Slide is a common form of still image teaching multimedia. It was once widely used by educators in primary and secondary schools (K-12). In the late 1980s, it was replaced by an updated and increasingly low-cost full dynamic video tape, and then by DVD. From the 1940s to the 1980s, film film was a simple and cheap alternative to 16mm educational film, which required little storage space and could rewind quickly for next use. The film is large and durable, rarely requiring splicing. They are still used in some areas.

The film is a 35mm positive roll on which there are about 30 to 50 images arranged in order. Like 16 mm film, the strip is inserted vertically down in front of the projector aperture, rather than horizontally like a slide projector. Therefore, the frame size is smaller than the ordinary 35mm film. Two image frames of a film occupy the same space as a single 35mm frame (including its protective tape), so a 35mm film with an exposure of 25 can contain 50 film images. Early Celluloid films had the habit of melting or burning from the continuous strong heat of the projector. These are called image films, and they are the first batch of films to be completely produced.

Usually, slides run in between ten and twenty minutes. Depending on how the slides are narrated or produced, the slides (usually provided with the teacher's Guide) are flexible enough to be used in a self paced learning format or throughout the classroom. In addition to standard classroom walls or screen projectors, there is also a personal movie display device with a diagonal screen size of about 8 inches for close viewing by one or two people.

The instructor opens the slide projector to display the first frame (image) of the slide. The instructor then opens a 33 RPM recording or cassette tape that contains audio material for cinematographic film, including narration. When appropriate, a tone will be given to instruct the teacher to turn the knob to move forward to the next frame. Later, technological improvements enabled the projector to automatically move the film forward.

By the late 1960s, companies such as Warren schloat productions, CBS, New York Times, Scott education, crown films, Sunburst media and guidance associates were all producing titles with famous artists' photography works, and simultaneously conducting famous event audio tracks. Slide music and narration originally came from vinyl records.

In the 1970s, audio technology developed, and vinyl records were replaced by tapes and became useful in providing personalized instructions. Now, students can watch and listen to the slides repeatedly at their own pace. The slide also goes beyond traditional arts and humanities to science, careers, careers and technology led by companies such as bergwall productions and Prentice Hall media. Music, art, language art, mathematics, business and even family economics.