Presentation Tools: Assessment 1 - Embedded Task 4

I found this next task to be quite different. I originally was going to reflect on PowerPoint because that is all I’ve ever known. I then decided I would have a look into Prezi and found it be so much cooler! Luckily for you guys, I don’t have the time to make my own presentation but I went through the steps of making one just using the sites reusable designs and found it to be quite engaging. I encourage everyone to have a look at some of the creations people have made, they are incredible!

PREZI PRESENTATIONS

Prezi is a presentation software much like Microsoft’s PowerPoint but allows users to use a zooming function. It is generally used to present ideas in a visually enticing way. You are able to link in text, images, videos, audio, files and even PowerPoint’s. You can pan, zoom, rotate, size, and edit objects using the tool as well as link paths to connect the objects as a linear presentation if required.. You have the option to create your own presentation on a blank canvas, or you can use one of the sites reusable themes. I must admit, I was very hesitant to even use Prezi, but I was so surprised with how easy it is to use once I had signed up. The instructions are very clear and the tool palette is simple. Everything is easy to link in with just a few clicks. For these reasons, I think Prezi would be suitable for anyone, even young children (also there is a 24/7 support team!). Prezi presentations can be created and edited by both individuals and collaborative groups of up to 10 people. Unfortunately to have much of the privacy settings, there are small fees involved, otherwise, the free version allows your presentations to be made public. Prezi is not only available on your browser or desktop, but is also available on IPad, IPhone and Android devices, making the tool even more available.  The following images are screenshots from a reusable design allowed by Prezi and some of the customisation tools available.

Creating a Prezi presentation

Options of inserts available

Customisation tools

IN THE CLASSROOM

Prezi opens up whole new opportunities in the classroom. Much like PowerPoint, students have the ability to visualise meaningful ideas in a rather creative and interactive way. I believe that with the use of Prezi students will become more engaged in their learning and hopefully, more driven. Prezi would become a useful tool in group and collaborative tasks and individually. Teachers are able to present learning materials in a more engaging way for students and in what I think, a less time consuming way. Prezi is interactive, creative and motivating and encourages exploration, challenge and assessment. Presentations, depending on the level of  access you have, can be viewed by anyone or only people you request and therefore could successfully be used as part of assessment pieces, especially those of group nature.  The following table shows only some of the activities involving the use of Prezi in the classroom, the advantages and disadvantages, and use within the context of my chosen subjects including History and Biology using the SAMR Model.

SAMR Level	Examples of Activities	Advantages/ Disadvantages	Context     (History and   Biology)
Substitution	Teachers present learning materials for the lesson using Prezi presentations.	No functional change, just easier for teacher to discuss with students and less paper!. Provides a visual representation for students.	History – when discussing an in-depth topic, link to external resources etc. Biology – same as History.
Augmentation	Present a chosen topic using Prezi. Include images, video and audio, individually or in groups.	Functional change from PowerPoint. Becomes more interactive with links and paths to connect different ideas/concepts. If task completed in groups, like most group activities, possibility of bullying, ‘slack’ behavior and no participation. Both students and teachers may find the presentations more amusing. Easier presentation of information on more involved topics. Allows use of images, videos and audio.	History –Students to create a presentation on a chosen topic (eg. A timeline of World War 2) in groups and then present to class. Could be used as a way of presenting assessment pieces also. Biology – use Prezi to give a detailed explanation of the anatomy of a living organism. Could be used to present results from experiments, excursions, reports etc. Could also be used in assessment pieces.
Modification	Instead of taking written notes, students to build up a Prezi presentation over the duration of a topic. Teachers can use this as a marked task or otherwise provide a ‘prize’ for whoever has the best presentation.	Significant redesign from written documents. Again, becomes more interactive (and fun) for students. Easier than writing everything. Teachers can monitor students learning. Distractions and bullying possible. Becomes easier to download all information and less time consuming for both teacher and student.	History – As activity states, students to use Prezi as note taking tool for a specific topic. Biology – as above.
Redefinition	Teacher to create a very basic Prezi presentation and students are to monitor/edit as groups. Could be done as an interschool/classrooms activity within specific topics if schools allow.	Students become responsible for their learning. Allows students the opportunity to collaborate with other students. Again, distractions and bullying is possible. Teachers can monitor students learning.	History – Teacher sets up a presentation /s for students based on a specific topic (eg. World War 2) with only basic information. Students are then to investigate topic further and edit the presentation to include their findings. Biology – same as History. Use as a tool t get students to name the anatomy of a living organism.