Technology continues to radically change how we create and consume information. Today, news, reports, and other material are often delivered quickly through pictures, colors, or other eye-catching visual elements. Words still matter, but they may be tweeted, viewed on a smartphone, or placed in a call-out box in a report. The design of these items…

PowerPoint presentations, Excel documents, Web pages, and videos posted on federal websites must meet the requirements of the 1998 amendment to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Doing so ensures that these materials are accessible to a wide range of people with disabilities, including visual, auditory, sensory, and motor impairments. These…

Describes library uses of presentation graphics software and offers tips for creating electronic presentations. Tips include: audience retention; visual aid options; software package options; presentation planning; presentation showing; and use of text, colors, and graphics. Sidebars note common presentation errors and popular presentation…

This compilation of guidelines for using and producing various forms of media begins with hints for bulletin boards and other displays, including principles of layout, elements of design, and use of color. Advantages and disadvantages of using overhead transparencies are then outlined. Recommended uses of transparencies are listed, and tips for…

Even though affordable technology makes it possible for teachers to make professional looking computer presentations, overheads, and handouts, they need to understand basic design principles to create effective visuals. This article discusses when visuals should be used and principles of design: layout; organization; and use of space, color, and…