Dani Davis
Reflective Paper #4
June 20th, 2004
Compare and Contrast
HyperStudio and Keynote Presentation Software
When comparing HyperStudio with Keynote presentation software I found that HyperStudio can be used in a more diverse range of operating systems. There are versions of this software for both Macintosh and Windows environments. One of the main drawbacks for the Keynote software is the fact that it only runs on a Macintosh operating system. Considering that most personal computers found in the home run a Windows operating system, Keynote is currently inaccessible to much of its potential client base.
HyperStudio and Keynote are both excellent presentation software packages, when they are used with the target audience that the software was originally created for. HyperStudio is designed with kids and teachers in mind, while keynote is designed for the business professional. This is very evident when assessing the visual scheme of the backgrounds. HyperStudio readymade template backgrounds are vibrant and bright to attract kid’s attention. HyperStudio even provides theme-based projects for every month of the year and a graphics library specifically for students using HyperStudio. Whereas the muted colors in the Keynote backgrounds and the added notes feature appeals to the adult audience of the business and professional worlds. Using Keynote in the classroom may not hold a child’s attention as well as HyperStudio and on the same token, business professionals are likely to find a HyperStudio presentation too childish to be taken seriously.
There are many special features within both of these software programs have. For example both are capable of playing QuickTime movies. Also, both programs are capable of supporting audio files. HyperStudio users often use this feature to create interactive books for their audience to enjoy. Likewise, Keynote users can utilize this feature to create an audio taped narration to be used in conjunction with their visual business presentation. Along with audio and video, Keynote users can import charts and graphs to illustrate their point to the audience. Likewise, HyperStudio can also “import charts and graphs from The Cruncher¬ 2.0 into their HyperStudio 4 stacks.
Both Keynote and HyperStudio software possess the ease of drag and drop technology. This function enables users to click on graphics or text, drag it to the desired location and drop it into the presentation. Unlike older versions, the newest version of HyperStudio even allows users to import elements from other application by simply dragging and dropping them. Likewise Key note supports, “Adobe Photoshop (PSD, TIFF, PNG), Adobe Illustrator, PDF and Flash files. Keynote also enables graphics compositing, supports Adobe Photoshop alpha masks and preserves transparency in TIFF and PNG files. Keynote lets you add effects such as drop shadows and transparency to objects on your slides.” This wide range of file compatibility allows for maximum versatility within both of these programs.
In HyperStudio, users manipulate objects using different tools, including the pointer, eraser, and Lasso. These tools give users the ability to alter their slides. Keynote does not have these tools, instead it relies solely on point and click to move and manipulate text and graphics. However, unlike HyperStudio, Keynote has the slide organizer, which enables users tool view, group, arrange and edit all of the slides. In order to access slides in HyperStudio, one must first create a navigation button and then view only one slide at a time as you alter it. This capability is great for students to use as they are designing storyboards to accompany class projects.
As I have shown, each presentation software package has benefits as well as drawbacks. Therefore, before deciding which program to purchase, consumers should consider their target audience and the overall purpose of their presentation. Those looking for elegant professional presentations should consider purchasing Keynote, while those looking to design interactive multimedia classroom lesson ought to think about buying the HyperStudio software program.
References:
Keynote
http://www.apple.com/keynote/featureoverview.html
http://www.macreviewzone.com/html/reviews/house/software/03/keynote.php
HyperStudio 4
http://www2.ncsu.edu/midtech/lambert/TIME/hyperstudio/hyperstudio4.html
http://www.hyperstudio.com/pressroom/sept2000.html