Web 2.0 Tools
The tools that I have researched this week and in the past that I enjoy using or would like to learn more about are numerous. The presentation tools like Prezi and PreZentit are great new tools to present information much like a PowerPoint but in a newer format that has made putting together a presentation a lot easier. The ease of use for these two presentation tools comes from easy to follow instruction to great tutoring tips and instruction videos (Laureate, 2010). Other tools that I have used or would like to use in the future are Google Docs, Tour 280 Slides, and Imovie, these tools are both fun to use and have many features that make presentations interesting to view and follow.
My school district has been generous enough to also provide many of the classrooms with Promethean boards that have many great features to utilize while creating lesson and giving presentation. Professional development that guides the use of this tool is essential but when you learn the basic tips you can create great lesson, as well as, capture the students interest in manipulating the white board and it fun tools.
Another tool that I have been introduced to is Google Docs. With the web capacity and the ability to work within the cloud you can create useful documents, web pages, and much more. During my investigation I have found that Google Docs is not the easiest tool to use some of the applications can become confusing for those of us who are not computer literate. There are some benefits to creating documents in Google docs however, such as the ease of sharing you documents with other staff members or friends.
If I had to make a choice for a presentation tool though I would have to choose Prezi. The ease of use and the idea of one page presentations that can move and adjust to the needs of the presenter make this tool fun to work with and interesting to follow. Another plus is that you can share your presentations through PDF or online to many people in different locations at the same time. This week’s research has brought to me many new tools to think about and I believe that I will have many opportunities to learn how to best utilize each tool. I look forward to finding out which tools appeal to my students and trying each in classroom situations to find out which ones will work best for all.
References:
Laureate, 2010. An Introduction to Prezi® Learn how to use Prezi®, an online presentation tool. Retrieved May 3, 2011 from Laureate online video.
Mark - all of the 4th and 5th grade teachers at my school have just received Promethean boards and they are so excited to learn more about how to use them. I was glad to hear that your school has found these interactive boards to be engaging, useful tools for the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI think that I need to learn more about Google Docs. I have heard so many positive comments about GD, but I have not found it to be very user-friendly. I don't know if my third-graders could easily utilize Google Docs in the same way that they can use PowerPoint, but I will continue to explore the possibilities.
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI too took a look at Google Docs and though it seems very similar to PowerPoint, it is not as user friendly and does not have as many options. I believe that the ability to use it across the internet gives it some advantages but in my opinion not enough to make it a valuable tool.
I am interested to see that you also state that Preszentit is a usable program and think I need to check it out.
~Charity