The Effect of PowerPoint Theme Color on Learners' Learning Effectiveness and Emotions

120 college students were randomly assigned to learn PowerPoint-delivered-content in four different groups: Chinese Calligraphy presented by PPT slides in warm colors and cool colors, respectively; Python presented by PPT slides in warm colors and cool colors, respectively. Learners' learning effectiveness was measured by retention and transfer tests, and the learners' emotions were reported by PANAS. The results showed that: 1) the instructional PPT designed in warm-toned colors improved learners' transfer scores on calligraphy; 2) PPT designed in cool-toned colors could significantly induce learners' negative emotions whichever knowledge type it was; 3) for PPT designed in the same color palette, calligraphy transfer test scores were positively correlated with learners' positive emotions.