Prezi: An Engaging Presentation Software
One of the most wonderful parts of technology is seeing how it has developed over the years. This week, I worked with a digital platform that I haven't used since high school... and has evolved greatly since.
Prezi is a presentation software that allows users to create engaging and interactive digital presentations. Over the years, Prezi has developed to also include the ability to integrate video recordings into the presentation for asynchronous use, as well as the ability to integrate the presentation into synchronous virtual meetings. The ability to incorporate movement and zooming features into the presentation demonstrates the relationship between ideas, as well as keeping the audience engaged. Prezi is also easy to use, and allows the user to either create their own presentation, or use a pre-created template that can be filled in and edited. I chose to explore this Prezi as a potential option for a return to remote teaching and learning, if it should occur in the near future. Expectations for engaging students are going to be higher than they were back in March, meaning that I am looking to prepare a toolbox of ways both to present and engage students with learning. I have looked at many engagement tools so far, so I wanted to consider an informational presentation tool for this week.
For my exploration this week, I multi-tasked by creating a presentation for a professional development opportunity I am also participating in this semester. In this boot camp, Online Distance Learning, I am integrating technology tools into learning about how to be a better remote teacher. My project of creating a presentation based on a current design model for teaching was the perfect opportunity to explore a (somewhat) new virtual presentation tool. For this project, I had to create a screen recording video presentation demonstrating an instructional design model that I integrate into my classroom. I chose to use Prezi, because I liked how it would allow me to create and interactive and engaging flowchart that could be recorded with my voice for asynchronous engagement.
The benefits of Prezi are extensive, due to it's easy to use format and pre-made templates. The templates are beautifully created, but can also be modified to meet individual needs, as necessary. I ended up actually integrating Lucid Charts into my presentation, as I had already created the graphics, but could have easily created the same effect only using Prezi. The user can integrate media such as story blocks, PDFs, videos, charts, among others. The presentation can also be created and sent to students without a voice-over or screen-cast feature, or the creator can incorporate those aspects before sharing it with their learners. I also appreciate the collaborate feature, so that Prezi could be utilized in a similar manner to a program like Google Slides, for remote collaboration.
One of the downfalls I found to Prezi was learning how to format some of the images and graphics. I found that sometimes I would try to click on a graphic, and rather than moving it, the graphic would progress to the next slide. After some trial and error, I got used to the sensitivities of the tracking system, and was able to avoid that issue after awhile. I also wish that this program would allow for sectioning of recording, like some of the other screencast program. While you are able to pause your recording, you still have to record the whole presentation at once. That means that if you make a mistake, you have to start all over. I like that some other platforms allow you to record individual sections, and then edit them to a compiled video at the end.
Overall, I think that the new and improved Prezi is a great solution to bringing presentations to live, particularly in the age of remote learning. I will now consider using Prezi more than I do Google Docs, especially with the ability to collaborate with other individuals, when needed. Check out my sample Prezi presentation below, and let me know your thoughts!
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