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Presentation Technology
- Comparison of Tools
- Related Resources
- Faculty Examples
Presentation technology refers to a wide range of applications that enable instructors to display information during a lecture. Students also use these applications when they make presentations as part of class assignments. Used to help organize presentations, show examples, and provide visual interest, these applications usually allow for some combination of text and graphics as well as embedded video. While Microsoft PowerPoint is the most commonly used, there are a range of applications that fall under this category.
- Displaying lecture outlines, visual examples (photos, graphs, diagrams, videos) and/or instructions for classroom activities
- Displaying sample test questions or concept questions to check student understanding (possibly used with personal response systems)
- Creating opportunities for students to organize content and present to peers as part of a lecture
- Providing "skeletal" outlines that facilitate student notetaking
- Providing a resource that guides students' review of lecture material (alone or in connection with audio/video recordings of lecture)
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Apple Keynote
- Google Slides
Tips for using slides effectively
While it is easy to create slides, it is also easy to overwhelm students with these programs. Common problems include showing far too many slides in a given time period, text-heavy slides that are often difficult to read, overuse of special effects, and slideshows that are designed to keep the instructor on track rather than supporting student learning.
In addition, slide-based lectures can put students in a very passive mode of trying to absorb and record large amounts of content without having the opportunities for active engagement and processing that are necessary for understanding and long-term retention of information. Finally, processing visuals (particularly text) at the same time as listening to a lecture can create cognitive overload that interferes with learning.
General Recommendations for Formatting Slides
- Use font size large enough to be visible, including captions and legends (look at your slides from the back of your actual classroom to check)
- Use legible color combinations (keep in mind when refering to different color items that some students are color blind)
- Use graphs rather than word-heavy charts when possible
- Display only essential information and limit the number of words/bullets per slide
- Use slides for outlines and examples rather than trying to capture every point you make
- Display only the information that will help students; find other ways to keep yourself on track for the presentation
- Distribute the slides or another outline-style handout in advance to facilitate note taking
- Avoid overly flashy transitions and special effects that can be distracting
- Have a backup plan should the technology fail
Recommendations from Research on Promoting Learning with PowerPoint
- Make slides available to students in advance of the lecture. Students retain more of a lecture when they have access to the instructor’s slides. When they do not have such handouts, students often try to copy down both the words on the slides and the notes from what they hear.
- Minimize the use of animation to introduce new points to a single slide. PowerPoint allows a presenter to reveal each bullet point on a slide separately. However, research indicates that such an approach leads to lower retention of information, possibly because there is less time to absorb all of the material on the slide.
- Use an assertion-evidence approach to constructing slides, instead of using the default format of a title followed by bullet subpoints. With this approach, the title becomes a 1-2 line sentence that makes an assertion. The rest of the slide shows evidence to support that assertion (preferably using visuals or a combination of visuals and short explanatory text). This approach helps avoid oversimplification inherent in PowerPoint’s linear approach.
- Segment your presentation and integrate active learning. This can range from simply pausing to allow the audience time to digest the material, to having students take a moment to write down what was confusing to them, answer “clicker” questions, discuss case studies, etc. CRLT’s website has a few resources for incorporating active learning into lectures. For examples of active learning, visit this page .
- Provide names and definitions of key terms in advance of the lecture. Such “pre-training” allows students to better understand a complex description of a how a system works as a whole.
- Weed out any extraneous information included in the presentation. Such extraneous information puts additional demands on working memory, and decreases the ability to process and retain information.
- Signal to your audience which information is incidental (e.g., an anecdote relating to the topic) and which is essential. This can be helpful in minimizing the cognitive load of the presentation so that students are better able to process important information.
- Make sure that on-screen images and text are well aligned and synchronized, and make explicit which text applies to which image. A mismatch between visuals and verbal explanations can cause interference rather than increasing understanding.
See also References:
- Chen, J., & Lin, T. (2011). Does downloading PowerPoint slides before the lecture lead to better student achievement? International Review of Economics Education, 10(1), 90-93.
- Mahar, S., Yaylacicegi, U., & Janicki, T. N. (2009). Less is more when developing PowerPoint animations. Information Systems Education Journal, 7(82), 1-11. [ http://isedj.org/7/82/ISEDJ.7(82).Mahar.pdf .]
- Mayer, R. E., & Moreno R. (2003). Nine ways to reduce cognitive load in multimedia learning. Educational Psychology, 38(1), 43-52.
- Raver, S. A., Maydosz, A. S. (2010). Impact of the provision and timing of instructor-provided notes on university students’ learning. Active Learning in Higher Education, 3, 189-200.
Tips for using Prezi (or other non-linear presentation technology) creatively
Suggestions on best uses and practices for using Prezi:
- build a resources and links (images, text, video) and build a variety of paths for connecting the material based on the audience and the place of the presentation in the curriculum;
- experiment with a non-linear approach to a presentation in which your path through the material is not predetermined but driven by the interests of the audience;
- use Prezi as an alternative to actually presenting, allowing audience members to work through the Prezi taking notes on important/useful points, and then engaing in a discussion in groups or with the whole class about the topic at hand;
- use Prezi for helping students organize material, either by having them take your Prezi and think about how they’d present it, or by asking them to go through the process of laying out important information and then organizing it into a Prezi (a much less rigidly linear process than using PowerPoint).
PowerPoint, Keynote and Google Slides offer similar linear presentation style defaults (i.e. one primarily works through the slides one-at-time from beginning to end). PowerPoint can work across PC and Mac platforms, while Keynote is Mac specific and also works with iPads. Google Slides is part of the Google Apps suite designed to promote collaboration. This is a very pared down version of a presentation tool that allows multiple people to collaborate on a single presentation and store files on the web so they are available anywhere. Files can be imported into PowerPoint and made more complex.
An alternative to these products is a non-linear presentation tool, Prezi. Prezi is a web-based tool with different logic from those described above. It is based on a non-linear "palette" onto which a presenter can paste up combinations of text, images, video. Nonlinearity allows for different paths through the same information and development of a presentation based on graphic overview and easy embedding of YouTube videos. However, non-linearity can be both a challenge and an opportunity depending on your topic, how you organize your ideas, and your teaching style. In addition, zoom functions can lead to sea sickness if not used well.
For specific information about using these technologies for teaching, see the links below:
PowerPoint Supported by the Science of Learning (1 hour 26 min): A presentation by Rachel Niemer, Assistant Director, CRLT
This video highlights Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering, using tablet PC and clickers in a large lecture course.

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Presentations. We've all given them. Whether we like them or not, presentations are a great way to show an understanding of a topic and develop your speaking and listening skills. They are a chance to prove to an audience you know what you are talking about!
One thing to be mindful of is the technology for your presentations. Have you thought much about presentation technology and its evolution over time? This article will explore the importance of technology for a presentation. It will also consider the technology's background and modern uses, along with some examples and types of presentation technology.
Importance of Technology For a Presentation
You may be wondering, why is technology so important when we do presentations?
The technology you use for presentations allows you to share information with your audience effectively. It's a way to connect with your audience and provide them with interesting information to keep them engaged. Without technology, presentations lose appeal as they are less interactive.
It is essential to be aware that people learn in different ways through various stimuli. For example, some people take in information more effectively when they read it. Others may rely on more visual-based things such as images, diagrams, videos, etc. Still others may simply prefer to listen to you speak. You can use presentation technology to appeal to your audience through text, visuals, sound, and more quickly and easily, allowing the audience to gain a deeper understanding of your presentation topic.
Technology can also help guide you through your topic. For example, if you have some words or images on a slide, this can help you remember what to talk about and keeps your presentation flowing smoothly.
Presentation Technology Background
What did the world of presentations look like before internet software? Before the creation of well-known software such as PowerPoint, there were different ways to make a presentation. These methods took more time and involved more than simply creating slides on a laptop!
One of the first ways to present was through the use of chalkboards, whiteboards, and paper flip charts, like the one shown below:

Although they may not be considered technology, using boards and flipcharts was still a way for people to present extra information to the audience. They could write or draw pictures/graphs to visually aid the presentation and help to get their intentions across to the audience more clearly. Paper flip charts, chalkboards, and whiteboards may still be used occasionally, but there is less need for them now that everything has been digitalized!
The slide projector was one of the first pieces of technology used for presentations. A slide projector is a machine that shows photographic slides. It does this by shining a light through a photograph made into a slide, which creates a bigger image on a screen. Also used was the carousel slide projector, a type of slide projector that stores slides in a rotary tray and creates a slideshow by projecting slide photographs.
The use of slide projectors was then upgraded to the use of overhead projectors, something more familiar to people today. This is a machine that is used to make writing or images on a sheet appear on a wall or screen, like the one shown below:

Before easy digital presentation production, this was an excellent way to relay information to students. Teachers could present a "transparency," as it was called, of a worksheet and use dry-erase markers to fill out the sheet along with students.
Modern Presentation Technology
In modern society, presentation technology is much more prevalent and accessible due to the internet and social media. Not only do we have instant access to information, but we also have many ways to share it with others. Modern presentation technology allows us to present information quickly and efficiently - unlike many years ago when presenting took more time and effort! Most presentations nowadays are created using digital presentation software. The first of this modern software was PowerPoint.
The first official version of PowerPoint was released by Microsoft in 1990. It is the most commonly used presentation software, with around 500 million users worldwide. So why is PowerPoint so appealing? Here are a few reasons:
- Allows people to convert their ideas into easily understandable text and visuals.
- Allows people to customize their slides and add information in various ways, such as embedding audio/video or drawing animations.
- Easily accessible and can be used anywhere (even without an internet connection).
- It is collaborative, meaning multiple people can work on the same presentation - this is especially useful for group projects.
Although PowerPoint is commonly used, it does not appeal to everyone! Some alternatives include:
- Apple Keynote - created in 2003
- Google Slides - introduced in 2006
- Prezi - founded in 2009
Presentation Technology Types
Presentations can have different purposes, depending on the type you want to give. It is important to consider the purpose of your presentation, as this will determine how you present your information to the audience. There are four main types of presentations.
1. Informative
The purpose of an informative presentation is to give the audience information. This type of presentation relies on facts and stats. It is vital that you research well; try not to include inaccurate or unreliable information.
2. Instructional
The purpose of an instructional presentation is to give the audience instructions. This type of presentation focuses on guiding the audience and showing them how to do something. It can be useful to provide clear images and diagrams or step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
3. Arousing
The purpose of an arousing presentation is to generate intrigue amongst the audience and appeal to their emotions. This type of presentation usually focuses more on current events, such as societal/political issues.
4. Persuasive
T he purpose of a persuasive presentation is to convince your audience of a particular point of view. This presentation should have a clear argument and allow you to express your opinion. Try not to be too biased; consider the perspectives of others too.
Presentation Technology Slide Types
Information can be presented to an audience via technology in a variety of different ways. Because of this, there are different types of presentation slides to consider when making a presentation.
The three main types of presentation slides are text, visual, and mixed.
Text Slides
Text slides involve words/texts, such as extracts or quotes.
What NOT to do :
Be careful not to cram too much information onto one slide! Presentation slides should be clear and easy to follow. If too much is on one slide, it could be distracting, or the audience may not be able to take everything in.
Space out the information so it is easier to comprehend. One way to do this is to use bullet points and summarize the key points instead of writing out larger paragraphs of text. For example:

Visual Slides
Visual slides involve images/diagrams or videos. This also includes photos, illustrations, graphs, charts, etc.
What NOT to do:
Include too many images on a slide, making it look cluttered and distracting the audience.
Including around 1 - 2 images/diagrams is preferable as this will give the audience a focal point and maintain their interest. It may be as simple as this:

Mixed Slides
Mixed slides use both words and visuals together. For example, you can use captions, labels, or small text boxes to explain an image or add the extra necessary information (such as keywords or ideas).
Presentation Technology Examples
You may be wondering, what are some examples of a good digital presentation? How can you differentiate between a good and a bad presentation?
Here are a few examples of what makes a good digital presentation:
1. Easy to Understand
Keep the slides simple! Make sure not to include too much information, as this could be confusing. Instead, stick to key points and summaries. You can always expand on these points as you talk; just use the presentation as a reminder of what you will discuss!
2. Eye-Catching but Consistent
Make sure your slides aren't too dull for the audience! A presentation is a great way to catch the audience's attention and keep their interest. You could experiment with design templates to make your slides look more visually attractive, but make sure you stick to a consistent color scheme and style. Too many different styles could make the presentation look messy.

3. An Appropriate Number of Slides
If you include too many slides, this could make the audience lose interest. On the other hand, if you don't include enough slides, your presentation will lack substance, and you may run out of things to talk about. A good rule of thumb is to include approximately one slide for every minute you plan to speak to keep the information moving. For example, a 20-minute presentation would have around 15-20 slides.
Presentation Technology Topics
It is important to be aware that the topic of a presentation will influence how you will use the technology to get your message across.
If you were to present the number of native vs. non-native English speakers, you would create more statistic-based visuals. This could include creating charts or graphs to help the audience visualize the numbers.
If you were to do a presentation about phonetics and the place/manner of articulation, using images to show the parts of the mouth and how we use different parts to pronounce different letters would be beneficial.
If you were to do a presentation about a particular novel, include some quotes or extracts to make it clear to the audience what you are referring to and highlight the novel's main themes.
Presentation Technology - Key Takeaways
- Presentation technology provides information to your audience, connects them, and keeps them engaged. It can also help guide you through your topic.
- One of the first pieces of technology used for presentations was the slide projector.
- The first modern presentation software was PowerPoint, officially released in 1990.
- Examples of presentation technology are Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Google Slides, and Prezi.
- The three main types of presentation slides are text, visual and mixed.
- Fig. 2 - OHP-sch.JPG (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OHP-sch.JPG) by mailer_diablo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Mailer_diablo/A) is licensed by GFDL (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Free_Documentation_License)
Frequently Asked Questions about Presentation Technology
--> what is a technology-based presentation.
A technology-based presentation refers to a presentation that relies on technology to get the message across to the audience.
--> What are the 4 types of presentation?
The 4 main types of presentation are:
--> How technology can be used to enhance a presentation?
Technology can keep the audience engaged in a presentation and focused on your topic. It can be a visual aid to help guide your speech and send a clear message to the audience.
--> What is the importance of technology?
Technology helps to make information more accessible and easy to digest. Now that everything is becoming digitalized, technology allows people to instantly have access to a wide variety of information that we can all learn from.
--> What technology can be used for a presentation?
Technology that can be used for a presentation includes:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Google Slides
Apple Keynote
Final Presentation Technology Quiz
Presentation technology quiz - teste dein wissen.
Fill in the blanks:
One of the first ways to present was through the use of paper ____ ______.
Show answer
flip charts.
Show question
Fill in the blank:
One of the first pieces of technology used for presentations was the slide _________.
PowerPoint was released by which software company?
PowerPoint was officially released in which year?
Which of the following is not an example of presentation technology?
Google Chrome
What are the three main types of presentation slides?
Text, visual and mixed
Name one way you can space out information on a slide to make it easier to comprehend
Use bullet points
Without presentation technology, presentations will probably be ____ interesting for the audience.
What is the most commonly used presentation software?
True or false?
Presentation slides c an include a mixture of textual and visual elements.
- Cues and Conventions
- Language Analysis
- Textual Analysis
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Looking for new presentation technology? Here are 11 ways to go beyond the PowerPoint at your next event
Presentation technology has evolved. What are the latest trends among keynote speakers, and how can you wow the audience at your next event?

@WSB_Speakers
The traditional slide deck has become synonymous with a presentation. The reality is, it’s also become synonymous with dated, and even boring. If it’s not supported by a highly-engaging talk, you may be setting yourself up for an unengaged audience.
A boom in presentation technology, fueled by the ubiquity of mobile apps, has given birth to a bevy of tools that can make almost any event more lively.
Web and mobile apps, many of them affordable, allow new capabilities — from the ability to poll your audience to animation and video that add compelling elements to your presentation screen. There is even wearable and throwable technology that can enhance your game on stage.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with PowerPoint, particularly if you’re integrating multimedia elements to make things more interesting.
But, if you want your presentation materials to stand out, here are some suggestions for how to take it to the next level.
App-Based Technology
There are many different ways to enhance your presentation. With almost everyone in your audience likely carrying a mobile phone, these apps can allow your audience to participate in new ways.
1. Poll Everywhere
This is an app that allows audience participation. The speaker can ask a question, attendees can answer using their phones, and the results can be posted live on the screen. The service, which replicates old-school Audience Response Systems, introduces an interactive experience to any event.
2. Glisser
This app allows you to share your presentation to mobile phones in the audience, allowing attendees to comment, like, and share your slides. It adds interactivity and eliminates the need for handouts.
Improving Your Slides
Integrating multimedia elements will help tell your story in a more compelling way. Video, animations, and other features can take a standard presentation to the next level. Here are some tools.
3. Prezi
Prezi is a go-to alternative for those who want a visually appealing, non-linear approach to slides. Elegant transitions move seamlessly, masking the idea that attendees are looking at slides.
4. Powtoon
Powtoon creates short, punchy animated videos that grab attention. You can use images, motion, music, and more — all with a drag-and-drop interface designed for beginners.
5. Animoto
Animoto allows you to build short videos, with templates and a drag-and-drop interface that is friendly to non-techies. It comes with an archive of images and video, and almost all aspects of your creation are configurable. If you want to add video, Animoto is a solid option.

6. Canva
Canva is a design, photo, and graphics program. It has a “presentation” format that allows you to create graphics to show off your data. Once ready, you can show your presentation right from Canva. Templates, stock images, and other tools allow for polished and professional slides.
7. VideoScribe
Whiteboard videos are clean, simple, and visually compelling. VideoScribe allows you to create your own, without any technical fluency.
8. ZohoShow
ZohoShow is a collaboration tool that allows you to import a PowerPoint deck and embed new features like animated transitions, images, video, and more. It also features publishing options that allow you to share your presentation on a blog or social channels.
9. SlideDog
SlideDog allows users to take slides from PowerPoint, Prezi, PDFs, and other documents to create one seamless multimedia experience. It also has audience engagement features that allow for real-time polls and feedback.
Wearable and Throwable Technologies
10. myo gesture control armband.
Presentations are more than just slides. How you deploy your presentation is also an area that can benefit from technology. For example, wearable technology like this armband can replace slide clickers, allowing you to use your own movement to transition through your slides.
11. Catchbox
Another example is this throwable microphone that makes passing the mic a lot more fun. The small green, padded cube can be thrown about, allowing you to literally toss control of the room to your audience.
@1outside_voice
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- Presentation technology
There’s some great presentation technology out there – tools to help you save time, money and resources, things that make life easier, or maybe just something that adds a touch or sparkle to tired slides. Our experts have gone ahead of you and reviewed some of the best solutions out there on the market today.
We’ve gotten to grips with everything from the cutting-edge to the everyday, technology from household names, and small start-ups that you probably haven’t heard of yet. And we’ve noted down all our findings and our recommendations so that you can find the best technology to suit your needs.

- PowerPoint design
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- Google Slides
- Presentation skills
- Sales presentations
- Sales messaging
- Effective eLearning
- Visual communication
- Industry insights
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There’s an astounding number of PowerPoint alternatives out there. Luckily for you, BrightCarbon is here to separate the decent presentation programs from the rubbish PowerPoint knock-offs.

How to record high quality video from home
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Changes to VBA Macro Security in Microsoft 365
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You can do some really cool things in Microsoft Office with just a few lines of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) - from creating your own custom formula in Excel to correcting branded content in PowerPoint to merging address data for a mail campaign in Word. And sometimes you need to share that VBA solution with colleagues and clients, via the Internet. A change that Microsoft rolled out at the end of March 2022 tweaks the process required by Windows users to gain access to this active content.

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Google Slides: The ULTIMATE guide
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Power-user is a PowerPoint add on that provides lots of little features every regular PowerPoint user has had day dreams about. I’m going to take you through a few of the features that I’ve found most helpful, and some that will be more helpful to those who haven’t been able to devote as much time to getting well versed in PowerPoint. Let's begin!

Free color contrast checker for PowerPoint
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PowerPoint Mac Quick Access Toolbar
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One of the things we recommend PowerPoint users do is create a quick acccess toolbar. It's a easy way to get to some of the hidden functionality in PowerPoint. But when do you find the time to create one? What tools should you add to it? Here at BrightCarbon we've created a PowerPoint toolbar to help.

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5 Technologies That Lead The Future of the Presentation World and How To Use Them (With impressive videos)
Technological developments are changing the direction of the presentation world while internal and external corporate presentations increase their importance as an effective communication medium for companies.
Although methods such as storytelling, which are indispensable for traditional presentation, are very effective for sticking in the minds of the audience, the statistics show that these methods are also under the influence of digital transformation, and only 16.7% of the presentations include storytelling or a case study. Therefore, the technologies used play a decisive and important role in defining a successful presentation.
However, you need to be careful when including a technology in your presentation because the number and the usage area of the technologies that lead the future of the presentation world have increased considerably. To come out with a successful presentation, you should choose the right technology that will make an impact, taking into account your budget, content and audience, and use it correctly.
So, what should you pay attention to in order to choose the right technology and apply it in the best way? The first step is to get to know the alternatives. Making choices without knowing the options may mislead you. So let’s see what are the technologies you can use for your presentation and how you can use them.
What is Hologram?
Hologram is a technology that creates three-dimensional images using light. Both the process itself and the final visual are called hologram. The hologram of an object or human can be made. The hologram offers extremely realistic and impressive visuals, especially when compared to two-dimensional images such as photography.
How to use Hologram in presentation?
Hologram technology enables you to show your product or design in 360 degrees on a vertical surface or a horizontal surface such as a stage, and visualise your presentation on the stage instead of the screen. Using this technology, which we don’t see very often in presentations, you have a high chance of creating a strong impact on the audience.
For the time being, the holographic representation of previously designed 3D objects is pretty common. In addition, the studies on the real-time hologram of objects located in a different location continue. Although the real-time hologram is technically feasible, more detailed work is needed to make it more impressive.
Augmented Reality (AR)
What is ar.
Have you ever heard of the game, Pokémon Go? In this game people were hunting Pokémon with the help of their smartphones wherever they are. This technology, which allows Pokémon to be seen, is called augmented reality (AR).
AR is a technology that brings digital objects to your physical space through technology. AR technology, which is currently available via tablets or phones, will soon be introduced through wearable devices and even contact lenses.
How to use AR in presentation?
Augmented reality enables active participation of your audience in presentations and 3D visualisation to make a difference. At a designated point, you can incorporate objects that cannot be realistically in physical space into your presentation experience, either through viewers’ phones or tablets and AR technology you provide. In this way, you will be able to explain your words more clearly and you will have an unforgettable presentation.
Virtual Reality (VR)
What is vr.
In its simplest definition, virtual reality is a computer-animated environment. It is used with a digital eyeglass that completely covers your eyes. Sometimes it comes with additional apparatus that allows detecting the movements of the ground and other controls. It provides highly realistic visual and auditory environments in which we interact. Senses such as smell and touch can accompany.
How to use VR in presentation?
Today, people do not want to be exposed to information overload, but to experience whatever the subject is. With VR technology, you can let the participants experience your products in a realistic way and invite them to an exciting interaction. Addressing to many senses, VR brings an impressive movement to your presentations by promising an unforgettable experience of your products and services.
Interactive Presentation Technologies
What is interactivity.
Today, different technologies allow interactive applications in which the audience plays an active role. Applications such as immersive experiences and interactive games are among the most common examples of interactivity. In addition, the use of touch screen or gesture to manage the presentation of the presenter is also common.
How to use interactive presentation technologies?
The interactivity that enables the audience to participate is used in ways that give them an authentic experience rather than transferring. One of the most important features of interactive presentations is that it provides an active role for the audience, not passive. In this respect, interactive presentations appear as a multi-dimensional environment beyond visuality.
Technically speaking, when you want to make an interactive presentation, you can use tech products such as touch screens, Leap Motion, RadarTOUCH and Myo Armband to manage the presentation without traditional remote controls. These products will give you independence on the stage and partially deliver the presentation flow to the audience and strengthen the experience.
Realtime Data Visualisation
What is realtime data visualisation.
While data is changing rapidly today, one of the most powerful ways to concretise the impact of this change is realtime data visualization. These visual expressions are generally informative and encouraging. They help to deepen meaning by adding a new dimension to the presentation when words are inadequate.
How to use realtime data visualization in presentation?
Realtime data visualization can be used as data flow transferred to presentation screen; and it can also be transformed into a more interactive model via a screen placed in the presentation space.
Final words
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that there is nothing left outside the scope of technology. As technology evolves, studies and opportunities in different fields change direction. Presentation technologies have joined this trend. Augmented reality, virtual reality and hologram technology that make visual richness possible make the presentation an impressive and memorable experience for the audience. This is exactly what the modern-time’s audience expects: experience, not exposure.
Presentations powered by technology help you keep the audience’s attention on you with unusual approaches and go beyond physical boundaries and make a difference on stage with rich content.
Author : Ozgun Ozpinar
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Beyond PowerPoint: Presentation Tools for Small Businesses
The prevalence of PowerPoint has made company presentations all too routine. It can be hard to get and hold your audience’s attention with mundane slides full of bullet points. It may be an effective tool in some scenarios, but there are tons of other presentation solutions out there that can help you engage with your audience and communicate key ideas.
While traditional tools such as PowerPoint, Google Slides and Keynote can all be used to create presentations, you can break the conventional method – basic points on simple slides – by including images, creating movement, and limiting each slide or section to only a couple key points.
If you’re looking to shake things up and connect with your audience in a fun and engaging way, it may be time to try one of these solutions.
Visme is a cloud-based presentation tool that allows you to create highly visual presentations to engage viewers and communicate your ideas. It features an intuitive, drag-and-drop design method for creating presentations. The business version also prioritizes brand consistency and company-wide image storage. When you or your employees create a presentation, it will feature colors, logos and images that are on brand for your organization. This promotes consistency across presentations among your employees. Visme also offers a built-in analytics system, so you can see who has viewed your presentation and who finished it.
Visme offers multiple plans ranging from $20 per user per month to $60 per three users per month. It’s also possible to get a free live demo to see how the technology works before you try it out.
2. Haiku Deck
Haiku Deck is a platform that prioritizes simplicity. Business owners can create elegant, basic presentations with high-quality images. The spartan approach allows for connecting with audiences instead of losing them in information overload due to text-heavy slides. What separates Haiku Deck from traditional presentation tools is its library of images and array of fonts. It makes it easy to craft simple, powerful presentations that are accessible on any device.
Haiku Deck offers three plans, ranging from $7.99 to $29.99 per month.
3. Pitcherific
Pitcherific is not only a presentation solution, but also a platform for building and practicing your presentation. It’s a template-based program that guides you through the presentation creation process. Instead of drafting a few slides, Pitcherific prompts you to write out the areas of each part of your speech. The outline for an elevator pitch, for example, includes a hook, problem, solution and closing. There are various templates for different kinds of pitches and presentations, so you’ll have guidance on many kinds of speeches and presentations. Pitcherific also recommends a character count for each section and a timeclock, allowing you to track how long your speech or presentation is and stay within a desired range.
Pitcherific’s pricing depends largely on your business and its needs, so you’ll have to reach out to its sales team to get a direct quote. Pitcherific does offer a free trial in case you’re curious to see how the platform works.
Canva is an online platform that provides templates for a wide range of business-related publications, like resumes, newsletters, business cards, media kits, brochures and infographics. You can also use it to construct presentations. There are hundreds of design layouts and templates to start with, and you can upload your own images or choose from more than 1 million of Canva’s stock images. As you build your presentation, you can adjust text and fonts, add filters to images, and drag and drop different elements for design. You can also upload and save your company logo.
Canva offers a free version equipped with all its features. If you’re a startup or very small business owner, this is a good option. For larger businesses, Canva for Work offers team management features for $12.95 per month (or $9.95 per month when you pay annually). You can try this version free for 30 days.
5. SlideCamp
SlideCamp provide slide templates for creating company presentations. You can adjust color schemes, add company logos, import charts and data, build infographics, and organize presentations into sections with SlideCamp. This is a great solution for maintaining presentation consistency across multiple presentations from your organization. After you set up branding details, employees will be able to work with predesigned slides to easily craft professional presentations. It’s geared for larger businesses, so if you’re a startup or one-person company, this may not be an ideal solution for you.
There are a few plans available, which range from $49 to $499 per month depending on the number of users who will access SlideCamp. There is a demo version as well, so you can try out the service to see if it’s right for your business.
6. Microsoft Events
While PowerPoint may be a tired way to handle a business presentation at times, Microsoft has other tools that can introduce a new level of practicality to the standard presentation. It recently introduced the ability to create live and on-demand events in Microsoft 365. These events can be viewed in real time or on demand by remote co-workers or even workers who were present in the meeting but want to reference what was said. It combines HD video with machine learning to create a speaker timeline, speech-to-text transcriptions and time coding, and closed captioning.
Live events are part of the Office 365 subscription plans. If you’re already a subscriber, you can use this tool for no additional cost.
Powtoon is an animated presentation and video platform for creating short informational videos and presentations about your brand or product. Explainer videos are an important part of a brand’s message, and Powtoon is an affordable tool for creating animated videos and presentations to educate consumers and clients about your business. You can easily edit presentations and videos, add voiceover, and build a professional experience for your customers.
Powtoon offers a free version, but there are more robust offerings at $19 and $59 per month.
8. VideoScribe
VideoScribe is a whiteboard video presentation platform that allows small businesses to customize their presentations to fit their needs. These videos, which feature a whiteboard and hand that “draws” different objects and slides in the presentation, are ideal for quick explainers and marketing videos on your business or product. You can easily place objects, insert text, and even draw your own objects or text with VideoScribe’s platform.
VideoScribe is available for either $29 per user per month or, if paid annually, $12 per user per month. If you want to extend VideoScribe to a larger team, you’ll have to pay $110 to $130 per user, depending on the number of users. You can also make a one-time payment of $665 for a single user.
Prezi is another template-based presentation solution that you can use to create persuasive and engaging presentations with unique movement between “slides” and key points. Prezi maps out your whole presentation on an overall track that you decide. When you switch slides, it doesn’t simply advance to the next one; it takes the viewer through the track to the point that needs to be made. This allows your audience to visualize the progression of your presentation. You can arrange content under different sections and create an overview so your audience can see your entire presentation plan. This method keeps the presenation organized and your audience engaged. You can also navigate freely through your presentation – your track is not locked in and you can adjust when you address which points as you’re presenting.
Prezi is either $50 or $59 per user per month, depending on the number of users.

Presentation Technologies 101

Both projectors and flat-panel displays (monitors, LED displays, TVs) are strong choices for specific types of classroom configurations, each providing benefits that can only be considered when the primary use of the room is well-defined.
Cost vs. Image Size
Above 70 inches, projectors offer a better value of product cost for image size. That means, in auditoriums, large classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, etc. a projector is more often the preferred technology. In smaller classrooms, conference rooms, group study spaces and in specialty environments, the cost of a flat panel is low enough and the quality is high enough that they become the best option. When calculating the total cost of ownership of a projector (TCO= product, accessories, maintenance over the lifecycle of the product), which will include screens, filters and lamps, we find that projectors are still less costly than 70″+ monitors. Simply put, when comparing cost and screen size, projectors typically win–at larger sizes.
However, the calculation isn’t always that easy. Richard Derbyshire, Consultant Relationship Manager at Christie Digital, reminds us that “when viewing distance increases, so does the cost of image size for both projection and flat-panel displays.” Additionally, there are more pieces to a display puzzle than just the size. While the general cost per size is lower for a projected image, the quality of the contrast, resolution and color acuity is also lower. There are some fundamentals that must be considered prior to a display purchase: audience size, lighting conditions, and image fidelity.
Audience and Room Size
Let’s not reinvent the wheel here. InfoComm, the trade association for the audiovisual industry, provides a standard to its members called “Display Image Size for 2D Content in Audiovisual Systems.” This standard was developed to help “determine required display image size and relative viewing positions according to two defined viewing needs: basic decision making and analytical decision making. Image height, image resolution, and the size of image content are all prescriptive elements when determining required image size. The standard also addresses closest and farthest viewing distances, as well as relative horizontal and vertical viewer locations.
It provides formulas to design and display content when encountering limitations in an environment.” To support the use of this ANSI standard and to help all users receive the best AV experience possible, InfoComm also provides a calculator, which can be downloaded at their website.
Lighting Conditions
Also called “ambient light,” the light that is already present in the room affects the quality of a projected image more than that of a direct-view image on a monitor. In high ambient light conditions (a brightly lit room), Derbyshire suggests considering three fixes for a low contrast/ low quality projected image: “a specialized screen like an ambient light rejection screen; a high-end, high-lumen output projector; or a flat-panel.” In these lighting conditions, flat-panels offer greater color, greater contrast and better overall image quality.
Image Fidelity
For specialized situations like when viewing medical/ health sciences, simulation and other critical content, Derbyshire reinforces to his clients that “the image must look exactly like what is seen through the MRI, microscope or other tool. Image quality can be the difference between the right medical diagnosis and the wrong one.” In these learning environments, flat-panels generally offer higher quality color and image acuity than projection displays.
What About 4K?
Derbyshire thinks you’d be hard-pressed to find any flat-panel today that isn’t 4K compatible. He notes, “Whereas, until recently (and now only in a very small number of models), projectors were not 4K. The projector side is lagging flat-panels in resolution.” The primary product in classrooms projectors offers only HD resolution, and the question still rings: if there is no 4K content, does it matter? Is 4K compatibility really a win for flat-panels in the education space? Derbyshire is hesitant to commit, saying, “I don’t envy the technology managers’ need to make a decision on this point. There may not be much content now but with the advent of new technology seemingly coming more quickly, what do you standardize on that gives you the repeatability you need but also gives you longevity to remain relevant until your next upgrade is scheduled?”
Collaboration and Interactivity-BYOD In, Interactive Displays Out
With the trend toward collaborative and active learning environments still gaining traction, many display manufacturers are working to ensure users get what they need. Interactive whiteboards, a staple in many K-12 schools, are not as useful in higher education. Scott Tiner, Assistant Director for Client Services at Bates College, has “never been in a meeting where multiple people are standing at a whiteboard at the same time. Rather, there may be a single person writing down what others are saying.
For that purpose, you don’t need a board in the front of the room. I believe that personal devices, especially those with annotation capability will be the future of [higher education] collaboration.” Derbyshire agrees, adding that in the higher education world, “there is a migration toward collaboration and image sharing through mobile student devices.”
From an educator’s view, Tiner points out that “most major computer manufacturers have started developing touch enabled devices, especially as Microsoft puts out operating systems designed around touch.” Tiner adds, “We have several faculty at my college who bring a Surface into the classroom, connect to the projector and open OneNote. When they are done, they save the file and send it on to the students.” In other words, students and faculty in higher education learn and collaborate more commonly in BYO (Bring Your Own) spaces. However, the challenge is in supporting different devices and their operating systems which may have varying connectivity requirements or protocols.
Many display (both flat-panels and projector) manufacturers offer onboard software to help users connect to the hardware in a form of collaboration. Sometimes this software requires the users to download a specific app to their personal devices, which many are reluctant to do. In some cases the software may not be compatible with an operating system or the software may need an update in order to work reliably.
Even When You Thought Of Everything
There are benefits to both flat-panel and projection displays. The bottom line is that a decision must be based on the primary use of the space, room size, environmental lighting, and specialized content requirements. Cost, while important, can only be one piece of the puzzle. It will not, alone, allow you to create a visually engaging and useful technology-rich learning experience.
I was visiting a campus a few weeks ago, touring an “almost, not quite done” building renovation. The technology integrators were bringing in new large LED displays to hang in some of the flex-rooms. The display boxes would not fit in the elevator, and the freight elevator was down at the time. That time perhaps: Projector for the win?
Using Communication Technologies to Create Diverse, Inclusive, and Engaging Learning
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IMAGES
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COMMENTS
Presentation technology refers to a wide range of applications that enable instructors to display information during a lecture.
Presentation technology provides information to your audience, connects them, and keeps them engaged. · One of the first pieces of technology used for
Presentation technology are tools used to assist in conveying information during a presentation. When a speaker is verbally addressing an audience it is
Improving Your Slides · 3. Prezi · 4. Powtoon · 5. Animoto · 6. Canva · 7. VideoScribe · 8. ZohoShow · 9. SlideDog.
There's some great presentation technology out there – tools to help you save time, money and resources, things that make life easier, or maybe just
Microsoft PowerPoint is older than 30 now. In addition, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are increasing their prevalence. By 2020, the VR and AR
Presentation technologies have joined this trend. Augmented reality, virtual reality and hologram technology that make visual richness possible make the
Visme is a cloud-based presentation tool that allows you to create highly visual presentations to engage viewers and communicate your ideas.
Presentation technology helps a person communicate and display information to his or her audience. Software is often used to compile
Until recently, the cost of large flat-panels for classroom use was prohibitive, making projectors the preferred presentation technology for most colleges