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| Test Drive New Tools That Are Engaging |
Teachers need to stay abreast of the latest presentation tools, so it can be helpful to try them out. After auditioning a few of them, I found that I was drawn to presentation tools that have tutorials or demos. Generally, the tutorial will provide vital information about their functionality, ease of use, potential for collaboration and file sharing, and cost of use. My course project requires me to choose a presentation tool. If you have grown tired of PowerPoint presentations, there is another tool that will add a fresh touch to your presentations while capturing the attention of your viewers. This tool is called Prezi.
Prezi is appealing to me because it provides ease of use. Therefore, this will lower my anxiety about using it. I will be able to create a presentation that stands out from the standard PowerPoint presentation. The content of the Prezi can be arranged to tell a story in the order that I select. Collaboration is possible through publishing the Prezi where others can view, edit, or add it to a blog. As long as the internet is available, Prezi is accessible. To cut cost, presentation can be published publicly. However, there is a charge involved if a private setting is chosen. Some users may want to protect the content of their presentation, access support, or acquire additional storage. I will be using Prezi for my course project presentation.
The other tool that I toyed around with was Ustream.TV. It is important for teachers and students to collaborate with their colleagues. Therefore, this platform fulfills this desire because it provides a video conference venue. A video can be created that can be shared with others around the globe. This site offers each user a channel for others to view the video or chat through a URL. This tool allows students and teachers the option to share resources and experiences about learning. This is a tool that I see my students using to interact with their peers who are learning the same material in another district, state, or country. I look forward to introducing it to my students. For me, this will be a great collaboration tool.
References
Prezi.(2012). Step by step tutorial. Retrieved from http://prezi.com/learn/getting-started/
UStream.TV. (2012). Tutorial. Embedding video. Retrieved from http://blip.tv/the-clever-sheep/embedding-video-with-ustream-tv-833613
I think that finding something we are comfortable using ourselves is key. We need to be comfortable with our own abilities so that we can teach the students. Although many times, learning together not only is helpful but sets a good example to the children that everyone can learn something new!
ReplyDeleteI also like your idea of interacting with students in other districts or areas. I teach in an urban district and I think that students often feel isolated. It would be a good way for them to connect with others in a safe, monitored manner so that it will give them a sense of belonging that extends beyond their own neighborhoods.
I agree that learning together is helpful and sets a good example. Sometimes, I think students enjoy teaching the teacher. They also like to display their talents. By sharing their presentations with others, they can bounce ideas off of other students. In addition, this is an excellent way for students to polish their social skills.
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