Presentation+Tools

= = =Presentation Tools for Teachers= ==

B enefits:

 * Most people have used it and are familiar with how to use it.
 * Relatively simple to use.
 * Nearly universally installed on computers.
 * Reliable performance.

**Drawbacks:**

 * Overused
 * Poorly used
 * Somewhat inflexible (linear, slide based).
 * Not easy to embed video.
 * Not easy to share with others.

== Google Docs Presentation Example

===Description: The presentation tool included with Google Docs is very similar to PowerPoint. It is a linear, slide-based presentation tool. Google docs makes sharing presentations very easy as they can be embeded in a blog or wiki page or accessed via a web link. Inserting video into a presentation is also very easy, unlike PowerPoint. ===

Benefits:

 * User interface is very similar to PowerPoint, should be familiar.
 * Easy to include videos into presentation.
 * Easy to share with students via wiki, website, or class page.
 * Existing PowerPoint presentations can be easily converted into Google Docs.
 * Contains a "back channel" that you can use...if you dare!

Drawbacks:

 * Look is very similar to PowerPoint, not very unique.
 * Requires an internet connection to edit or view presentations.
 * Creating presentations requires a free account which is difficult to setup for an entire class.

== Prezi Example

===Description: Prezi is a true presentation tool but is not slide-based like PowerPoint or Google Docs Presentation. Ideas in Prezi are organized by size and location. Because of this, Prezis take on more of a concept map look rather than the linear step-by-step look of PowerPoint. This provides a much more fluid environment for the presenter as they are not bound by the order of their slides. === Benefits:
 * Web based--no software installation required
 * Free!
 * Very intuitive to use.
 * Visually appealing and very different from PowerPoint.
 * Presentations can be downloaded for offline use.
 * Embed presentations in your blog or wiki page.

**Drawbacks:**

 * Creating presentations requires an internet connection
 * Creating presentations requires a free account which is difficult to setup for an entire class.

== Glogster Example //Note: there are two versions of glogster, the regular version (lots of bad stuff) and the educational version. Make sure you sign up and use the educational version!//

===**Description: Glogster allows for the creation of media rich posters. Allows you to embed video, audio, and links into your poster. Finished posters can be printed or embeded in a blog or wiki page. Link multiple posters together for in depth coverage of a topic. **===

**Benefits:**

 * Web based--no software installation required
 * Free!
 * Very intuitive to use.
 * Visually appealing and very different from PowerPoint.
 * Glogster EDU makes it easy to sign up and manage an entire class worth of accounts.

**Drawbacks:**

 * Creating presentations requires an internet connection
 * Using Glogster for presentations will take some creativity/adaptation as it is a poster tool.

== Voice Thread Example ===Description: Voicethread allows for discussion of a piece of media such as a video or picture. Comments are added around the edges of the picture or video clip including text based comments, audio comments, and video comments. When commenting you can also annotate the image or video to which you are responding, drawing on it to point out significant features. If enabled, others can view the tread and add their comments as well via a phone or computer. ===


 * Benefits:**
 * Web based--no software installation required
 * Creates a great environment for interaction by students.
 * Very innovative way to present information.

**Drawbacks:**

 * Free version has limitations. Sign up your class for $60/year. School license is $1/student.
 * Not really meant to be a presentation tool. Will require some creativity/adaptation.