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[zuzu_]

OK, I am new to WebCT this fall and despite virtually no training I've managed to get a brand new online course up and running. I think.

One problem: When I put a PowerPoint file into the content module, it just seems awkward. When the students open it, it doesn't start the slide show, it just opens the file in PowerPoint. Not to mention the fact that it's Office 07 and no one's gonna have that.

I am not that tech savvy, but is there a way to convert this PowerPoint file into another more user-friendly slide show within WebCT?

(And yes, I looked at that PowerPoint post a few threads down, and I have no idea WTF that is)

[doublemocha]

Zuzu,

I don't know anything about WebCT, but you have a few PowerPoint options.

1. Save the slideshow as a presentation (filename.pps) and link to that. Students with PPT installed will then see the file as a slideshow and not as the original slides. Students who do not have PowerPoint installed can download a free Viewer from the Microsoft website: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/CD102070641033.aspx.

2. Save the slideshow as a web page. This option can be a bit clunky, depending on the browser used and monitor settings, but it's quick and easy.

3. Use a capture program (Camtasia Studio or Adobe Captivate) to "record" the slideshow, then convert it to another format such as Flash. Camtasia can be downloaded for a 30-day free trial (http://www.techsmith.com), as can Adobe Captivate (http://www.adobe.com/products/captivate/).

I thought I had a fourth option, but I can't remember it right now. If I think of it, I'll post again.

Hope this helps!

[redrock]

Since students often have older software there are 2 general things you can do--for text documents--save them as rich text format (rtf) files and most computers will be able to open them.  If you don't want to risk students being able to 'edit' documents you post, and for powerpoint or other pictures, you can save them as pdf files.  There's a free basic program I like called cute pdf writer.  They have a website where you can download the free writer and converter software.  Once it's loaded all you have to do is open your ppt/document and hit the "print" choice under the "file" drop down list.  When your print screen opens you can drop down from your printer choice, there will be a new choice of cute writer, pick this and it will "print"/save as a pdf file (no it won't print out to your printer).  I'm not that skilled with this stuff so I hope this is clear.  There are instructions on the site.  good luck!  I still find I've got to practice using webct every semester and I tend to forget things easily that may improve it the next time around.

[zharkov]

You can save your Office 07 PowerPoint as an Office 2003 file to enable more students to see it.

Many or most schools have requirements about which software students and faculty are expected to use.  For example, my school currently requires Office 2003, but will require Office 2007 this coming year.

[drsyn]

Print the presentation as a PDF file.  It will open more quickly for the students.  I save all files as PDF, even word files.  Saves the students a lot of time and headaches.

If you don't have the software, do a web search on free pdf convertors.  There are several that work reasonably well.  Bookmark the page.

[zharkov]

Print the presentation as a PDF file.  It will open more quickly for the students.  I save all files as PDF, even word files.  Saves the students a lot of time and headaches.

If you don't have the software, do a web search on free pdf convertors.  There are several that work reasonably well.  Bookmark the page.

Office 2007 enables printing (saving) to a pdf file as one of its features.  (You may have to install the free MS add-in, depending on the version you have.)

I have also found that pdf files take up much less space that the PowerPoint file they came from, esp. in Office 2003.

[wanna_writemore]

I post my PowerPoints as pdf files.  At my U, we're encouraged to do so since some editions of Microsoft Office don't always have PowerPoint.  As someone mentioned, it's easy to do and opens and prints quickly.  I set mine to print with 4 slides per page to save students paper. 

[ngriffin]

For presentations that do not need animations, sounds, effects, or interactivity, printing to PDF is a good way to go.  Using the print options, you can adjust the number of pages per screen and even add notes lines.  If you have a lot of graphics in your presentations, converting to PDF will significantly cut down on file size.

My preference for free PDF programs is PDF Creator (http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfcreator).  It has more options that CutePDF, if you want to restrict printing or copy/paste, and seems more stable than PrinoPDF.  Since it is open-source, it can be given away to students or your dept., or school can use it without any licensing issues.  In the most recent versions, they do try to get you to install a toolbar, and I recommend declining it.

If you need more interactivity, an alternative to Camtasia and Captivate is Impatica (http://www.impatica.com).  It renders the presentation, including multimedia and effects, as a Java applet.  Since WebCT uses Java anyway, your students are good to go.  I have had good luck even with students who use dialup.

[cs_prof]

If you are using animated slides with narrations, pdf would not help much.
This document contains some suggestions, including using WebCT: http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ppt/ImpaticaforPowerPoint_3_3_3.pdf

Using the Impatica Program (Version 3.3.3)
Impatica takes your completed presentation and “translates” it into a version that can be
delivered on the Web. If you need to make changes to the Web delivered presentation,
you will go back and edit the original PowerPoint presentation and then have Impatica
translate it again.

[zuzu_]

Wow, you all are way more tech savvy than me.

Our teeney school did just purchase Camtasia--I will have to go speak with our DL guy about that.