila, you've turned yourself into a Ken Burns. Premiere is a sophisticated but accessible
program, which is often overlooked by those seeking to create dynamic images
for use in classroom or lab. It is loaded with filters to produce special
effects.
To
learn more:
These
applications are called authoring systems because integrated within them are
a number of built-in authoring functions (e.g., linking together screens,
animating objects, capturing user input data, or responding to input with
customized feedback information). To create an interactive software application
you import or create images, video, text, and animations and then orchestrate
them according to a predetermined plan.
Both
Authorware and Director use Shockwave, an application created by Macromedia
to permit the resulting application to be used on the web.
Authorware uses an icon-based system
of representation on a time-line as its organizational metaphor. Each icon
contains a series of built-in tools which can be augmented by the use of system
variables and functions. For example, with Authorware you can create customized
tests (multiple choice, true/false, or written answers); Authorware will score
the responses, store the data, and/or provide customized feedback for the
user. Although it does not use a programming language like Lingo, its many
built-in functions and variables take some time and dedication to learn.
Director uses as its organizational
metaphor the concept of a musical score. For this reason, Director is the
application of choice for CD-ROM games, musical videos, and advertisements.
It offers precise control over how images and sounds appear. But beware: mastering
Director requires a thorough knowledge of a programming language known as
Lingo. Consequently, troubleshooting can be both time-consuming and frustrating
to the novice.
To
learn more about:
Webpage
Authoring Software: Word 6.0, Netscape Gold, etc.
(http://www.llrx.com/columns/guide28.htm)
Creating
HTML pages is getting easier and easier. As of 1997, programs such as Microsoft
Word 6.0 permit you to write and compose for the web using Microsoft Word
alone. You can insert links, images, make tables, create backgrounds, and
preview the web page, all without leaving the comfort of your word processor.
Another
choice is Netscape 3.0 Gold Edition, for which UCLA has a site license. To
write web pages with it you choose File:New Document:Blank. This puts you
into the edit mode. You can then write your text and format your tables, links,
and images. Beware, however: there is no spell checker.
If
you want to get serious about web authoring, there are many industrial-strength
programs on the market such as Adobe
PageMill and WebEdit
Professional.
If
you would like to learn HTML, it's easier you think (certainly not as hard
as learning a computer programming language) and allows you to make webpages
with only a basic word processor.
There
are many webpages out there with help for HTML beginners, such as this HTML Tutorial page.
If you first need a basic explanation of how webpages work, go to "What's a web page?"
Presentation
software packages, like PowerPoint,
Harvard
Graphics or Persuasion,
are excellent platforms for creating presentations that need visual explanation.
For example, demonstrating how to Shepardize requires that the audience see what
Shepard's looks like and how the information
is organized in order to grasp its utility. By contrast, if you have a story
to tell (what happened to the associate who failed to check cites) and nothing
tangible to demonstrate, you may dilute rather than enhance your tale by delivering
it with technology.
Presentation
software involves four communication modes: speech, text, graphics and electronic.
Each format has unique strengths and limitations. Ideally, today's presenter
is fluent in each format and knows how to combine them for best results. Audiences
take in and have different expectations of spoken, written, graphic and electronic
information. A unique set of dynamics and assumptions is associated with
each mode.
The presentation graphics package for everyday communication now gives you more ways to say it and share it. Save and Go lets you package your presentation with a viewer. Now anyone receiving it can play it, even without Freelance. Run a Screenshow in a Web browser with Freelance Graphics' ActiveX or Plug-In.
Back to Toolbox