21st Century Skills
 
Picture
 There is new software available, FOR FREE (right now) that allows you to create stunning multimedia presentations.  Prezi is a web-based software that builds upon the ideas introduced years ago by Microsoft PowerPoint.  Prezi does not limit users to “slides”; rather, it gives users a 3-dimensional canvas in which to create an organic flow of ideas.  Prezi is hard to explain in words, so please click here to view a Prezi Presentation or two.  Basically Prezi allows you to zoom in and out of your screen, revealing different concepts, images and themes.  You can start with the word “Ohio”, then hide information about The Ohio State University inside the “O”.  Then you can zoom into the “O” and read what’s there; then zoom out and over to the “h” for an explanation of Ohio politics.  Prezi also allows you to store your presentations online, so no forgotten reports, lost flash drive, or any other excuses when student work comes due.

I created a free account (free for students and teaches), and have begun to play with this extensive software.  It is proving difficult for me to un-program my PowerPoint ways and become a little more creative.  Garth and I have discussed using Prezi for our next presentation.  The majority of my students have started using Prezi in their technology classes.  It is very impressive and the kids are much more engaged than if they were creating presentations using PowerPoint.  Prezi is much more free-flowing and students have created some beautiful presentations.  I am going to have some of my students create Prezi presentations over the course of the next two weeks as we look at the enduring impacts of the ancient world.  I will post in the comment section of this blog with some links when students finish their work.

-Mike


 


Comments

Garth
12/07/2010 17:20

Yes, we are going to use this for the enduring project. It is awesome. I was playing with it now. Very easy to use and very organic. Just right for our students.

Reply
Joe
12/12/2010 16:32

Very good post! I appreciate the links. Those Prezi presentations are wonderful! I will have to look further into this software and practice utilizing it. I cannot believe it is free. I am sure we will start seeing it more and more. From what I gather the construction of a presentation will utilizes 3 of the eight ways of learning:
1.Logical-mathematical, by experimenting and figuring out logical puzzles.
2.Spatial, designing, drawing, visualizing and doodling.
3.Linguistic, reading, telling stories, playing word games.

Reply
David Trace
12/13/2010 15:02

Awesome! Have to spend some time with this website.

Reply
Joe Kelleher
01/11/2011 19:18

I like this Prezi ... a lot!

Reply
Adam Anzelc
01/14/2011 10:56

Wow...this has opened a whole new door. I plan on trying this out with a presentation in class. If all goes well, using it for professional presentation next month. Thanks for finding and sharing this software.

Reply
03/15/2011 12:15

I love Prezi! It is so much more visually stimulating than Power Point and so much more user-friendly. I've introduced Prezi to a few Power Point connoisseurs and all of them are now Prezi Believers! The website has some really great Prezis on why Prezi is superior to Power Point. Those are the ones I like to show powerpoint folks!

Reply
Pam UofA
04/08/2011 12:06

A M A Z I N G! What a fantastic platform to share ideas and information. It's a great tool for gifted students. As a future intervention specialist K-3, I can see my students using Prezi to capture their personal journey from K through 3 through pictures and words (like a personal commentary on their classroom experience) I just don't have enough words, except I'll just say AWESOME!

Reply
04/15/2011 15:39

Prezi is really amazing. I am a huge Power Point fan, but this is drastically better--it's so much more interactive and attention-grabbing. I think students would have a ton of fun with this!

Reply
Becky
07/07/2011 08:47

I had never heard of Prezi until my technology class. After viewing some prezis that were created, I love these! I have actually seen them before, as videos during church service, but I didn't know what they were. I will absolutely be using these! Not only will I be getting required information to my students, but it will be in an interesting, active way!

Reply
07/18/2011 09:33

I really do hope that Prezi becomes the new slideshow standard! PowerPoint has been an innovative tool in the past, however, student needs are changing and Prezi implements a new vision of slideshows. I really enjoy using Prezi and the best feature is that it is completely FREE, whereas you will buy a subscription to use any Microsoft Office tool. Prezis are innovative because they feature the "big picture" and students need to be able to see the overall theme. Great blog! I enjoy your appreciation for authentic learning.

Reply
Joan Mack
11/02/2011 14:15

Wow I love this site and the wide range of different zooms and all the unique things that is happening.

Reply
Claire UA
11/02/2011 15:24

I heard about this from someone that had taken your tech class before and when they showed me it I was surprised at how much better than powerpoint it was. It is very easy to use and understand and allows your students to come up with more creative presentations then standard powerpoint slides.

Reply



Leave a Reply