Microsoft Producer is a powerful free add-on to PowerPoint 2003 that allows the user to capture and synchronize audio, video, slides, and images; as well as allow users to preview and publish a rich media presentation via your web browser.

I discovered Producer accidently while I was looking for a project for my students to do. Since my students were familiar with PowerPoint I wanted to find something a little different. Producer was the answer.  When I first introduced Producer to my students they were a bit intimidated by the project. To ease their anxiety and maximized their time I asked my students to complete a script and storyboard (see attachment).

After doing their research I had my students to complete a traditional PowerPoint presentation. Next the students completed the script and storyboard. Now the action begins; the students used a digital camcorder to capture their video. I used an Apple iBook to download the video via firewire to a PC. Since Producer 2003 does not import QuickTime video format I had to use a video conversion tool to convert it to an avi, wmv, or mpg format.  Zamzar  and Media Convert (email address required) are free online video conversion tools that one can use.  A miniDVD camcorder can also be used to avoid the conversion problem all together.

Figure 1

Once the video and PowerPoint are done the students use the template to complete the project. The first time I had my students use the default presentation template (Figure 1). Now, more advance or tech savory students can pick from a number of templates.

Figure 2

The students drag the components to the appropriate place as seen in (Figure 2). At this point the students can import various media into their presentation such as audio, htmls, images, slides, or videos. The interface of the software provides a timeline for students to enter the events and its corresponding media.

After some editing and finishing touches the project can be published to a website or saved locally. To view the presentation it is as simple as clicking the root html and play link.

After completely this project, students found it empowering to see that they were able to producer a mini movie and an artifact for their portfolio. Depending of what educators want their students to accomplish, this project could last from two weeks to six weeks. To expound further I used Producer for concepts taught during the course, a “how to” presentation, mock TV news report, and generalized topics.

For additional information on Microsoft Producer click here or do a simple search with your favorite search engine.

Producer 2003 is incompatible with PowerPoint 2007; fortunately there is a beta version of Producer 2007. Please feel free to contact me at My Learning Portals.com. for further information.

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