Week 5- Reflection 4- Group 3 Technologies

 Reflection 4- Group 3 Technologies

This week we examined three presentation based programs; Prezi, PowerPoint and Glogster. These programs can be used to present, collate and mash-up learning or information. They are all capable programs of gaining the students attention, as video, audio, images and text can all be displayed in these presentation based programs.

I didn't choose to overview my thoughts on Microsoft PowerPoint as I have used this program for years on end and wanted to try something new. In previous years of study I have heard "Prezi" mentioned by lecturers as ways to display your point of view in a different way. So I decided I would overview Prezi for all of you and then run  SAMR model on the Prezi program to finish the blog off.

Prezi
Prezi is a online based presentation software program. It is used by many global companies as an alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint, it is a free program that can also be purchased as a downloadable software program for $20 per month. Having the downloadable program allows for use off line where internet sources are not available, or businessman can access from their laptops, smartphones and tablets at the ease of a downloadable app.

One of the main benefits of Prezi that I found was it's ability to zoom in and out on different subject choices, this can be rather important if you as a teacher want to focus on particular parts of your lesson more than others. You may have a topic such as osmosis which may be hard to define to students via text, but displaying osmosis in a picture may enhance the students learning. I think it is important as a teacher to mix up and change your teaching styles every few weeks to keep your students interested in your lessons. It not only keeps your students interested in what you are teaching them, but it gives you as the teacher some new teaching strategies as to what is best for each of your individual classes.

I have added two images below from a Prezi example, that highlights the use of text and images in one.

The teacher displays the definition of Osmosis first and then zooms into a picture hidden above the "i" in high.

The teacher then clicks the next arrow and a image of osmosis is blown up larger on the screen.

I had an attempt at making a Prezi myself, I found by using one of the pre existing templates made it easier to navigate and add your information along the way. If you do get stuck along the way there are multiple example videos given to you on the Prezi website- https://prezi.com/n-p8g_xcyp_m/thoughts-on-using-prezi-as-a-teaching-tool/.

 If you let your imagination flow with this program it is not just limited by the use of teachers and businessman, but could be used by coaches, parents and managers. This program can become important part of your teaching needs and students can begin to use it for there oral presentations as a terrific tool. I will continue to read articles on Prezi and use it as a extra tool in my classes, practice makes perfect right???

Please view my Prezi below I have used it as an online coaching tool for a soccer team, listing the line-ups, game-plans and improvements.



Prezi SAMR Model
Substitution- Rather than using PowerPoint slides for their assignments, students could design their particular assignment on Prezi instead.

Augmentation- Students can search a particular topic of choice from many of the free online samples of an online Prezi.

Modification- As a teacher you could prepare and present the lesson on Prezi, students will get to understand the information and how Prezi works at the same time.

Redefinition- Students could be given an oral assessment task, where they are to design, prepare and display their content using an online Prezi.

Thanks for your time again this week :) have a great weekend and get those assignments rolling.