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TOPIC 8

T8 - OHP AND TRANSPARENCIES

OVER HEAD PROJECTOR (OHP) AND TRANSPARENCIES

SYNOPSIS
This topic describes the learning activities associated with the parts and functions of
the OHP and manner of its operation. Similarly, an explanation of the advantages
and disadvantages is described together with the use of OHP. The title is also
expressed on some types of transparencies and preparation technique and good
performances. Similarly, the use of playback screen discussed together.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By going through the learning activities of this topic, hopefully you will be able to:
i. know and understand the parts and functions of the OHP
ii. Understand the proper operation of OHP
iii. list the advantages and disadvantages of using OHP
iv. understand the types of transparencies
v. learn preparation techniques and transparencies presentation
vi. understand variety of screen view and use
TOPIC FRAMEWORK
8.1 Parts and Functions Overhead Projector
8.2 Handling OHP
8.3 Types of Transparencies
8.4 Techniques for the Preparation and Transparencies Presentation
8.5 Projection screen
8.6 Presentation Using Projection screen

Introduction
Transparency is the medium that is similar to a slide which is classified as teaching
aids in the form of projection view. It requires a machine running at top-level (Over
Head Projector - OHP) for projecting images from transparency to white screen
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(white screen) in a bigger size. Its use is more effective for teachers to convey
teaching contents when compared with print and stationary aids. It is very effectively
used to clarify things "out of context", concepts, facts, data and visual information.
8.1 Parts and Functions of transparency Projector
Transparency projector is a visual tool that can be used in a normal classroom. This
projector is a teaching aid in achieving more effective teaching, where the students
will be taught in a way to see and hear.

Diagram 1 : Transparency Projector

Source : Sharifah Alwiah Alsagoff (1992)

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8.2.1 Transparency Projector handling guide

a.

Make sure you properly understand the make / brand and functions of
projector parts you are using. This may vary from one device to another
device.

b.

You must learn to detect damage to the bulbs so that they can be fixed.
Be careful when replacing the bulb. Do not touch it with bare hand because
the bulb can be easily damaged.

c.

Clean the mirror plate inside the projector occasionally.

d.

Project the image to the wall or a white cloth if there is no screen.

e.

The transparency Projector unit should be moved using a trolley for easy
transfer from one place to another. Switch off the power before moving.

f.

For a good display, the following must be observed:

i. Screen width of 1.5 m for a room for 40 people
ii. Screen is not glossy
iii. Getting a little light
iv. Put at the height of 70 cm from the floor
v. Tilt 45 degrees to avoid the effects of distortion (keystone)
vi. Make sure the screen is upright
vii. Do not block by users so that can be seen by all students.
viii. All writings and drawings must be in accordance with the appropriate size.
ix. Use a straight pointed indicator and show something on transparency
rather than on the image on the screen.

8.2.2 Advantages and disadvantages of using OHP

Advantages of the Use of OHP transparencies are as follows:

a.

In the process of delivering instruction, teachers can incorporate the use of

the blackboard, and oral presentation.

b.

Pictures or images of transparencies can be screened without switch of the

light..

c.

Transparency can be used repeatedly and delivery can be done in a more

organized and systematic manner.

d.

Teachers deal with students or audience during delivery. This will help
teacher to have easy control.

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e.

T8 - OHP AND TRANSPARENCIES

Transparency is easy to use, cleaner than with the use of blackboard and
chalk.

f.

Use OHP and transparency will make teaching and learning more effective.
Comments and new information can be added in the diagram or in pictures
that are available in transparency;
i. using color, illustration and animation.
ii. images or pictures can be blown out or reduced according to the needs of
pupils.
iii. save time and speed up the delivery.

g.

OHP projector can be easily handled and teachers do not need in-depth
technical knowledge to use it.

h.

By using transparencies, teachers are able to deliver relevant information and

facts in a systematic manner.

8.3 Types of transparencies

8.3.1 write- on
i.

made of acetate and polyester

ii.

Has 3 levels of thickness 0.08 mm, 0.1 mm and 0.12 mm. General
purpose transparencies commonly use 0.1 mm thick.

iii.

Transparency has two sizes of 260 mm x 260 mm and DIN A4 (210

mm x 297 mm)

iv.

Using water-based pen or spirits based pen.

8.3.2

Thermal (infra-red)

a.

Processed by 'Transparency Maker machines

b.

Have different background and color as "Black On Clear '(black image with
clear background.), 'Black On Color' (black image with colored background),
'Color On Clear' (colored image with clear background)

c.

Carbon-based Materials such as news paper cuttings, 2B pencil, dust based

photocopying materials, and laser printer dust based print from.

d.

thermal transparencies preparation guide as follows:

i.

Rotate the adjustable knob to the number 3 to 6 so that the picture

produced will be clear.

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ii.

Place the base material under thermal transparencies where the

iii.

notches in the top right corner at the top.

iii. Insert base and thermal material into the machine 'maker'
Transparency 'and let the machine suck up the image of material
transferred to the transparent base material.

Diagram 2 : Proses Thermal process (Insfra-red)

Source : Sharifah Alwiah Alsagoff (1992)
8.3.3 Photocopying
a.

Processed using a photocopy machine (plain paper Copier)

b.

Base material is placed at the top of the mirror and put transparencies in the
tray as as making a photocopy.

c.

Picture color or black colored pictures can be transferred but will be black and
white.

8.3.4 Ink-jet Film

Ink-jet Film can be used directly on ink-jet printers such as Canon and Epson
printers. Base material can be prepared by using a computer and copy
direction as you make on paper copiers.

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8.4 Techniques for the Preparation and Presentation Transparencies

8.4.1 Production Techniques Transparency

a.

Write-on technique
All documents written or drawn together by hand or machine directly
on transparency film. The transparencies is broadcast directly to the
audience.

b.

window technique
Have several windows that cover certain parts of the surface of
transparencies. When used, the windows will be opened one by one
like the home window to display the contents or images.

Diagram 3 : window technique

Source : Razali Nor (1996)
c.

Striped techniques
This techniques have bands either horizontally or vertically. Its
opened only one way not as open windows technique in both
directions. Only 3 to 4 strips in a transparency.

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d.

T8 - OHP AND TRANSPARENCIES

Overlapping techniques (layered)

Consists of films that are placed directly on the basis of a fixed frame
and some additional film placed on the sides of the frame.

Diagram 4 : Overlapping techniques

Source : Razali Nor (1996)

e.

Round technique
It seeks disclosure of or part by part to reveal anything needed. It can
be made in the cover inserts (vertical, horizontal or diagonal or
rounded cap. Spherical cap can be made by means of a pinned in the
middle.

f.

Animation techniques
It uses plastic sheets polarising fixed upon certain parts of the image
that is on the transparencies. During use of the device is placed on the
lens polariser OHP bay. The image will appear to move when the
image is pulled or moved.

Activity 1
Do you know the types of transparencies used? Navigate the Internet to identify other
types of transparencies. List down types of transparencies and their characteristics.

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8.4.2 Transparency Preparation Principles

i.

Plan appropriate methods or techniques before starting to make

ii.

transparency with existing equipment.ii.

Analysis of the information to be communicated carefully in terms of

iii.

use, objectives and content.

Determine the presentation format. Longitudinal or vertical format.
Avoid obscure format

i.

Make sure each creation (graphics, statements) are within 2 cm from

the edge of the transparent material.

ii.

Clarity of alphabets depending on the type, size, spacing between

letters and spacing between rows.

iii.

The smallest image on the screen should be 2:56 cm in height for

every 8 meters distance display.

iv.

Use a larger font for headings and sub-headings.

x.

Restrict writing between 6 and 7 lines in a piece of transparency.

xi.

Use 7 to 10 words on every sentence.

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8.5 Playback screen

Playback screen is another key requirement for using the playback media. There are
two categories projection screen with media. The first category is translucent screen
which is rear screen. This type of screen view on both sides. Spectators can watch
from the back and from the front of the screen. The second category is the front
viewing screen, often used in schools. Playback screen is made up of several types
of surface reflection. It varies in size, materials and functions. There are those who
use some form of electric and manual.
Playback screen type frequently used in schools consist of the following types of
playback screen:
8.5.1 Matt type playback screen
This type of screen consist of thick cloth or canvas with white and smooth surface.
This type of screen reflect light much less than the other screen. Matt screen view
type is suitable for use in rooms that are short and wide.
8.5.2 Silver Matelled type screen
"Silver Matelled" screen is the best kind of screen compared with others. It is
capable of giving a good reverse light and has good quality projection image.

Diagram 5: Mattelled type screen

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8.5.3 Glass Beaded type screen

glass beaded" screen type gives much brighter picture or image than Matt type
screen. White surface is sprayed with glass powder that closely resemble sandpaper.
Many are used for brighter light like glass when exposed to light. This type of screen
can be used in a narrow and long room.

Diagram 6: Glass Beaded type screen

Activity 2
Preparation of a transparency will affect the teaching and learning session. What are
the factors to be taken into account when transparency is prepared? With word
processing software, make a note of these factors in the form of mind map. You can
refer to the books or the Internet to help you. Save your files.
8.6 Presentation using playback screen
The majority of schools hang playback screen on blackboard. Even though this
location is good for the "viewing angle" but that makes it difficult for teachers to use
and write information on the board when needed. Teachers will open the screen
when required and will close it back when he wanted to use the blackboard to record
information. This will continue throughout the lesson and can disrupt the smooth
delivery. The most ideal location of the screen is at the right side of the teacher in the

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classroom. This facilitates the movement of teachers to use the OHP and record the
information on the chalkboard and vice versa without opening or closing the screen.
Playback screen placement are also placed on a higher level and not at right angles
to its image which will be create distortion known as "keystone effect" (keystone
effect), which makes viewing distorted. "keystone effect" can be corrected by
ensuring that the on-screen display image view is at right angle.

Diagram 7: Keystone effect

To ensure that the students good view apart from correcting the "keystone effect", the
playback screen position must also be at an appropriate distance. General standard
formula that can be used on remote screen view with the audience is at the rate of 28T playback screen size. This means that viewers who are on the front line should
preferably be not less than 2 times the size of the screen. If the screen is 2.5 meter
high viewers in the front row should preferably be at the distance of 5 meters away.
So is the audience at the back row, the standard distance at a rate 8 times higher
than the size of playback screen. This means that the distance between the screen
and the audience in the back row are preferably at a distance of 20 meters.

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Practical
There are a variety of techniques in transparency preparation based on the principles
of graphics. Based on a topic of classroom teaching produce one type of
transparency that you have learned. Discuss the techniques you choose during the
tutorial.
SUMMARY
Using transparency in the process of teaching and learning is another approach that
helps teachers deliver information and knowledge through visuals. By using OHP and
transparencies teaching and learning process become more effective. Teachers can
use color, animation and illustrations in a realistic way. Facts, information and
knowledge at stages can also be delivered in an organized and systematic manner.
Exercise
Answer all question:

1.

Information or knowledge that describes the procedure or process chain will be

more effective if delivered through medium of
A. Single transparency
B. Overlay transparency
C. Masking transparency
D. Colour transparency

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2. Single Transparency generally contains

A. concept of differentiation
B. combination of text and pictures
C. concepts in continuity
D. a single concept
3. Here are the common mistakes people make when using transparencies except
A. Using serif font
B. Too much information to be displayed
C. Using beautiful decorative font on the transparency
D. Using 7 words in a row on the transparency

Exercise (Structured Questions)

1. State 4 types of transparencies and 5 techniques of transparencies preparation

2. Describe four advantages of using Over Head Projector (OHP)

Exercise (Essay Questions)

1.

What is the relationship between mass media, educational media and

electronic media?

2.

To what extent the method of image grow and shrink with the grid,
transparent and photocopy assist you in building charts?

3.

You are to produce transparencies for the topic animal reproductive

processes. Describe four transparency preparation techniques.

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REFERENCES
Mohd Jizat Abdol,Abdul Razak Idris & Jessnor Elmy (2006). Teknologi pengajaran
dan pembelajaran. UTM.
Norasiah Abdullah, Nor Risah Jamilah Mat Lazim & Rosnah Ahmad Zain (2009).
Teknologi dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran. Puchong: Penerbitan
Multimedia.
Noriati A.Rashid, et. al. (2009). Teknologi dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran. Shah
Alam: Oxford Fajar.
Jamalluddin Harun & Zaidatun Tasir (2006). Teknologi dan rekabentuk grafik digital.
Kuala Lumpur: Venton Publishing.

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