OVERHEAD PROJECTOR (OHP)

Definition – An overhead projector is a variant of slide projector that is used to display

images to an audience. It’s a type of projected AV aid.

 “An OHP is a machine that brings an image from a transparent sheet to be projected
on to a viewing screen.”
 OHP were invented in early 1960s by Roger Appledorn.

An OHP consist of:-

(a) A metal box.

(b) Thousand watt bulb.
(c) A concave reflector.
(d) A condenser lens.
(e) Glass sheet on the top of the box.
(f) Objective lens and mirror.
(g) Small exhaust and cooling fan.

OHP Transparencies:-

 Transparencies are popular instructional medium

 A 10 x 10 inch sheet with printed, written or drawn material is placed on the pl
 OVERHEAD PROJECTOR (OHP)

Definition – An overhead projector is a variant of slide projector that is used to display

images to an audience. It’s a type of projected AV aid.

 “An OHP is a machine that brings an image from a transparent sheet to be projected
on to a viewing screen.”
 OHP were invented in early 1960s by Roger Appledorn.

An OHP consist of:-

(a) A metal box.

(b) Thousand watt bulb.
(c) A concave reflector.
(d) A condenser lens.
(e) Glass sheet on the top of the box.
(f) Objective lens and mirror.
(g) Small exhaust and cooling fan.

OHP Transparencies:-

 Transparencies are popular instructional medium

 A 10 x 10 inch sheet with printed, written or drawn material is placed on the
plateform of the projector and a large image is projected on screen.
 While preparing transparencies avoid over crowding, limit only 6-7 lines, 6-7 words
per line, 6 mm smallest letter size, for titles 5 words per line, 3 mm margin from
each side.

Guidelines for making effective transparencies:-

 Have one main idea on each transparencies.

 Include only related figures and diagrams.
 Ensure all transparencies are simple and easy to read.
 Use simple style in writing.
 Do not use all capital letters.
 Keep the message clear and emphasis on key message.
 Never use faded pen or marker as they affect clarity of text.

Using an OHP. While using an OHP one should proceed in following steps:-

 Place the OHP on a stable table with the objective lens facing the screen
behind the teacher.
 Put the cord plug into a power wall socket.
 Switch on the blower first and then the bulb.
 Move the objective lens and mirror assembly up and down to get the image
focus on the screen.
 Explain about the material on the transparency sitting behind the OHP.
 ateform of the projector and a large image is projected on screen.
 While preparing transparencies avoid over crowding, limit only 6-7 lines, 6-7 words
per line, 6 mm smallest letter size, for titles 5 words per line, 3 mm margin from
each side.

Guidelines for making effective transparencies:-

 Have one main idea on each transparencies.

 Include only related figures and diagrams.
 Ensure all transparencies are simple and easy to read.
 Use simple style in writing.
 Do not use all capital letters.
 Keep the message clear and emphasis on key message.
 Never use faded pen or marker as they affect clarity of text.

Using an OHP. While using an OHP one should proceed in following steps:-

 Place the OHP on a stable table with the objective lens facing the screen
behind the teacher.
 Put the cord plug into a power wall socket.
 Switch on the blower first and then the bulb.
 Move the objective lens and mirror assembly up and down to get the image
focus on the screen.
 Explain about the material on the transparency sitting behind the OHP.

Uses :-

 To carry out expository teaching on virtually any type.

 Useful in many group learning situation example in seminars, briefing an exercise
of game/stimulation/group projects and case study.

Advantages:-

 An OHP can project a large number of instructional materials like diagram,

charts, maps, work sheets and graphs after those are transferred on the
transparency.
 Use of OHP can be quite cheap as transparencies can be use repeatedly.
 Teacher can write directly with a glass marking pencil and writing is directly
projected on the screen.
 With an OHP teacher can always facing the students keeping in eye to eye
contact.
 OHP can be used in normally lighted room.
 An OHP can be easily used with other visual aid.
 The use of OHP saves a lot of class time and gains students’ attention.
 Complex diagrams can be taken photocopy on transparency if teacher donot
have drawing skills.
  Give the illusion of motion in transparency example blood circulation through
the use of special devices attached to the OHP termed as “Technimation”.

Disadvantages:-

 Bulky, difficult to carry, shift or transport.

 Use on and off switch to focus attention.
 Totally dependent on electricity.
 Accessories like screen, stand or table, extension board, socket etc.
 Require good hand writing ability.

Precautions:-

 It should be covered when not in use.

 Dust the projector before and after use with soft tissue paper.
 Do not keep the bulb on for long time, as it can damage transparencies as well
as the bulb due to overheating.
 Do not directly cut off the power supply first switch off the bulb so that fan can
cool the bulb.
 Do not shift when it is in use.