12.2: Web 2.0: Prezi-The Cool Tool That Stood Out to Me

Web 2.0: 12.2: Prezi: The Cool Tool That Stood Out to Me

Of all the educational technology tools that were presented in module 12, the one I really liked the most and has the most promise for my style of teaching is Prezi. Prezi is an interactive presentation editor that is wholly on-line.  They are can be accessed anywhere and are fast and easy to use.  You can pick from a variety of formats to present your information on, depending on what you are trying to convey.  

Unlike PowerPoints what I really like MOST about Prezi’s is that they are NOT linear!  Most learning in my class is not linear to begin with.  We, as a class, make decisions all the time as to which direction we wish to go as a class, as long as we stay on topic, I’m good with it.  If we are talking theme, then I can jump around as needed in the Theme Prezi to focus on the discussion at hand.  I can zoom in on sections or link to an outside source (either on my computer or on the web)!  Although PowerPoints can do some of this, Prezi’s take it to a whole new level!

Additionally, teachers and students alike can search for other Prezi’s on the same or similar topics depending on what is needed.  Students can even collaborate – although it is not as smooth as I would like –with one another!  If you find a Prezi you like, it is easy to duplicate them as long as they are not ‘locked’ down, and you can revise, edit, and make it your own.

What Prezi’s Get Right:

·      They are easy and fun to do: Students get engaged in their own educational presentation right off the bat!

·      Student generated material: students have to think about what they are generating. It engages them.

·      Prezi’s are thought provoking: Will my audience understand what I am trying to get across? Is this accurate? How can I tell? What would I change?

·      Collaborative Approach: Although it is not smooth, students can collaborate on a Prezi.  Developing a Prezi, students can change the sections to reflect newer and better information and to reflect, interact, and collaborate with students within the classroom, or across the world, although they MIGHT have to share one user name and password (I don’t care for that though).   

·      Global Access: Students can search, read and change Prezi’s from virtually anyplace they have internet access and they are not restricted to school hours.  This is especially good if the student is sick!

Common Core State Standards Met (CCSS): 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7: "Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos or maps) with other information in print and digital texts."

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7: "Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words."

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1: "Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively."

In addition to the above, this lesson would satisfy several CCSS regarding research and presentation skills!

ISTE Standard met: Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Creative Communicator and Global Collaborator