Creative use of overhead projectors

Creative use of overhead projectors refers to ways of using transparencies to enhance presentations by means of low-tech and high-tech methods. It assumes basic knowledge on how to use overhead projectors (OHP) and the optional use of computers.

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Purpose

· To introduce more flexibility and creativity into how you prepare and present your OHP transparencies.

· To maximize the use of OHP, often through the use of inexpensive materials

Materials

· photocopier (remember to use the photograph feature and paste blur on some of the newer models)

· OHP screen

· transparencies (A4)

· colored transparencies, e.g., "Canson-Print On" (A4)

· scissors

· ruler

· glue

· old or recycled magazines, newspapers or pictures

Little techus (low-tech method)

· Cut out words, phrases or pictures from newspaper, magazines, or any recycled materials. Glue them together so that they construct a message or story.

· Try using photographs from books - they often look far more impressive when blown up on the OHP. Photocopy pictures directly onto transparency film by arranging them straight onto the copier so as not to lose quality.

Caution When photocopying... · do not use transparencies that are not suitable for photocopying. The photocopier's drum is very hot and it will melt the transparencies. Suitable transparencies will clearly be marked "SUITABLE FOR PHOTOCOPIERS".

Hints · Photocopy the montage to test clearness of some pictures. If there are no more changes, photocopy onto a transparency. · You might want to ask for an assistant who had been briefed on the proper handling of transparencies and on turning the overhead projector on and off. · Always try and locate a spare bulb before your presentation. It's really frustrating having a whole activity lined up with your participants and then having a non-functional projector. · For a more professional look, frame your transparency using an OHP pen and a ruler. · For additional aural spice, arrange for music to be played during the presentation.

· Let participants bring in one family photograph then photocopy onto transparency film to provide insights into the backgrounds of your participants.

· Allow participants to prepare mini poster ideas, mind maps or project proposals. Maps on transparencies look particularly interesting.

· Present comic stories without speech bubbles - get the audience construct their own meanings. This can be used to represent progression, such as stages of an activity.

· For non-photocopied materials: you can use plastic film as a substitute for more costly transparencies. Framing it can prevent crinkling. In addition to OHP pens, you use colored cellophane strips cut with a sharp knife and attached to your image area with transparent adhesive tape.

Bigus techus (high tech alternatives)

· Use the computers in your institution. Most computers now have Microsoft Windows. A package called PowerPoint enables you to design and produce your own transparency presentation. Use a color ink jet printer to print directly onto special color Overhead Transparency Film. This is readily available in bookstores (See materials listing for manufacturers details). It is expensive but worth it for the impact of the colored pictures on the OHP.

· Cut and paste photographs from a multi-media package like Encarta Encyclopedia into PowerPoint. You will find color pictures on thousands of subjects. Other packages such as the illustrations in Corel Draw might be useful.

· PageMaker - a very simple layout program - can be used to professionalize your illustrations, just paste up on white paper and photocopy onto transparencies.

Examples · During a video workshop hosted by Bukidnon State College in Northern Mindanao, Philippines, in its new Media Resource Centre, comic strips were pasted down onto white paper, the speech was removed from the bubbles and participants had to create their own dialogue by writing in the bubble with an OHP pen. In this way, they created their own narratives, to prepare them for presenting storyboards. Comics look wonderful on the OHP screen. · During a Philippine National Volunteer sharing in Cotabato, Mindanao, the faculty members of Notre Dame University were asked to examine meanings and issues of authorship, i.e., who made photographs and why. The photographs were presented on the OHP.

Curious facts about the OHP

1. Many educators still have problems turning the switch on.
2. They can be used as light boxes for looking at slides.
3. They do not like being moved while switched on.
4. Lizards seek warmth and sleep inside the light box

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