Managing Content in Presenting and Training
Posted a new video on Managing Content in Presenting and Training. The principles are applicable to a number of media types (videos, slides, documents even); however, the focus is on slides that work within the capacity limitations of working memory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBzztmvWrIM
Left Brain/Right Brain – Fact or Fiction?
Here are a couple of links to the transcripts of podcasts that relate to the left brain/right brain discussion. These are from the ABC Science unit.
Left Brain Right Brain: Fact of Fiction?
Michael Gazzaniga: Split Brains and other heady tales
The Perils of PowerPoint
And here is a link to a podcast with John Sweller in which he talks about the perils of PowerPoint.
On designing slides that work for the brain, you will find important principles – with a solid scientific research base – in the following two books:
Better PowerPoint by Stephen Kosslyn (from Amazon or www.ebooks.com)
Clear and to the Point by Stephen Kosslyn (from Amazon or www.ebooks.com)
Tips on Designing and Presenting Slides
Here is a sample of applying design principles to slides that address cognitive load:
Quicktime format (Right-click to choose to download the file. If you are using Windows you can download Quicktime for Windows for free from http://support.apple.com/kb/DL837 )
HTML format Use this to display immediately. It will behave just like the slides: use your mouse or arrow keys to advance the slides.
Good Design
If you have to design slides that not only work for the brain but also look good, it is worth obtaining the following books:
Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds
Presentation Zen Design by Garr Reynolds
See Garr’s books at Amazon or www.ebooks.com
(You might have to work on convincing your marketing department that heavily branded presentations can interfere with learning.)