Why Prezi?
http://www.teachgennow.com.au/2012/02/51-prezi/
“Students must be encouraged to use the capabilities technology affords them to develop rich, dynamic, foreward-thinking presentations of their knowledge” (Karchmer-Klein and Shinas, 2012).
Prezi is an innovative, web-based presentation tool that was launched in 2009 (prezi.com). It is a free program that is accessible from any device with a high speed internet connection, Adobe Flash player and an up-to-date web browser and operating system (Perron and Stearns, 2010). A downloadable version is also available which can be shown offline (Lightle, 2011). Prezi presentations are relatively easy to create, however they do require a basic understanding of internet navigation, file management and design principles (Perron and Stearns, 2010). There are online tutorials designed to help new users through the program and online assistance is available directly through the website (Prezi.com).
Like other presentation tools Prezi has the capability of integrating text, videos, audio, animation and images into a single presentation. In addition, it also provides a function that allows the creator to import PowerPoint slides and PDF files into the Prezi. This means that you won’t have to spend a lot of time re-typing the information to convert it into a Prezi presentation.
A Prezi is created on a large ‘canvas’ with the various elements placed anywhere within this canvas. Unlike other presentation tools, Prezi is not limited by the size of ‘slides’ or the constraints of a traditional whiteboard. The separate elements of the presentation are connected by a specified ‘path’ that determines the flow of the Prezi (Perron and Stearns, 2010).
What makes Prezi different to alternative presentation platforms, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, is its ability to zoom and pan, thereby allowing it’s viewers to see both the small details and the big picture at once. Another important feature of Prezi is that it can be shared, allowing up to 10 group members to collaborate on a single presentation in real time (Prezi.com). This is beneficial for students that are working on group tasks or if one member can’t be present in class.
It is advantageous to students as it is highly interactive and presents information in either a linear of free flowing way (Perron and Stearns, 2010). It appeals to students that are visual-spatial learners by giving them a way to express their creativity (Manning, et al, 2011).
Prezi can be used in several ways. For example, to develop virtual graphic organisers, for visualizing concepts that apply across different levels of organization, for analyzing complex relationships or as a tool for assessment (Manning et al, 2011). It is also a good tool that can be used by the teacher to present new information, or review learned information, in an interactive and novel way.
Below is a link to a Prezi on the Nervous System. This was designed and created by me as a digital teaching resource to be used with my Year 10 Pre-VCE Psychology class whilst on practicum.
It covers the basic structure of the brain and spinal cord as well as the structure of the Peripheral Nervous System and the Neuron.
Like other presentation tools Prezi has the capability of integrating text, videos, audio, animation and images into a single presentation. In addition, it also provides a function that allows the creator to import PowerPoint slides and PDF files into the Prezi. This means that you won’t have to spend a lot of time re-typing the information to convert it into a Prezi presentation.
A Prezi is created on a large ‘canvas’ with the various elements placed anywhere within this canvas. Unlike other presentation tools, Prezi is not limited by the size of ‘slides’ or the constraints of a traditional whiteboard. The separate elements of the presentation are connected by a specified ‘path’ that determines the flow of the Prezi (Perron and Stearns, 2010).
What makes Prezi different to alternative presentation platforms, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, is its ability to zoom and pan, thereby allowing it’s viewers to see both the small details and the big picture at once. Another important feature of Prezi is that it can be shared, allowing up to 10 group members to collaborate on a single presentation in real time (Prezi.com). This is beneficial for students that are working on group tasks or if one member can’t be present in class.
It is advantageous to students as it is highly interactive and presents information in either a linear of free flowing way (Perron and Stearns, 2010). It appeals to students that are visual-spatial learners by giving them a way to express their creativity (Manning, et al, 2011).
Prezi can be used in several ways. For example, to develop virtual graphic organisers, for visualizing concepts that apply across different levels of organization, for analyzing complex relationships or as a tool for assessment (Manning et al, 2011). It is also a good tool that can be used by the teacher to present new information, or review learned information, in an interactive and novel way.
Below is a link to a Prezi on the Nervous System. This was designed and created by me as a digital teaching resource to be used with my Year 10 Pre-VCE Psychology class whilst on practicum.
It covers the basic structure of the brain and spinal cord as well as the structure of the Peripheral Nervous System and the Neuron.
References:
Karchmer-Klein, R. and Shinas, V, H. (2012). Guiding Principles for supporting new literacies in your classroom. The Reading Teacher. Vol 65, Issue 5. Pp288-293.
Lightle, K. (2011). More than just the technology. Science Scope. Summer, 2011
Manning, C., Brooks, W., Crotteau, V., Diedrich, A., Moser, J. and Zwiefelhofer. (2011). Tech Tools for Teachers, By Teachers: Bridging Teachers and Students. Wisconsin English Journal. Vol 53. No 1. Spring 2011.
Perron, B. E. and Stearns, A. G. (2010). A Review of a Presentation Technology: Prezi. Research on Social Work Practice (000(00). Accessed 07/10/2012. http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78306/1/Prezi.pdf
www.prezi.com (2012). Prezi.inc. Accessed 06/10/2012. http://prezi.com/