PowerPoint doesn't have to be boring anymore, says Microsoft's new launch of an online private review program that will benefit educators and presenters alike, with interactive tools and add-ons.
The announcement and launch of the new PowerPoint is part of Microsoft's continuing effort to roll out new Office products that advance the suite.
The new add-on feature allows users to share featured in the presentation software. Microsoft is targeting a myriad number of businesses, and hopes professionals like teachers are to benefit from the new technology in the classroom.
"Office Mix adds functionality to PowerPoint 2013 that allows you to record audio or video of yourself presenting, write on your slides as you speak to them, insert quizzes, polls, online videos, and more," said Microsoft in a blog post announcing the program.
There is an additional tab on each of the Office Mix slides that will allow users to record a presentation or a lesson, control over where your pointer moves on the screen during the lesson 'screencasting', and evaluation tools like tests and quizzes. An analytical component is additionally provided to show for example how long did the student spend on each slide.
The new PowerPoint add-on requires Office 2013 and can blend screen capture, pen input and video to create instructional presentations. It also allows for easier embedding of online videos from sharing sites that allows people to have interactive elements.
The larger roll out comes after a testing period and comments from users helped the Seattle-based company understand and create a product that would appeal and cater to those using PowerPoint.
"We've been amazed at how our early pilot testers are using Office Mix. Some have used it to record entire lectures for absent students. Others record so that students can re-watch important lessons to study or review. Some have used Office Mix in blended learning, a new trend where the lecture takes place in non-traditional places, for instance at home, and class time may be used for more individualized instruction," says Microsoft in a blog post describing the new product.
"This is just the beginning, and we are excited to see what other creative uses you will dream up and what more you may want in the product."
