Google recently updated its free Web-based presentation software and now you can create embeddable PPTs. Here’s an example from Google.
Basically, this merges the embeddable functionality of YouTube with Google Docs. And basically, that’s insanely cool.
Even cooler are the opportunities created by embeddable PowerPoint presentations. For example, I was able to successfully embed a test PPT into the header element of a WebCT page. With a little formatting, it worked perfectly. This means I can now create slide-based presentations in PowerPoint — including image slideshows — then import them into Google Docs and embed the results in a handy viewer. Granted, this isn’t as fancy as Soundslides, but it’s a great “utilitarian” solution.
So here are the pros as I currently see them — this is subject to change after additional tinkering:
- Any current, “normal” Powerpoint will work — I don’t think the embedded version can handle animation, but if a PPT is done in a straightforward way this should work fine. For example, the sample PPT I used had very simple animations, and while those didn’t carry over, the overall look was fine.
- The “full” PPT is also available through Google Docs. Students can click to view the whole thing.
And now the cons:
- Any PPT that’s embedded will also be publicly viewable. Faculty concerned with copyrighted material definitely shouldn’t use this. Question for the masses: Is there a way to limit public availability to certain groups or people? I know there’s a way to “share” Google spreadsheets and documents with certain people, but I imagine the embedded functionality is an all or nothing type thing.
- PPTs will need to be designed with a smaller size in mind. The embedded window is only 410 x 342 and there’s no real way to tweak that (I tried to override the settings, but it didn’t do anything).
