Adding PowerPoint as an MP4 Video
Microsoft PowerPoint is generally used to accompany a presenter during a live presentation. Ideally, if the PowerPoint is to be uploaded to the learning environment so that a learner can view it anytime from anywhere, it would contain the audio from the presenter. This ensures that the learner experience is similar whether they attend a live instructor-led session or they view the pre-recorded presentation after the fact via the learning environment.
Microsoft PowerPoint allows a presenter to record their audio for each and every slide. After doing so, the instructor can export the PowerPoint to an MP4 format so that it can include both the slides and the audio.
Step-by-step Guide
Using Microsoft PowerPoint, open the file
Go to a slide where you want to record audio
Click on the “Record” tab in Microsoft PowerPoints' top menu
Click on the “Audio” button. A “Record Sound” modal window should appear
Click on the record button and start recording your audio
When you are done recording your audio for this slide, click on the stop button
Repeat the procedure above for all slides where you want to incorporate audio
Once you are done recording your audio, click on File > Save As
Select the “MPEG-4 Video (*.mp4)” option for the file type
Click on the “Save” button
In the learning environment, go to the course in question
Turn editing on
Drag and drop your file in the main content of the course
A modal window will ask you to make a selection. Generally speaking, our recommendation is to use the “Create file resource” option
The “Add media to course page” option will embed your presentation directly in the course outline
The “Create file resource” will add a hyperlink in the course outline. When they user clicks on this link, they are brought to a page that shows them the video.
Your PowerPoint file (in MP4 format) is now part of your course and your learners can access it simply by clicking on it.
Pros:
Best user experience
Will work on any modern browser, including mobile devices, without the need for any additional software or plugins
Cons:
Requires the presenter to record their audio, which takes more time
Results in large files