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    Task Cards

    Each card teaches one skill. Follow the steps in PowerPoint, then use the self-check to make sure it worked.

    Pictures & Graphics

    Insert a SmartArt graphic

    MOS exam skill MOS objective 4.3.1

    Goal: Turn a plain list into a diagram that shows how ideas connect.

    The steps are different in PowerPoint for the web.

    Where to click

    InsertIllustrationsSmartArt

    Steps

    1. Go to the slide where you want the diagram.
    2. Click the Insert tab, then click SmartArt.
    3. Pick a category on the left, such as Process or Cycle.
    4. Click a layout you like, then click OK.
    5. Click each [Text] box in the diagram and type your own words.

    Check yourself

    Click the diagram once. Two new tabs, SmartArt Design and Format, should appear at the top.

    Watch out

    Typing all the text into one shape instead of one idea per shape. Use the text pane (the small arrow on the left edge of the diagram) to add lines.

    Add alt text to a picture

    MOS exam skill MOS objective 3.2.4

    Goal: Describe a picture in words so people using a screen reader understand your slide.

    Where to click

    Picture FormatAccessibilityAlt Text

    Steps

    1. Click the picture one time to select it.
    2. Click the Picture Format tab that appears at the top.
    3. Click Alt Text. A panel opens on the right side.
    4. Type one or two short sentences that describe the picture.
    5. Close the panel. The alt text is saved automatically.

    Check yourself

    Right-click the picture and choose View Alt Text. Your description should be in the box.

    Watch out

    Writing just "picture" or "image". Describe what is in the picture, for example: "Three students working together at a laptop."

    Transitions & Animations

    Apply a transition to every slide

    MOS exam skill MOS objective 5.1.1

    Goal: Make every slide change with the same smooth motion when you present.

    Where to click

    TransitionsTransition to This SlideApply To All

    Steps

    1. Click any slide in the panel on the left.
    2. Click the Transitions tab at the top.
    3. Click a transition you like, such as Fade or Push.
    4. Look at the right side of the ribbon and click Apply To All.
    5. Press F5 to watch your slideshow and see the transitions.

    Check yourself

    Look at the slide panel on the left. Every slide should show a small star symbol next to its number.

    Watch out

    Choosing a transition but forgetting Apply To All — then only one slide has the transition. The checker and the exam both look at every slide.

    Printing & Presenting

    Print handouts for your audience

    Class skill (not on the MOS exam)

    Goal: Print several slides on one page so your audience can take notes.

    The steps are different in PowerPoint for the web.

    Where to click

    FilePrintFull Page SlidesHandouts

    Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+P

    Steps

    1. Click the File tab, then click Print. (Or press Ctrl+P.)
    2. Find the button that says Full Page Slides and click it.
    3. Under Handouts, choose 3 Slides. This layout adds lines for notes.
    4. Check the preview on the right side of the screen.
    5. Click Print, or press Esc to leave without printing.

    Check yourself

    The preview shows three small slides down the left side of the page with writing lines next to each one.

    Watch out

    Printing full-page slides by accident and using a whole sheet of paper for every slide. Always check the preview before you click Print.

    Package your presentation for another computer

    Class skill (not on the MOS exam)

    Goal: Save your presentation with its fonts, videos, and linked files so it works on any computer.

    This works on Windows only.

    Where to click

    FileExportPackage Presentation for CD

    Steps

    1. Save your presentation first (Ctrl+S).
    2. Click the File tab, then click Export.
    3. Click Package Presentation for CD, then Package for CD.
    4. Type a name for the package.
    5. Click Copy to Folder, choose where to save it, and click OK.

    Check yourself

    Open the folder you created. It should contain your presentation plus extra files and folders — those are the fonts and media that travel with it.

    Watch out

    Emailing only the .pptx file. If the other computer is missing your fonts or the video file, the presentation breaks. The package folder carries everything.