Presentation 3 - Prezi

The last time (also the first time) that I used Prezi, I was not impressed. I thought it was a clumsy tool that didn't really add much value to presentations. This exercise has changed my perspective. I dig Prezi. I based my new Prezi on the PowerPoint presentation that I developed for an earlier exercise - the topic was the Gettysburg Address. You can link to my latest Prezi here or you can review it below:

Pretty cool, huh?

Obviously, Prezi is a lot like PowerPoint. And I think that they each have their place. In my mind, PowerPoint is perfect for super-short presentations where you just want to convey a few points and share a few images. Otherwise, I think Prezi has the upper hand. I now think it is easier to use, more flexible, and sexier (if I may) than PowerPoint. I think that the ability to embed video in Prezi (which might be possible in PowerPoint - but I can't find the option) is what really won me over. When I consider the possibilities for teaching social studies with a Prezi, I am blown away. Imagine a short presentation on WWII that included footage of Hitler, the bombing of London, Normandy, and Hiroshima - no pausing to load this video or that video, just a seamless presentation. Can't beat that.

Relationship to Standards - this Prezi exercise relates well to the following standards:   2(a) in that Prezi allows teachers to design relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools to promote student learning; 3(a) in that educators can use Prezi to demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies; and 3(c) in that the use of Prezi allows teachers to communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students using a variety of digital age media and formats.