Using Multimedia

When Should I...

  • Use images in a presentation?
  • Use audio/music/narration in a presentation?
  • Use video in a presentation?

What kinds of multimedia can I use in PowerPoint?

  • Text
  • Images
  • Video clips
  • Audio clips (music, narration, etc.)
  • Hyperlinks to websites

Where can I find media to include in my PowerPoint?

  • First, not all media types can be used in PowerPoint - here is a list of PowerPoint friendly media types
  • Public Domain/Copyright Free Resources
  • unitedstreaming for segmented video clips searchable by content area, grade level, topic, and even curriculum standard (see Mark for subscription information)
  • Altavista and Google allow users to search for specific media types (i.e. images, audio, etc.)
  • A handout describing many others means and sources

How do I...

  • Insert an image into a PowerPoint presentation?
    handout | video demonstration
  • Insert music into a PowerPoint presentation?
    handout | video demonstration
  • Insert a video clip into a PowerPoint presentation?
    handout | video demonstration
  • Insert sound file into a PowerPoint presentation?
    handout | video demonstration
  • Record my own narration into a PowerPoint presentation?
    handout | video demonstration

Issues to Consider

  • File storage - media files (other than pictures) must be saved in the same location as the PowerPoint to work appropriately
  • File size - video clips of long duration or large screen size can take up a great deal of memory
  • Copyright and Fair Use must be considered carefully in utilizing media in PowerPoint - particularly if you wish to post them on the web
  • Posting PowerPoints with video clips online requires extra steps - an explanation
  • When is it too much?