Instructions for Working with PowerPoint Files in Omeka

Best Ways to Display a PowerPoint File in Omeka

Since Omeka is optimized for web-based content, the best approach is to convert your PowerPoint into a web-friendly format that ensures optimal viewing across devices. Below are methods you can use to display your PowerPoint presentation.

Option 1: Convert the PowerPoint to a PDF

Why: PDFs are accessible and easy to view across different platforms. This method works well for presentations without complex animations or transitions.

How:

1. Open the PowerPoint presentation.
2. Go to File > Save As, and select PDF from the list of file types.
3. Save the PDF to your computer.
4. In Omeka, create a new item or edit an existing one.
5. Upload the PDF in the Files section and publish it.
6. Omeka will allow users to view the PDF directly or download it.

Option 2: Save the PowerPoint as an MP4 Video (No Narration)

Why: Saving the PowerPoint as a video is a great way to preserve animations and transitions while making it viewable directly in Omeka. The MP4 format is widely supported and works on various devices.

How:

1. Open your PowerPoint presentation.
2. Go to File > Export and select Create a Video.
3. Choose the video quality (1080p is recommended for high quality).
4. Set the time to spend on each slide if there is no narration or animations.
5. Click Create Video and save the file as an MP4.
6. In Omeka, upload the MP4 file in the Files section.
7. Users will be able to view the video directly within Omeka.

Option 3: Present PowerPoint with Audio and Video of the Presenter Using PowerPoint and Zoom

Why: This option allows you to deliver a more engaging presentation with both the slides and the presenter’s video and audio. You can record the presentation with audio and video using Zoom and then make the file available for download or upload it as a video in Omeka.

How to Record a Presentation with Audio and Video in Zoom:

1. Open your PowerPoint and Zoom applications.
2. In Zoom, start a New Meeting and ensure your camera and microphone are working.
3. Share your screen in Zoom by clicking Share Screen and selecting your PowerPoint presentation.
4. Deliver your presentation while recording in Zoom. Make sure to narrate each slide.
5. When finished, stop the Zoom recording.
6. Zoom will automatically save the recording as an MP4 file.
7. In Omeka, upload the MP4 file to your exhibit or item page under the Files section.

How to Record the Presentation Directly in PowerPoint with Audio and Video:

1. Open your PowerPoint presentation.
2. Go to Slide Show and select Record Slide Show.
3. Record both audio (your narration) and video (if you want to show your webcam) for each slide.
4. After recording, go to File > Export and select Create a Video.
5. Save the file as an MP4.
6. In Omeka, upload the MP4 file in the Files section for users to view the video presentation.

Recommendation:

For the best user experience, converting your PowerPoint into an MP4 video or a PDF works well for static presentations. If you need to include narration or video of the presenter, recording the presentation via Zoom or PowerPoint itself is the best approach for creating engaging, dynamic content.