Sub ICT Presentation Software Overview (s5 ict topics)

TOPIC OVERVIEW: PRESENTATION

Theme: Publications 

Introduction

This topic introduces learners to computer-based presentations, focusing on the use of presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint. Learners will develop skills to create, design, format, and deliver a structured presentation for academic, business, or public communication purposes.

The topic helps learners understand how to use text, images, charts, audio, and transitions effectively in slides. It also emphasizes planning, content organization, and visual design principles to ensure a presentation is both clear and engaging.

By the end of this topic, learners will be able to create and deliver basic computer-based slide presentations using presentation software.

Expanded Learning Activities

1. Discuss the meaning and use of presentation software
Learners understand that presentation software is used to create slide shows that display information in a structured, visual format. Common uses include classroom lessons, business meetings, and project reports.

2. Identify examples of presentation software
Examples include:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

  • Google Slides

  • LibreOffice Impress
    Learners compare features and usability across tools.

3. Explain how presentations are used in different settings
Presentations are widely used in:

  • Education (teaching and revision)

  • Business (product pitches, reports)

  • Government and NGOs (training and awareness)

  • Church and community events (announcements, teaching)

4. Identify components of a presentation window
Learners explore interface elements such as:

  • Slide pane

  • Notes section

  • Title bar

  • Ribbon toolbar

  • Slide sorter view

5. Explore inbuilt presentation templates
Learners practice using PowerPoint’s ready-made themes and layouts for faster slide creation while maintaining a professional look.

6. Type and format text on slides
This activity covers:

  • Adding titles, bullet points, and subheadings

  • Formatting font size, color, style, and alignment

7. Insert and arrange objects
Learners insert:

  • Shapes

  • Images

  • Clip art

  • Charts and tables
    And practice arranging, resizing, and layering them properly on slides.

8. Apply transitions and animations
Learners apply visual effects between slides (transitions) and on elements within slides (animations) — while being guided not to overuse them.

9. Prepare a slide show with at least 5 slides
Learners design a presentation from scratch or from a given topic, ensuring:

  • Logical flow

  • Correct formatting

  • Visual balance

10. Apply slide design principles
Focus is placed on:

  • Consistency in layout

  • Readable text sizes

  • Balanced use of visuals

  • Avoiding over-cluttered slides

11. Save and retrieve presentations
Learners practice saving their work in various formats:

  • .pptx (editable)

  • .pdf (shareable)

  • Cloud (Google Drive, OneDrive)

12. View and present slide shows
Learners use the Slide Show mode to rehearse and deliver their presentations using a projector or screen.

What Learners Must Know Before the Exam: Presentation

To succeed in both theory and practical exams, learners must be able to:

1. Define Presentation Software

  • Explain that it is a program used to create slide shows and visual content for communicating information.

2. Identify Examples of Presentation Software

  • Be able to name software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and LibreOffice Impress.

3. Describe the Uses of Presentations

  • Know where and how presentations are used — including in schools, offices, and events.

  • Be able to give at least 3 examples of real-life uses.

4. Identify and Label the Presentation Window Components

  • Learners should recognize:

    • Slide Pane

    • Notes Pane

    • Title Bar

    • Ribbon

    • Views (Normal, Slide Sorter, Slide Show)

5. Use Inbuilt Templates and Layouts

  • Understand how to choose and apply a design theme or layout in software like PowerPoint.

6. Enter and Format Text

  • Learners must demonstrate how to:

    • Add a title and bullet points

    • Change font type, color, size, and alignment

7. Insert and Manipulate Objects

  • Be able to insert:

    • Images and clipart

    • Shapes and lines

    • Charts or tables

  • Practice arranging them correctly on a slide

8. Apply Transitions and Animations

  • Know the difference between transitions and animations

  • Apply them wisely for professional effects

9. Apply Design Principles

  • Avoid putting too much text on one slide

  • Keep font sizes readable (minimum 24pt for body text)

  • Maintain consistent slide backgrounds and colors

10. Create a Simple Slide Show

  • Prepare a minimum of 5 well-designed slides with:

    • Title

    • Content (text/images)

    • Transitions and simple animations

    • Proper layout and formatting

11. Save and Retrieve Presentations

  • Know how to:

    • Save files in .pptx and .pdf formats

    • Retrieve and edit existing presentations

12. Present Slides Professionally

  • Be able to enter Slide Show mode

  • Navigate slides using arrow keys or mouse

  • Present with clarity and flow

 

 Practical Usage Tips (Microsoft PowerPoint)                  

What is a Presentation?

A presentation is a way of sharing ideas or information in a visual and structured format using slides.

A slide is a digital “page” that displays text, images, or other content. A presentation is made up of a sequence of these slides.

Common Presentation Software Tools:

Software Platform
Microsoft PowerPoint Desktop (Windows/macOS)
Google Slides Web-based (Online)
LibreOffice Impress Open-source desktop
WPS Presentation Mobile & Desktop

2. Components of the Presentation Window (PowerPoint)

When you open presentation software, you will see:

Component Description
Title Bar Shows the name of your file
Ribbon Contains all tools (Home, Insert, Design, etc.)
Slide Pane The working area where you design each slide
Slide Thumbnails Mini slide previews on the left
Notes Section Lets you type private notes for each slide
View Tools Controls how slides are viewed (Normal, Slide Sorter, Slide Show)

3. Basic Slide Content Creation

Typing and Formatting Text

You can add titles, bullet points, and subheadings using:

  • Font Size

  • Font Color

  • Bold / Italic / Underline

  • Text alignment (left, center, right)

Example:
Slide 1 Title: “Causes of Climate Change”
Bullet Points:

  • Deforestation

  • Greenhouse gases

  • Industrial emissions

Adding New Slides

Click on “New Slide” in the Ribbon. You can select different layouts like:

  • Title Slide

  • Title and Content

  • Two Content

  • Blank

4. Inserting Slide Objects

Presentation slides can include:

Object Type Example
Image Insert → Pictures → Select from file
Shape Insert → Shapes → Choose (rectangle, arrow, etc.)
Chart Insert → Chart → Pie, Bar, Line
Table Insert → Table → Define rows & columns
SmartArt Insert → SmartArt → Diagrams or flowcharts

Example:
Use a chart to show population growth over 5 years, or use a shape to highlight a key point.

5. Slide Design Principles

What makes a good slide?

  • Use large, readable fonts (min. size 24pt for body text)

  • Stick to one main idea per slide

  • Keep backgrounds simple and clean

  • Use contrasting colors (light text on dark background or vice versa)

  • Don’t clutter — leave space

Poor Design Example:

Small font, too many words, busy background, 3 different font types.

Good Design Example:

Bold title, 2–3 bullet points, one image, consistent font and colors.

6. Understanding Transitions and Animations

Definition: Transition

A transition is the visual effect that occurs between slides during a slideshow.

Examples of Transitions:

  • Fade

  • Push

  • Wipe

  • Split

How to apply:
Go to the Transitions tab → Select a slide → Choose a transition effect.

Definition: Animation

An animation is a visual effect applied to objects inside a slide, such as text, images, or charts. It controls how and when items appear, move, or disappear.

Examples of Animations:

  • Appear

  • Fly In

  • Zoom

  • Bounce

How to apply:
Select an object → Click on the Animations tab → Choose an effect → Set Start (On Click, With Previous, After Previous)

Practical Tip:

Use transitions and animations sparingly. Avoid too many flashy effects — they distract your audience.

7. Saving and Retrieving Presentations

Action Description
Save File File → Save As → Choose folder and name, e.g. MyPresentation.pptx
Retrieve File File → Open → Browse for saved file
Export as PDF File → Export or Save As PDF for printing or sharing
Cloud Storage Save to Google Drive, OneDrive, or Flash Disk

Tip: Always use clear file names like BusinessPitch2025.pptx

8. Presenting Your Slide Show

To present:

  1. Go to Slide Show tab

  2. Click From Beginning

  3. Navigate using mouse or arrow keys

If using a projector or large screen:

  • Ensure screen is visible to audience

  • Stand beside the screen

  • Speak clearly and slowly

  • Use notes section (if needed) for reminders

What Learners Must Know for the Exam

In Theory:

  • Define: presentation, slide, presentation software

  • Identify parts of the interface

  • List uses of presentations

  • Explain how to insert text, images, shapes

  • Describe transition vs. animation

  • State design principles for slides

  • Compare types of presentation software

  • Give examples of where presentations are used (e.g. school, church, office)

In Practical:

  • Open presentation software

  • Create a presentation (at least 5 slides)

  • Insert a title, bullet points, and an image

  • Apply a transition to at least one slide

  • Apply an animation to one text box or image

  • Format text (font size, color, alignment)

  • Save and present using Slide Show

Common Terminologies Quick Review

Term Definition
Slide A single page in a presentation
Slide Show A sequence of slides shown to an audience
Transition A visual effect between slides
Animation A movement or effect applied to objects within a slide
Ribbon Toolbar with all commands in tabs (Insert, Design, Animations, etc.)
SmartArt Built-in diagrams used to represent ideas visually
Slide Layout Pre-designed structure for placing content
Notes Pane Section for speaker notes — not visible to audience
Slide Sorter View mode that shows all slides in thumbnail for easy rearranging