Question:

What are the best practices for using presenter view on two different computers simultaneously?

I am preparing for a class presentation that requires me to use the university computer to display my slides and record my screen. However, the university computer does not support presenter view, which I need to see my notes and the next slide. I have a Macbook that can run presenter view, but I do not know how to sync it with the university computer and the projector. I want to avoid switching between two keyboards and mice, as that would make me more nervous and disrupt the flow of my presentation. Is there a way to solve this problem? If not, what are some alternative solutions that would allow me to present effectively?

Answer:

Presenter view is a useful feature in PowerPoint that allows you to see your notes, the current slide, and the next slide on your computer screen, while the audience only sees the current slide on the projector. This can help you deliver a more confident and engaging presentation, as you can refer to your notes without looking away from the audience or the screen.

However, not all computers support presenter view, especially if they are older or have different operating systems. If you are in a situation where you need to use two different computers for your presentation, one to display your slides and record your screen, and another to run presenter view, you may face some challenges. How can you sync your slides between the two computers? How can you avoid switching between two keyboards and mice? How can you ensure a smooth and seamless presentation?

In this article, we will explore some possible solutions to these problems, and provide some tips and best practices for using presenter view on two different computers simultaneously.

Solution 1: Use a wireless presenter remote

One of the simplest and most effective ways to use presenter view on two different computers is to use a wireless presenter remote. A wireless presenter remote is a small device that you can hold in your hand, and use to control your slides with a click of a button. It usually connects to your computer via a USB receiver or Bluetooth, and has a range of up to 30 meters.

To use a wireless presenter remote, you need to do the following steps:

• Connect the wireless presenter remote to your Macbook, which will run presenter view.
• Open your PowerPoint file on your Macbook, and go to Slide Show > Set Up Slide Show. Select Browsed by an individual (window), and click OK. This will allow you to run your slides in a resizable window, instead of full screen.
• Drag the PowerPoint window to the edge of your Macbook screen, so that it is partially hidden. This will prevent the audience from seeing your notes and the next slide on the projector.
• On the university computer, which will display your slides and record your screen, open the same PowerPoint file, and go to Slide Show > Set Up Slide Show. Select Browsed at a kiosk (full screen), and click OK. This will ensure that your slides run in full screen mode, and loop continuously until you press Esc.
• Start the slide show on both computers, and make sure they are on the same slide. You can use the wireless presenter remote to advance or go back to the previous slide on both computers at the same time. You can also use the laser pointer, highlighter, or pen tools on the remote to draw attention to certain parts of your slides.
• To end the slide show, press Esc on the remote, or on the keyboard of either computer.

Using a wireless presenter remote has several advantages:

• It allows you to control your slides from a distance, without having to switch between two keyboards and mice.
• It gives you more freedom of movement, as you can walk around the room and interact with the audience, while still seeing your notes and the next slide on your Macbook screen.
• It reduces the risk of technical glitches, as you do not need to rely on a network connection or a software application to sync your slides between the two computers.

However, using a wireless presenter remote also has some drawbacks:

• It requires you to have a wireless presenter remote, which may not be readily available or compatible with your devices.
• It requires you to have the same PowerPoint file on both computers, which may not be feasible if you have different versions of PowerPoint, or if you need to make last-minute changes to your slides.
• It requires you to adjust the settings of your slide show on both computers, which may be time-consuming or confusing.

Solution 2: Use a screen sharing software

Another way to use presenter view on two different computers is to use a screen sharing software. A screen sharing software is a program that allows you to share your computer screen with another device, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You can use a screen sharing software to mirror your Macbook screen, which will run presenter view, to the university computer, which will display your slides and record your screen.

To use a screen sharing software, you need to do the following steps:

• Download and install a screen sharing software on both your Macbook and the university computer. Some examples of screen sharing software are TeamViewer, Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet. Make sure you choose a software that is compatible with both devices, and that has a high-quality and reliable connection.
• On your Macbook, which will run presenter view, open your PowerPoint file, and go to Slide Show > Set Up Slide Show. Select Presenter View, and click OK. This will enable you to see your notes, the current slide, and the next slide on your Macbook screen.
• On the university computer, which will display your slides and record your screen, launch the screen sharing software, and connect to your Macbook. You should see your Macbook screen on the university computer screen.
• Start the slide show on your Macbook, and make sure it is visible on the university computer screen. You can use the keyboard or mouse of your Macbook to control your slides, while seeing your notes and the next slide on your Macbook screen.
• To end the slide show, press Esc on the keyboard of your Macbook, or on the screen sharing software.

Using a screen sharing software has several advantages:

• It allows you to use presenter view on your Macbook, without having to adjust the settings of your slide show on the university computer.
• It allows you to make changes to your slides on your Macbook, and see them reflected on the university computer screen in real time.
• It allows you to use other features of the screen sharing software, such as chat, audio, video, or annotation, to enhance your presentation.

However, using a screen sharing software also has some drawbacks:

• It requires you to have a screen sharing software on both computers, which may not be allowed or supported by the university computer.
• It requires you to have a stable and fast internet connection, which may not be available or reliable in the classroom.
• It may affect the quality or performance of your slides, as the screen sharing software may compress or lag the images, animations, or transitions.

Solution 3: Use a mobile device as a remote control

A third way to use presenter view on two different computers is to use a mobile device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, as a remote control. A mobile device can act as a remote control for your PowerPoint slides, by using a built-in feature or an app that connects to your computer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You can use a mobile device to see your notes and the next slide on your device screen, and to control your slides on the university computer screen.

To use a mobile device as a remote control, you need to do the following steps:

• On your mobile device, download and install an app that can act as a remote control for PowerPoint, such as PowerPoint Remote Control, Office Remote, or SlideShark. Make sure you choose an app that is compatible with your device, and that can connect to your computer via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• On your Macbook, which will run presenter view, open your PowerPoint file, and go to Slide Show > Set Up Slide Show. Select Browsed by an individual (window), and click OK. This will allow you to run your slides in a resizable window, instead of full screen.
• Drag the PowerPoint window to the edge of your Macbook screen, so that it is partially hidden. This will prevent the audience from seeing your notes and the next slide on the projector.
• On the university computer, which will display your slides and record your screen, open the same PowerPoint file, and go to Slide Show > Set Up Slide Show. Select Browsed at a kiosk (full screen), and click OK. This will ensure that your slides run in full screen mode, and loop continuously until you press Esc.
• Start the slide show on both computers, and make sure they are on the same slide. On your mobile device, launch the app, and connect to your Macbook via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You should see your notes and the next slide on your device screen.
• You can use your mobile device to advance or go back to the previous slide on both computers at the same time. You can also use the touch screen, gestures, or voice commands on your device to control your slides.
• To end the slide show, press Esc on your device, or on the keyboard of either computer.

Using a mobile device as a remote control has several advantages:

• It allows you to see your notes and the next slide on your device screen, without having to look at your Macbook screen.
• It allows you to control your slides from your device, without having to switch between two keyboards and mice.
• It allows you to use your device as a backup, in case your Macbook or the university computer fails or crashes.

However,

using a mobile device as a remote control also has some drawbacks:

– It requires you to have a mobile device, which may not be allowed or convenient in the classroom.

– It requires you to have an app on your device, which may not be free or secure.

– It requires you to have a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, which may not be available or reliable in the classroom.