Dani Davis

Article review 1

June 6^th, 2004

Citations

AR2: Goldstein M. (2004), To Avoid the Perils of PowerPoint, Take a Kid’s-Eye View.

http://www.presentations.com/presentations/creation/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000471540

AR2: Foster M. (2004), Multimedia Design Controversies. http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/Articles/MessMulti/start.htm

Introduction

As teachers, there are four important aspects to consider when designing a presentation. First, we do not want to overload our students with too much information at one time. Certain groups of students are able to process more information than others. Therefore, each particular audience should be considered individually when designing a presentation. Second, Make sure the graphics are not simply nice to look at, but relevant to the transmission of facts and ideas. Also, too many extras are detrimental to the overall effectiveness of a presentation. They should be used sparingly, only to enhance the information being presented. Lastly, the slide should be the same scheme throughout the presentation, to eliminate busyness and distractions.

Summary of Important Points

List below are descriptions of the four important points to keep in mind when designing an effective presentation.

1. Overload Verses Brevity of Information

When presenting information one must always consider the amount of information being presented. The presenter wants to use enough information to accurately convey his or her ideas, but too much information. Excess data can cause both visual and mental stimuli overload. On the other hand, too little information will not convey an accurate message, leaving the audience with unanswered questions and confusion.

2. Synchronization of Graphics and Text

When placing graphics in a presentation, they should not only complement the text, but also be an integral component in the process of relaying information. Instead of simply placing a picture on the slide, use a graphic only when it is visual diagram of information being discussed.

3. Minimize “Bells and Whistles”

Too many bells and whistles detract from the overall effectiveness of a presentation. Although, they may be cute, remember that the objective is to impart information to the audience, not to show your talents in designing presentations. Cute sounds, fancy transitions, and unnecessary graphics overwhelm the viewer and pull their focus away from where it should be.

4. Be Consistent in Design

Pick one slide transition and one basic color scheme to use throughout the entire presentation. This will assist in providing a smooth flow of information from one slide to the next. It is also less distracting, and more aesthetically pleasing to the viewers.

Implications of Designing Effective Multimedia Presentations by Author

By following the four simple steps above, both authors feel that the result will be a presentation which will not only convey the necessary information, but also hold the attention of the targeted audience.

My Reaction

I completely agree with the authors of the articles. Multimedia presentations can be a great learning medium. They address multiple intelligences and have the potential to reach a broad audience base. However, as teachers, we must not get carried away with all of the “bells and Whistles” in the software. Our primary responsibility is to teach, not to entertain. Multimedia can allow us to do both simultaneously, but we must be sure that the entrainment of the sound, graphics, and backdrops, are not detracting from the essential learning process.