How to Use an Overhead Projector

The overhead projector has been a useful presentation tool since the 1930s. While it has lost some of its effectiveness due to the invention of multimedia and document projectors, it still has a relevant place in modern classrooms. With proper usage and care, an overhead projector can last a very long time and help students and observers to become better audiovisual learners.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Situate the overhead projector on a low table that is 2 to 3 feet off the floor. Make sure the overhead projector is plugged into a reliable power source.
2. Place an overhead transparency on top of the flat glass surface of the projector. Transparencies can be written on directly with a wet erase overhead pen. Alternatively, a transparency can be fed into a laser printer, and information from programs such as spreadsheets and databases can be directly printed on the transparency.
3. Turn on the overhead projector. Most machines have a large, circular button on the front for this purpose, but on/off switch locations can vary.
4. Angle the mirror at the top of the projection arm until the image is properly aligned onto a blank wall or drop-down projection screen.
5. Move the table holding the overhead projector forward or backward (if necessary) until the projection image approximates the size of the projection screen or blank wall space.
6. Turn the circular knob at the top of the projector arm until the projected image comes into focus.
7. Press the on/off button again when finished with your presentation. Allow the overhead projector to completely cool down before using it again.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid walking directly in front of an overhead projector while it is in use; your body will cast a shadow in front of the projected image.
• Do not rapidly turn the projector on and off. Doing so can cause the bulb to blow.

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