The most common file type used in Centra is Powerpoint presentations. When added to an agenda, Centra will convert Powerpoint presentations into a series of slides. The two kinds of slide that Centra can convert to are images and HTML (web page format). You should choose the format that best suits the type of powerpoint presentation you have prepared, as described below.

There are two formats that you can pick from when converting to images. GIF images should be used if your Powerpoint is made up only of text and simple graphics such as line art. JPG images are the best choice when your presentation contains text and realistic images such as scanned photographs.

Both formats, JPG and GIF, will allow you to use the Centra Markup tools. Images will also be displayed at a fixed size. They will not resize to fit the screen of the student.

Image versions of Powerpoint will not correctly display the following:

Importing to HTML allows some of the transition animation and media incorporation of Powerpoint. Additionally the resulting HTML file will stretch to fit the screen. This can be very useful if the attendees of the presentation have varied screen sizes. In order to display the the functionality of the standard markup tools is sacrificed.

HTML versions of Powerpoint will not correctly display the following:

A large variety of file types can be placed into an agenda. However many file types will be viewed external to the Centra display window. When you add files to you agenda, you will be asked whether the files should be located Client side, or Server side.

It is not recommended to use large files at all if any of the students attending are using modems to connect. It takes approximately 3 minutes to download a 1 MB file through the fastest modem possible. Audio and Video files can often range from 5-500MB If you must use large files, make sure they are set as Client side to allow students to download them ahead of time.

Client side files must be downloaded to the users machine prior to the start of a Centra session. Because the file resides on the client's machine, performance is significantly better. Be sure to provide plenty of warning so that students will have opportunity to download files before the session begins. Client side setting should be selected for Audio and video files as well as any file exceeding 50K.

Server side files are downloaded to the users machine during the Centra session. Downloading files while the Centra session is running, can reduce the quality of the session for all users. Because of this it is important to limit server side files to those that are under 50K.

Centra provides markup tools for any image file that is in the agenda. The mark up tools allow leaders to alter the image by drawing, adding text and highlighting. Once the images is altered, the image can either be saved or reverted back to the original picture. The tools are most commonly used to:

• Keep the focus on the proper portion of the slide
• Add notations to a diagram or image
• Make corrections or update existing images

However you use them, be sure to keep your extra marks on the screen to a minimum so that it does not distract from the original image.

Since the markup tools are only available for JPGs and GIFs, there are three techniques that can be used to achieve similar results in PowerPoint files that are converted to HTML.

1. Design your text with color, style, or sized differences to reinforce cues and maintain focus.
2. Number your items on the screen and refer to them by the number so that students can easily follow along.
3. Items that need corrections can be fixed by inserting corrected files into the agenda while the meeting is in session. Alternatively, you can share the program you are using to do the editing, and allow the students to view any changes as you make them.