Tag Archives: PowerPoint learning

Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials is Perfect for Students

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Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: EssentialsAre you looking for a Microsoft PowerPoint teaching tool that will engage your students, utilize real-to-life simulations and extend the learning curve far beyond the basic textbook pages? It sounds like Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials will be right up your alley.

Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials

One of the most exciting things about Microsoft PowerPoint is that students can begin applying what they learn immediately. It’s the go-to resource for class projects and presentations so the skills they learn now will benefit them in their other classes as well as when they enter the work world. The new Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials textbook, paired with the principles of our Labyrinth Instructional Design, increases retention of course materials and allows students to move at their own pace.

The textbook is available in traditional print format as well as an enhanced eBook. The eBook includes all of the information contained in the textbook as well as additional features, like direct links to interactive content and embedded videos. Additional features in the new Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials textbook include:

  • Lessons that are set up to accommodate both instructor-led or self-paced learning.
  • A real-world focus so students can see the relevancy of the lessons and begin applying them immediately in their own school and/or work environments.
  • Critical thinking exercises that expand on Microsoft PowerPoint applications to provide usable skills like collaboration, public speaking and effective writing techniques.

Contact Labyrinth Learning to learn more about the Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Essentials materials and our course management software.

Enjoy Teaching With the FastCourse Microsoft PowerPoint

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Microsoft PowerPoint is a tool that is not only commonly used when giving presentations in the classroom, but also out in the business world, which means it’s incredibly beneficial to learn the program. Trying to learn it on your own can be a difficult task, especially since PowerPoint has countless features that can be used. This is why the FastCourse Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Level 1 textbook is so helpful.

FastCourse Microsoft PowerPoint 2013: Level 1 textbook
Source: Wikimedia Commons

The level one version of this FastCourse Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 textbook is perfect for introducing students to the PowerPoint software. It allows new computer users who want to get a decent grasp of PowerPoint to learn beginner-level PowerPoint skills. There are a number of topics covered in-depth within the textbook, including:

  • An introduction of the software’s Ribbon interface
  • How to use document themes
  • How to create bulleted lists
  • How to create outlines
  • How to format text
  • How to print presentations
  • How to create transitions
  • How to use clip art and graphics
  • How to do slide show delivery
  • How to use charts

The textbook teaches these topics through 4 lessons that uses a step-by-step and skill-based approach so that students can learn the program as quickly and easily as possible. Once the student becomes well versed in these beginner topics, they can move on to level 2 for learn about PowerPoint’s more advanced features.

Find out more about the FastCourse Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 textbook, as well as our other software guide textbooks, by contacting us at Labyrinth Learning today.

Important Tips Every PowerPoint User Should Know

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PowerPoint is a potent tool for use in presentations. However, a combination of skill and experience on the part of the presenter can help make a good presentation into an outstanding one.

Important Tips Every PowerPoint User Should KnowHere are important PowerPoint tips for users:

  • Being legible is the single most important consideration for PowerPoint slides. Users need to choose readable fonts, while also making sure that the backgrounds don’t engulf the text. For example, users should never choose to a light-colored text with white backgrounds.
  • Based on the same reasoning, users should reduce the number of graphics included in their presentation. The right graphic at the right time and right place can lend a nice bit of impact to a slide, but a number of them on the same page can end up creating distracting clutter. In short, cut the graphic unless it is on point.
  • Bullet points might not be the best method to organize information being presented on the slides because it can cram too much information on single slides. Instead, give each bullet point its own slide so that the audience has time to read and absorb each one of them.
  • Make sure that the PowerPoint presentation can be shown no matter the computer that is being used to show it. For example, use common fonts in case the computer does not have the same selection installed as the one used to create the presentation.
  • Use the stopwatch feature while practicing to see the time spent on each part.

For more PowerPoint tips and eLearning tips, please contact us at Labyrinth Learning.

Image Source: freedigitalphotos (Ambro)

What Makes an Effective PowerPoint Presentation?

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Learning to use PowerPoint is the first step to creating an effective presentation. However, if you succumb to common pitfalls, or don’t maximize its potential, you may find your presentations fall flat.

Here are tips to make your PowerPoint presentations as effective as possible.

Source: Labyrinth Learning
Source: Labyrinth Learning
  1. Avoid common pitfalls: Sometimes, the information in the presentation is great, but the slides are lacking because the presenter succumbs to common pitfalls such as:
    • Illegible fonts: It’s exciting to see all the different font styles available. It’s not as exciting if you choose fonts that are difficult to read, or vary them so often they become overwhelming. Choose one or two legible fonts, and stick with them.
    • Crazy colors. Just as differing fonts can confuse the eye, so can clashing colors, or too many colors. Make sure the colors you select increase legibility.
    • Cramming. Don’t cram information on your slides. Slides should highlight key points. You are better off making more slides, so each one has digestible portions of information.
  2. Know your audience. You don’t want to present to the lowest common denominator, but you don’t want to teach above the audience’s ability either. Keep your information aimed at the mid-level.
  3. Graphics and animations. Use graphics and animation features to enhance your slides, but be careful not to overdo it.
  4. Make them interactive. There are multiple features that allow your PowerPoint presentations to be interactive, and more effectively engage audience members.

Learning to use PowerPoint, or taking a refresher course, can bring your office staff up-to-date. Contact Labyrinth Learning for PowerPoint instructional materials.

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How to Create an Effective Powerpoint Presentation

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Source: via pcmag.com

PowerPoint is the go-to program for presentations both in academia and in the professional arena. Creating an effective PowerPoint presentation is key when it comes to making an impression on student peers and colleagues. Don’t forget to teach your computer students these useful tips when learning to use PowerPoint. They will create a more effective presentation, which can help them boost their grade or make that next big sale.

One slide per point. Most audience members read the slides quicker than you can speak about the points. Therefore, a slide with multiple points means the audience is waiting for you to catch up. By presenting one thing at a time, the audience and presenter remain on the same page, or slide, which makes for a more engaging presentation.

Keep it short. Each slide is there to highlight key points, statistics, and/or a graphic. If you write paragraphs, it defeats the point. Think of it like a book; your voice is the narration and the slides are the illustrations.

Attractive Formatting. Don’t get too carried away with PowerPoint bells and whistles, it can make your presentation difficult to follow. Keep things spaced nicely, use easy-to-read fonts, and try to use light backgrounds with dark text. Centered text is hard to read so only center titles. Avoid cluttered slides. It’s a sign you are over-formatting or including too much information on one slide.

Labyrinth Learning has PowerPoint textbooks and software that make learning to use PowerPoint easy for students or corporate trainees. Contact us today to find out more!

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The Importance of Learning PowerPoint

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PowerPointWhen is the last time you attended a meeting or presentation that didn’t include some form of a PowerPoint presentation? Microsoft PowerPoint is the go-to source for business professionals, students, and professors who want the audience to benefit from an engaged presentation.

  • Students – Ideally, students would learn Microsoft PowerPoint by the time they reached high school. In addition to creating impressive class presentations and reports, they will also have a skill they can take with them into the workplace. With the proper PowerPoint skills they can create compelling presentations that will help prepare them for life after school.
  • Professors – There is nothing worse than speaking to a sea of glazed eyes. Today’s PowerPoint features ensure teachers and professors can create lectures that will keep students visually stimulated and engaged. PowerPoint can also be used to conduct learning assessments.
  • Professionals – Microsoft PowerPoint is used at all levels of business. From hiring and training sessions, to upper-management and shareholder meetings, high-quality, visual presentations are a wonderful way to get your message across to all audiences. In fact, many companies choose to pay for their employees to learn Microsoft PowerPoint in order to increase sales and customer/client confidence.

Labyrinth Learning can help your organization gain the skills they need to get ahead with training software, learning materials and training courses to help you get ahead. Call our professionals today to learn more about how our PowerPoint learning materials can help you.

 

Image: office.microsoft.com
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Suggestions for Perfecting Your Corporate Training Approach

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As a computer teacher or adult education instructor, you may find yourself working as a corporate trainer. Professionals seeking to stay on top in today’s corporate world can benefit from regularly refreshing their technology skills. Your job is to provide the knowledge and practical know-how to take their computer skills to the next level.

corporate trainingIn order to be a corporate trainer, it can help to get into the mindset of your professional students and to get them fired up about their Microsoft learning opportunity. Here are some suggestions straight from Marianna Swallow.

Define Your Lesson. In the corporate world, a trainer needs to clearly define his/her message. Rather than stating, “This semester, I’ll teach you about Windows 8,” keep your message specific, “This semester you are going to learn how to ____,  ____,  and ______ using Windows 8.” This will help to keep your students focused and on task.

Provide Hands-on Examples. A corporate trainer might have the students create an Excel spreadsheet using company data, or embed their logo and other relevant images into a PowerPoint presentation. These actions help to reinforce the trainer’s message. As an instructor, you can use innovative textbooks and software that provide your students with real time examples of the concepts you are teaching in class. They will be able to take those back to their workplace and implement them immediately and successfully.

Labyrinth Learning is the ultimate resource for instructors who work in the corporate arena.

 

Image: shutterstock.com

 

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8 New Ways to Integrate Technology Education Into the Classroom

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teacher presenting in classroomToday’s high school students graduate with a whole new level of computer literacy and technological know-how. This is because teachers are using technology in the classroom more than ever. In order to continue this trend, and help adult students catch up, college and adult educators should implement “technology education” in their classrooms as well. Here’s how:

  1. Lectures. Convert your lessons into PowerPoint. In addition to visual appeal, lectures can be uploaded to your blog/website for students who missed class.
  2. Presentations. There is a host of free technology designed specifically for presentations. From PowerPoint to online options, students can collaborate on presentations without ever meeting in person.
  3. Video/Voice Chat. Take advantage of Skype or other video/chat options to communicate with students and encourage students to use it with one another outside of class.
  4. Games. Even in the world of adult education there are days when students need a break from the norm. Use Jeopardy or another fun app that’s group friendly to shift the energy.
  5. Website. It’s easier than ever to make your own website, which is a helpful way to localize class info, syllabi, informational resources, etc.
  6. Inverted Classroom. You can use a webcam to record your lessons and upload them to your website. Have students watch the videos before they come to class, maximizing classroom time for practice.
  7. eBooks. Scrap traditional textbooks and look for eBook and web-based learning platforms which imbed technology education into their process.
  8. Online Assessments. Research assessment tool options to enhance your hands-on learning approach and simplify assessments, grading, and gradebook management.