Overhead projector (OHP)

Overhead projector is a device for projecting a matter, which is written or drawn on transparent sheet of
acetate on to a screen. It is the cheapest projecting aid currently available. The overhead projector is a
very vital teaching aid which has made projections so simple and easy that it has replaced a chalkboard
completely in many classrooms. An overhead projector produces images on screen behind or over the
head of the teacher. In an overhead projector, the large-sized transparency is kept horizontal which is
intensely illuminated by a condenser lens. The final image is produced on a vertical screen with a highly
polished tilted mirror and object lens capable of sliding on a vertical mast.
• An overhead projector consists of a metal box, a 1000 watt bulb and a concave reflector, a condenser
lens illuminates the transparency placed on the glass sheet on the top of the box. There is a vertical rod by
side of the box which carry an objective convex lens parallel to the transparency and a plane mirror to
reflect the image on the screen. The objective lens and mirror combination can be slided up and down the
rod with rock and pinion arrangement operated by a knob. The movement of the objective lens and mirror
focuses the image properly on the screen. There is also a small exhaust or cooling fan in the OHP to blow
out the excess heat produced by the bulb.
• The transparency size can be as big as 25 cm x 25 cm whereas the teacher can write with the marker
pens that will be projected on the screen simultaneously. Readymade transparencies on acetate sheets are
available these days.
Using an OHP
• 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
• Place the acetate or cellophane transparency on the glass top
• Move the objective lens and mirror assembly up and down to get the image in focus on the screen
•Explain about the material on the transparency sitting behind the overhead projector with a small pointer.
Advantages of OHP
• An OHP has a large aperture and can project a large number of instructional materials like diagrams,
charts, maps, graphs, after those are transferred on the transparency.
• The use of OHP can be quite cheap as transparencies can be used repeatedly.
• In the OHP the teacher can write directly with a glass marking pencil and the writing is directly
projected on the screen. After use the writing can be wiped with cloth piece.
• With an OHP the teacher is always facing the student keeping an eye contact which is not possible with
other projection equipment.
• Unlike other projection, OHP allow the psychological technique of progressive disclosure to build up his
lesson in sequential learning steps.
• The use of OHP saves a lot of time for utilization for individual guidance and corrective feedback.
• An OHP allows overlay of transparencies and superpo- sition to develop the lesson and illustrate certain
com- plicated system and structure properly which a unique feature is not obtained with other projection
equipment.
• With the OHP, an enlarged image can be obtained with quite a less distance, therefore, students can sit
close to the teacher and this produces better rapport.
Preparation of OHP transparencies
•Use a standard size of acetate sheet measuring 18 cm x 22.5 cm.
• OHP markers are available in two types; temporary and permanent. Temporary markers have soluble ink
and written mafter can be wiped off with the help of a damp cloth. Permanent markers are oil, spirit or
wax based and their writing is preserved for long time. One may prepare reusable transparencies with
permanent OHP markers. Additions and alteration during teaching should be made with water soluble
OHP markers so that the same are wiped off after use. If you want to reuse the transparency sheet later for
another purpose, be sure to use a marker with soluble ink.
Transparencies must be clearly written with at least 8 mm size letters either free hand or by transfer letters
or template, etc. A transparency which can be clearly read from a distance of 2 m should project well for a
classroom 6 m deep. Transparencies should be patiently prepared with bright harmonizing or contrasting
colors, legibly and systematically. There should be no more than six words in each line and no more than
eight lines in each transparency. Put margins appropriately. Of the various types of visuals, diagrams,
schematics, cue words, cartoons and graphs make better visual for the OHP.
The best colors to use to write on transparencies are black, blue and green. Use red sparingly. It is not a
color that project well.
Whether you are drawing the image on the transparency or copying it from a printed page, keep the
amount of information on the sheet to a minimum and make the image large enough so that students in
the back of the room will be able to see it.
Avoid copying information from a printed book or journal page or a type written sheet. Such pages
present too much information for the students to take in and the print is usually too small for them to see
easily. If you want to type some information on to a transparency, type it on paper first, enlarge the type
on a copier with an enlarging function and then make a transparency by taking photocopy of the material.
Transparencies can be very creative, especially if you have artistic help. If you have produced a
transparency worth saving for future classes you may want to mount it in a cardboard frame that gives it
some protection, enables you to handle it without touching the acetates and reduces glare around the
image.
Effective use of transparencies
• The overhead projector and the screen should be positioned in such a way that every student in the class
can see every part of the projected image with ease.
• OHP should be on, with the transparency in position as and when required. The fan switch if provided
should not be switched off until the light source cools down. The main plug and switch should not be
turned off soon after using the projector. One should not transport an overhead projector while the lamp is
still hot. A spare lamp may, however kept ready.
• Transparent color perspex arrow heads or pointed objects such as pencils placed on the transparency at
the platform are recommended for pointing. Pointer should not roll down. Never hold pointer in hand to
avoid silhouetting effect. It is better to lay the pointer flat on the transparency than waving around.
• Human silhouettes are irritating, so one should not interrupt the beam of light by movement and
gesticulation.
• It is best not to project the entire transparency at the very beginning. Optimal progressive disclosure of
information achieves the same objective as the sequential presentation of information on the blackboard.
Progressive disclosure of information can be achieved by unmasking the information at a controlled rate.
A paper or cardboard may be used as a mask. This technique is called revelation technique.
• Never leave a visual on the screen after a point has been discussed. Turn off the projector by keeping the
fan on when you are not actually projecting the transparency.
• Many radiographs can be projected successfully with the overhead projector. For this purpose, the
classroom must be darkened. Dense photographs are not suitable for use with overhead projector.
• Transparencies can also be made with overlays-additional acetate sheets can be placed over the base
transparency to add new features or colors. For example, the base sheet may show the gross anatomy of
the heart chambers and a hinged overlay placed on the top of the base sheet can show, with arrows the
direction of blood flow. Another overlay may indicate areas where various heart sounds originate.
• By using silhouetting effect, opaque objects can be projected.
• While you are showing a transparency, be careful that you are not blocking the students’ view. You may
be in the direct visual path of students sitting near the projector, so once you have turned the projector on
move around occasionally or move back close to the screen. Leave the transparency on screen long
enough for students to read and absorb all the information.
• Transparencies can be used similarly to a chalkboard for writing down spontaneous ideas, outlining
class content or doing math problems.
Advantages
• It permits face to face interaction with the students all the time.
• It can be used in day light conditions.
• The teacher can maintain complete class control and interest.
• Effective visuals can be made in a minimum of time and at a low cost.
• OHP is very light and hence portable.
• The students see the visualization from the same point of view as the communication teacher.
• It can present information in systematic developmental sequences simple to sue with presentation rate
controlled by the teacher.
• The surface area is limitless material (including illustrations) can be prepared well in advance.
• The prepared transparencies can be preserved for future use.
• The services of a projectionist are not required.
• Material can be prepared at short notice by speaker himself.
Limitations
• This methods requires special equipment, facilities and skill of more advances preparation methods.
• Overhead transparencies are large compared to other projected aids such as slides.
• Projection lamps are costly keystone effect can be there.
Materials required
Transparency

 Acetate sheet single/roll

• Washed X-ray plate.
• Cellophane paper pens:
Best are acetate
Spirit based inks permanent use
Water based ink (temporary use)
Spirit based can be erased with methylated spirit and water based with clamp cloth
Lined paper or grid sheet.