Page 309 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 08 11/20/02 12:51 PM Page 298
298 The Creative Training Idea Book
computer. If you have poor handwriting or cannot draw, this allows you to use a vari-
ety of creative software to generate flip chart pages with fancy borders, fonts, or clip art
and then print poster sized sheets that you can mount and hang (see The Big Book of
Flip Charts in the Resources for Trainers in the appendices for ideas on hanging and
storing your flip charts). Newer models also allow the use of paper that is heat resistant
and can be laminated, if desired. Plus, various colors of ink are available, including
metallic and fluorescent. You can also get paper that is bright yellow and has print
images, as well as letters in black ink and vinyl-backed adhesive paper. These can be
used for more permanent displays. For example, you may want to make quotes or im-
portant information stand out while adding color to your room. Check the Resources
for Trainers in the appendices and the Internet for more information.

PROJECTING A POSITIVE IMAGE

Delivering information to larger groups or to those in rooms that are longer than 30 feet
from where you are presenting requires visual aids other than flip charts. Projected
visuals can satisfy this requirement. Overhead projectors, computer-generated slide
shows, or videos on large screens can make your message visible from further away. The
key in using these tools is to plan well and to position your screen correctly so that it
can be seen. Also, practice using the actual equipment you will have during your session
before participants arrive so that you are thoroughly familiar with it.

Opaque Projectors

Many technological improvements have been made in this old classroom standby since
the 1950s; however, the same value comes through. You can project images from actual
items, pictures, books, art, or any printed source. Your participants will see the same
thing on a screen that you are seeing on the image under the projector base.
Some of these projectors are now designed to substitute as an overhead projector by
making a minor adjustment; thus you get two pieces of equipment for the price of one.

Overhead Projectors
Overhead projectors are a versatile staple tool for many trainers all over the world. They
are simple to use, relatively inexpensive, and durable. They are also easily adapted to
project a variety of images. According to HOPE Reports, published by an organization
that covers all aspects of the media-AV communications industry, “The first overhead
1
projector used a 3 ⁄4” × 4” slide on a flat stage . . . Victorlight designed the VisualCast, a
large classroom overhead projector (known as the ‘monster’) first used by the U.S. Army.
1
In 1945–46 a New York dealer asked the Charles Beseler Co., which made 3 ⁄4” × 4” over-
head projectors, to design one with a round 8” diameter stage. That became known as
the Vu-Graph.” 34