VCOM Institutional Policy and Procedure Manual

VCOM Policy and Procedure

Policy #F006

2.3 Font PowerPoint presentations may not utilize more than 2 fonts per slide. Avoid serif fonts as they are sometimes more difficult to read; instead select a sans-serif font such as Ariel or Helvetica. A minimum of a 18-point font is required for the body of the slide so students may visualize the slide from any seat. Font colors must be in shades that are easily readable and allow for ease of printing (do not use white font on dark backgrounds). WordArt (i.e. 3-D font) must be limited to slide titles and headings. 2.4 Text Avoid excessive verbiage leading to unreasonably lengthy text. Too much text makes it difficult for the audience to see and process the information. Slides are a poor medium for detail and reading. Instead of inserting too much text on one slide, use more slides (within length requirements), list only the key points, and add the details verbally. All lectures are recorded on VCOM TV so students do have the ability to revisit the material. Abbreviations are commonly used in medicine and are used in presentations to limit text on the slide; however, faculty should include the full translation on a slide at the end of the presentation or in the notes section of the slide where the abbreviation is first used. 2.5 Bullets When using bullets, it is recommended that the presenter limit the bullets to no more than 6 per slide. Since bullets are used to abbreviate information, each bullet should include no more than 6 – 7 words and each bullet should include only one thought. Do not include more than 2 levels of bullets per slide. 2.6 Color and Contrast The overall design of the PowerPoint presentation should remain consistent throughout the entire presentation and should not distract from the content presented; therefore, simple backgrounds are recommended. There should be a dramatic contrast between the text and the background in order to make the presentation legible. For these reasons and because students often print the PowerPoints, VCOM requires a light background with dark text. 2.7 Images Images that are included in a PowerPoint presentation should serve to enhance the content that is being presented. Images selected must be of good quality and appropriate to the content. If a faculty member includes a video within the PowerPoint, it should not exceed 60 seconds and the faculty member must test the video in the classroom prior to the lecture to be sure it will function properly. If a faculty member includes links to other websites within the PowerPoint, the faculty member ensure that the links are current and in working order.

VCOM Policy on Presentation of Instructional Materials

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