Presentation+of+Information

 ** Definition ** ** presentation ** |ˌpr ē ˌzenˈt ā sh ə n; ˌprez ə n-; ˌpr ē z ə n-| // noun // the manner or style in which something is given, offered, or displayed ** information ** |ˌinf ə rˈm ā sh ə n| //noun// what is conveyed or represented by a particular arrangement or sequence of things //: genetically transmitted information.// Computing data as processed, stored, or transmitted by a computer.

//(From the Online New Oxford American Dictionary)//

What is presentation of information? ** Information is viewed and presented in many ways for learners. According to Alessi and Trollip (2001) there are many techniques and conventions that should be considered when designing professional presentations or software. Consistency is a main technique that should be considered. This is to guarantee that the idea and information to be presented is clearly communicated to the viewer or user. Conventions support the user in the process of learning and interacting. Alessi and Trollip (2001, pg.61) have suggested the following six conventions:
 * 

· Put control options, such as mouse buttons, on the bottom of the display. · Use a consistent prompt for responses, such as “Type your answer here.” · Start a new display for a change in topic and label it accordingly. · Make it clear when a learner keypress can //add //  to a display (e.g., “Click on NEXT for more”), in contrast to //erasing //  a display and beginning a new one (“Click on NEXT to continue”). · Use consistent keypresses or buttons for frequent actions, such as the ENTER key to move forward. Many programs cause confusion and errors by switching between buttons and to move forward. · Use consistent margin and paragraph conventions.

Is “how information is presented to the learner”(Alessi and Trollip, 2001, pg.62). Modes of presentation are elements used to get the viewers attention and to fill the space on a screen effectively. According to Alessi and Trollip (2001) the following are the five most common modes (elements) that should be used appropriately to grab a learner’s attention. Eggleston (2009) has also stated that the over use of the following elements should be avoided this is to assure that the idea behind the topic or lesson is covered. //(Information Retrieved from: Alessi & Trollip, 2001; Greenzweig, 2006)//  According to research the information presented in a piece of software design should contain elements and conventions that will assure motivation to learn and to fulfill the learners interest of a lesson, hold their attention, and assist in retaining and recalling the information presented. Asthana, has stated that "multimedia combines five basic types of media into the learning environment: text, video, sound, graphics, and animation, thus providing a powerful new tool for education". According to Sommers (2008), software designs should contain conventions that allow users the choice to manipulate the material and understand the information presented.
 * Modes of Presentation **
 * **Modes (Elements) ** || **Recommendations ** || **Avoid ** ||
 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Text ** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">lean, clear, well formatted, and at an appropriate reading level, enclose in a box || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">squeezing text into half of the display, all uppercase, single-spaced format, crowded to the left of display, words split across lines ||
 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Graphics ** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">choose images that serve a purpose, use only if needed, as cues, as organizers, as the primary information, as analogies or mnemonics || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">over use that will distract presentation content, unclear images, overly complex, excessive detail and realism ||
 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Color ** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">keep consistent, coordinate colors, maintain contrast between foreground and background, use same color family,use to add emphasis || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">sparingly use, single background color ||
 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Sound ** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">use for some content, to gain attention, to give directions, to support non-readers, poor readers, young children, visually impaired, and second language learners, provide quality audio || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">using in one or two places ||
 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Video ** || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">use to combine visual and auditory information, components, appropriate length, present instructional information, allow user control || <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">improper use of dual messages, reading text that is almost the same as what is being spoken ||
 * Why is it important to consider?

"Key Steps to an Effective Presentation"** Mr. Eggleston is an acknowledged expert and author who has dedicated and contributed his knowledge for more than 35 years to various areas of education. The following is a list of "key steps" he has recommended to consider when designing a presentation. // Please visit the following link to further read Eggleston (2009) recommendations <span style="font-family: Baskerville,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16.17px; font-style: normal; line-height: 24px;">[|The Key Steps to an Effective Presentation] //
 * 1) Know Your Subject Matter
 * 2) Know Your Audience
 * 3) Know Yourself (and your limits)
 * 4) Develop a Theme
 * 5) Prepare Your Script
 * 6) Select the Proper Visual Aids
 * 7) Prepare a Story Board
 * 8) Produce the Visuals
 * 9) Rehearse-Rehearse-Rehearse

// ** Resources and Links ** There are many software applications that may be used to design presentations. The following are some slideshows that outline key points to consider when developing effective presentations for viewers or users.

media type="custom" key="5891423"media type="custom" key="5891413" The following article provides some valuable information in how educators can use multimedia elements to promote student learning.

[|The Elements of Multimedia in Education]

**References Alessi, S. & Trollip, R. (2001). Multimedia for Learning. Needham Heights:Allyn & Bacon. Eggleston, S. (2009). The key steps to an effective presentation. T.S. Eggleston. Retrieved April 14, 2010 from http://www.the-eggman.com/writings/keystep1.html Greenzweig, T. (2006). Aesthetic Experience and the importance of visual composition in information design. Orange Journal. Retrieved April 14, 2010 from http://orange.eserver.org/issues/1-1/orange_comp_intro.html Sommers, S. (2008). Computer-based training:Understanding the elements of good instructional design. EMS Education. Retrieved April 14, 2010 from ** //http://publicsafety.com/article/article.jsp?id=2051&siteSection=16

Eva Arreola earreola714@gmail.com Last Updated: April 24, 2010