Prezi

Prezi is probably one of my most favorite new tools. It is presentation software that is web-based. They do have an education account that provides features and options that a standard account does not. The best way to describe Prezi is to think of it as 3D Infinite Canvas for creating a presentation.

Power Point is linear based presentation software. With Prezi you have the ability to Zoom In and Out, as well as rotate objects 360 degrees. The great thing about zooming in and out is it offers you the opportunity to focus on a certain aspect of an image, graph, or chart. It offers the ability to embed video and picture, as well as link to outside sources. Since it is a web-based application, it is easy to share with students and other teachers without having to have a certain kind of software.

For an introduction to Prezi, watch the following video tutorial. You also have the ability to search for Prezis created by others about content you are teaching. You might find this Presentation with some Tips and Tricks for Prezi useful as well. If you are set on using Power Point in class, that is fine. Just upload your Power Point Slides and use Prezi to change how you normally present. Students are burnt out on Power Point!

I will be honest and tell you that it takes some getting used to when it comes to learning how to organize your presentation. Getting away from our linear understanding of how we normally do things takes some time, but once you have finished a presentation, it makes it all worth while. Change up the monotonous use of Power Point in the classroom. Impress your administrators with the use of something new. Get them asking you questions about what it is. Make your presentations memorable.

Tools for the 21st Century Teacher - By: Michael Zimmer