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There are so many places to go, so many things to see. I realize this sounds a bit like a Dr. Seuss, but it is just so true when it comes to the wealth of available resources on the net to help you author your own multimedia presentations. I’ve compiled only 3 – (trying to stay focussed here!) as well as linked to several excellent sources for Creative Commons Images. You can also search this blog for ‘digital storytelling’, ‘images’, ‘creative commons’ for more…

Let’s start with an image search… we’ll need some images if we want to create a presentation!

It’s always best to take your own photos. I find it makes the presentation more personal and meaningful but… there are some amazing creative commons and public domain images out there you can ‘borrow’ (under various terms… look for ‘with attribution’ or ‘no attribution’).

Creative Commons Image Search  http://search.creativecommons.org/

I also like PixaBay – this site is hosted by shutterstock (they sell images and will show you some terrific ones you can purchase but also have many images and no attribution needed – though they do appreciate a link back!)  http://pixabay.com/en/

Another source is NASA or NOAA (or many other governmental agencies) or you can try http://www.public-domain-image.com/

Check out what I did using a PowToons template and about 15 minutes of my spare time…

Haiku Deck is another favourite and can always be counted on for high impact visuals, clean lines and reduced text

http://www.haikudeck.com/

Prezi provides the opportunity to take your viewers on a journey (or allow them to follow their own path through your presentation).

or Try ‘SlideRoll’ – a free site that let’s you play without signing up!

http://www.slideroll.com/free-slideshow-creator.php

Have you tried ’30 hands? You can upload presentations and even create your own course online. Using their app, you can create simple slideshows with voice over, transitions, text, images and drawing.

http://30hands.30hands.net/members/yvonned/presentations/11447-testing-presentation/details

Consider the following when creating presentations:

• Ensure you Book and test the presentation equipment in advance.
• Use visual aids if they serve a clear and important purpose. Visuals should aid quick comprehension and support the main points.
• Put titles on visuals to reinforce message.
• Use short quotes vs. long extracts
• bulleted lists are easy to read (by your audience) and tables reinforce a story.
  
• Use the visuals to enhance your presentation, not as a substitute for a verbal presentation. You are the storyteller.
  
• Do not read directly from your slides… the slides reinforce the message – ideally in key terms, phrases and images to reinforce.
  
• Talk to your audience and not to the screen.
• Use a remote where possible… this allows you to use the classroom as your stage vs. standing at the front of the room tied to the computer.
  
• Use ‘presenter mode’ with some notes you can reference if needed.
  
• Coordinate the audio and the visual (if applicable). NB: using audio can enhance aspects of your presentation as can short video clips.
  
• Design your visuals with clarity and simplicity in mind. Choose an easy to read font (times new roman, ariel, helvetica are good choice) and watch the animations and transitions for too much distraction.