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P

PDF files

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a digital format for distributing documents created using a wide variety of applications (Word, Excel, Access, Quark, etc.) without the user needing to have a copy of these applications. To view PDF files, users need a copy of Adobe's free Acrobat Reader. To create PDF files requires a full version of Acrobat.

In a learning context, PDF files are most typically used to publish Word and desktop-published documents online for learners to download and print.


Podcast

Podcasts are recordings of radio programmes, interviews or monologues, made available in MP3 or similar audio formats for playback on portable music players such as iPods or on PCs. Using news reader programs and music software such as iTunes, users can have new podcasts from selected sources automatically downloaded and copied to their portable players.

Poster

A relatively large printed sheet for display in a classroom or other public place.

PowerPoint presentation

PowerPoint is a Microsoft software application for the design and delivery of speaker-support slides. With more than 300 million users worldwide and 30 million PowerPoint presentations delivered each day, Microsoft now dominates this market. PowerPoint was originally designed for the creation of 35mm and OHP slides, but these days the slides are typically projected directly from a computer.

In an educational context, PowerPoint can be used as a means for teachers to support their classes with visual aids, and as a way for students to present the results of their projects. PowerPoint slides can also be used as stand-alone handouts and reference material.