#DevLearn Session Notes: Using PowerPoint to Animate

Using PowerPoint for Animation (Paul Clothier)

#DevSit down away from computer, with paper or whiteboard, and visualize and draw out what you want to do. A la Dan Roam…need to do this in my group. When we get a project, visualize and brainstorm some ideas.

• Graceful in form or movement
• Simple, effective
• Compliment Your Content – Make sure it matches what you’re trying to teach.
• PPT ’03: Use multiple slides instead of multiple animations on one slide.
• PPT ’07: Use the selection pane.
• If someone can look at your elearning and says, “oh, that’s powerpoint,” you’ve failed.
• PPT ’07 has smart art – we need to upgrade at my office.
• Check Clothier’s site for more info.
• Nice samples of using PPT instead of flash for really nice, dynamic intros, transitions, animations.
• PowerPoint Heaven

Wrap up. Creating elearning animations in power point, make sure they’re concise, simple, effective. They need a purpose. Don’t animate just to animate. Get imaginative – get away from the computer before you start developing. Brainstorm away from computer. PUSH THE ENVELOPE – USE YOUR IMAGINATION.