Hyperlinked PowerPoint Breaking the linier thinking model Mike Fredstrom

Table of Contents Why should I learn how to create hyperlinked slides? Planning Setting up PowerPoint Hyperlinking options Adding audio Design hints

Why should I learn how to hyperlink slides? Traditional PowerPoint shows are an exercise in linier thinking. We create a series of slides that are viewed one after the other in sequence. This is fine, but is limiting. By creating hyperlinked slides and breaking the linier structure of PowerPoint, we create a web like collection of information that can be linked and accessed in a variety of ways. This is really a beginning exercise in web design. Hyperlinked slides also challenge us to think about how our information is connected and how others will need to navigate through our information. Planning and troubleshooting is an integral part of this process. Table of Contents

Planning Before you begin you will need to plan. What is your topic? Who is your audience? What graphics will best reinforce your message? Plan your presentation using Post-it Notes or 3”x4” cards. Each card represents one slide. Decide how you will link the cards being sure that the viewer will be able to continue to navigate and not end up in a dead end situation. You may want to include a table of contents or glossary. Think about what the connections are between your information and try to predict what questions might arise then design slides with information to answer those questions. example

Planning the structure There is no one best way to plan the structure of your presentation. You can draw concept maps or use note and cards. The important thing to remember is not only the information but how it is connected. Each slide is represented by a card or Post-it note and the navigation connections are drawn in. If you have the computer program Inspiration, you can design the presentation using the tools included in the program. Either way the important issue is planning both content and connections. Planning Table of Contents

Setting up PowerPoint In order to create a hyperlinked presentation, there are a couple to steps to take to turn off the automatic advance feature of PowerPoint. In Tools > Options, View tab, uncheck “Popup menu on right mouse click” and uncheck “Show popup menu button” In Slide Show, Advance slide uncheck “on mouse click”, click “Apply to All Slides” Use “Esc” to end a show Table of Contents

Hyperlinking options There are several options for linking from one slide to another You can hyperlink text. Highlight the text and right click. Select “hyperlink” then “A place in this document”. Next select the slide you wish or link to. Use Action Buttons. You will find them in AutoShapes in the Draw menu. There are several standard buttons of which “back” is the most useful but the “custom” button will allow you to specify you own linking action. All buttons can be resized and formatted for color. The third option is to hyperlink graphics. Also you can link to an outside website Go to examples Table of Contents

Hyperlinking Examples Here are three examples of hyperlinking. All three are linked to the same slide in these examples. Be creative how you use them but also be sure your viewer will easily be able to understand how to navagite In many ecosystems wolves are at the top of the food chain and are important to the health and long term survival of many organisms Wolves Table of Contents Hyperlink Options

Wolves Wolf “grrrr” Wolf howl From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolves The Gray Wolf (Canis lupus; other forms: Timber Wolf, Wolf; British English: Grey Wolf) is a mammal of the Canidae family. The wolf shares a common ancestry with the domestic dog (Canis familiaris), and, according to most experts, is likely the progenitor of all dogs as they exist today (in which case, the domestic dog would more accurately be classified as Canis lupus familiaris). Gray wolves were once abundant and distributed over much of North America, Eurasia, and the Middle East. Today, for a variety of human-related reasons including widespread habitat destruction and excessive hunting, wolves inhabit only a very limited portion of their former range. Gray wolves, being keystone predators, are integral components of the ecosystems to which they typically belong. The wide range of habitats in which wolves can thrive reflects their adaptability as a species, and includes temperate forests, mountains, tundra, taiga, and grasslands. In the contiguous U.S., with the exception of Minnesota and Wisconsin (where they have a threatened status), they are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. They continue to be hunted in many areas of the world as perceived threats to livestock and human well-being, as well as for sport. From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolves Wolf “grrrr” Wolf howl

Adding Audio Narration Example Adding audio can greatly enhance a presentation but it can also distract your viewer from your message if it is not connected to your topic. In general avoid sound effects for transitions and animations. A better option is to add attention focusing music or your own narration. Almost all computers today have a microphone input on the sound card on the back of the computer. With an inexpensive microphone you can easily add your own narration. Narration Example Table of Contents

Basic Design Hints When designing your PowerPoint presentation, remember that your message comes first and the technology is only there to help you communicate in a clearer more powerful manner. Too often PowerPoint shows become an exercise in flashy effects, transitions and sound effects. Keep your design simple. Colorful WordArt, neon backgrounds, constantly changing formats and colors can be a real distraction. All design should focus on making it easier for your viewer to understand your important ideas. Look at good design in other PowerPoint shows but also be aware of powerful design in the world around you. What first grabs your attention then focuses you on the intended message of the designer? Be creative and communicate in an interesting manner.