Prezi is a cloud-based presentation and storytelling web tool that allows users to create unique and engaging presentations. Within the virtual hybrid canvas - a blend of a whiteboard and PowerPoint slides - users can create visually appealing presentations using two distinct Prezi features: the Zooming User Interface and the non-linear presentation design. To view a sample Prezi presentation, please watch the Hansel & Gretel story below:
Additional Features:
As you can see from the example above, Prezi has many fantastic presentation features to engage your audience. Some features that were not shown are: 1. Screen Blackout - With all the great features Prezi offers, audiences may lose focus on the content of the presentation. To assist with this, presenters can press the 'B" key during a presentation and temporarily black out the screen to re-engage the audience. 2. Fade-In Animations - PowerPoint has always had the capability to fade in content on command; Prezi can now too. This feature is useful if posing a question and when ready, revealing the answer.
3. Off-line Presentations - No need to worry about poor Wi-Fi connections any longer as Prezi allows users to share presentations without needing on-line access. 4. Create a Prezi presentation with others - Collaborate remotely with others by adjusting the settings found at the bottom of each Prezi. Once the settings are changed to "Edit Together", copy the URL that is generated and send it to your desired collaborators via email, instant messaging, etc. How to Get Started: Below is a great video tutorial created by Prezi to help you get started with your first presentation.
Prezi creators have been very diligent in supporting their users. This support page - http://prezi.com/learn/ - offers various resources users can access for additional assistance. Sample Activities: 1. Student Presentations - Students can create and present the events of an historical event or tell a creative story they have written. 2. Teaching a Lesson - Several colleagues of mine use Prezi to introduce new content. In fact, one colleague gives students a ready-made Prezi and has them present it to the class. Prior to presentation, however, students can edit the Prezi to suit their needs.
Prezi is a great presentation tool that will engage any audience. To get started on your first presentation, click here! This post originally appeared on The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers.
Animoto is an engaging video presentation tool students can use to demonstrate their knowledge on virtually any topic. Whether students love to perform in front of the camera themselves or prefer to use images and video from Animoto's wide selection, students can create eye-catching and informative videos within minutes. Another advantage of Animoto is the fact that there is no longer a need to purchase expensive equipment and software to create great looking videos with your students. Using pictures, video clips and music, Animoto's simple interface allows students to create engaging educational videos in no time. How to Get Started: Click on the link below to access Animoto's Helpdesk. There you will find an excellent video and screenshot tutorial to help you and your students get started.
Animoto HelpdeskTutorial NOTE: Educators with an Animoto account already can apply for an upgraded AnimotoPlus account which allow students to create full length videos rather than the free 30 second clips. It is important to note that it may take a couple of weeks to receive the Animoto Code. Sample Classroom Activites:
1. Geography - Below is an introductory video on ecosystems and biomes I used for my Social Studies 10 class to demonstrate the expectations of this assignment.
2. Extracurricular Wind-up Video - After learning about Animoto in our class, a former student of mine created a video about his rugby team's playoff run. I have also used Animoto to sum up my basketball team's season. 3. Demonstration tool - use Animoto to breakdown step by step a sport skill or how to properly conduct a science experiment or cooking technique. NOTE: It is important students are taught copyright guidelines especially in regards to music selection. Please refer to my previous post for details - Creative Commons, Copyright & You.
I am positive student engagement and motivation will be high when creating videos using Animoto. Click here to give it a try!
