Overhead projectors beat whiteboards hands down, in my view, when it comes to clarity and displaying key information. And you never need turn your back to the class again.
School supplies catalogues list water-based and permanent pens in a range of thicknesses and colours; photocopiable transparencies in a range of colours, as well as normal transparencies; and replacement bulbs for the various models. Learning how to replace the bulb model pays dividends.
Only copy on to photocopiable transparencies - others jam the machine. Eradicate errors made with permanent pens by writing over the text with a water-based pen, then wipe with a dry tissue. Computer-generated transparencies with coloured text and artwork are especially clear.
To print colour on to an overhead transparency, use only those made specially for printer use. Insert the transparency so it prints on its rough side. If you have the program Microsoft Word, go to “File”, then “Print”. Go to “Properties”. On “Paper”,“Media Choice” will probably say “Standard”, scroll down on the arrow to the right of this until you reach “Transparency”. If this is not visible, keep scrolling. Click “OK” on “Transparency”. Under “Options”, tab on “Properties”, scroll down to “Presentation Mode” and click “OK”. Print your page and wait 10 minutes for the ink to dry.
Don’t fit too much text on transparencies. Less is better. Font size should ideally be 28 points or larger. Storing transparencies in plastic pockets in a well-indexed ring binder is far quicker than having to produce new ones next year.
Tony Elston is head of modern languages at Urmston grammar school, Manchester
