What did you do this week?
Watch and learn... there is a lot this week
This week, I examined a set of tools that can be used
to present, a variety of learning information. Tools such as a PowerPoint, Prezi and Glogster are all able to collate all levels of
interactivity and multimedia (text, audio, images and movies) sources. And they are amazing!
Ok, I've heard of powerPoint, but whats a Prezi?
Well a Prezi is a zooming presentation tool and is a whole new take on a linear slide show. Prezi is officially my new favorite tool, it takes an idea to a whole new level, shows the BIG picture and then zooms back into the detail.
We have all seen and maybe even used power point to introduce a topic or provide information and there are several ways that PowerPoint has benefits over Prezi. Theme customization is much easier in PowerPoint. Sound and video can also be added to PowerPoint much more easily. Moreover, PowerPoint allows the user to add slides in a specific point simply with the click of a button.
However, I believe that Prezi is the overall winner in this battle. The freedom and spatial creativity that Prezi allows for are cannot be matched by PowerPoint, and these elements, when used wisely, will continue to fascinate audiences around the world.
I undertook making my own Prezi presentation linked to Year 9 Science Curriculum.Ok, I've heard of powerPoint, but whats a Prezi?
Well a Prezi is a zooming presentation tool and is a whole new take on a linear slide show. Prezi is officially my new favorite tool, it takes an idea to a whole new level, shows the BIG picture and then zooms back into the detail.
We have all seen and maybe even used power point to introduce a topic or provide information and there are several ways that PowerPoint has benefits over Prezi. Theme customization is much easier in PowerPoint. Sound and video can also be added to PowerPoint much more easily. Moreover, PowerPoint allows the user to add slides in a specific point simply with the click of a button.
However, I believe that Prezi is the overall winner in this battle. The freedom and spatial creativity that Prezi allows for are cannot be matched by PowerPoint, and these elements, when used wisely, will continue to fascinate audiences around the world.
Earth and space sciences and the curriculum content description of the theory of plate tectonics explains global patterns of geological activity and continental movement (ACSSU180)
Prezi - Tectonic Plates
I found it be be easy to use, once you found your feet through a bit of play. It allowed me to add text, movies and digital images in a whole new way. It allowed me to show a big picture of information and zoom into the finer detail and definitions. it enabled me to show links between concepts and identify new connections between information helping not only the audio and visual learners but the congnitive and constructivism learners.
It allows for new kinds of visualizations and opportunities to link imagery to motion, which in turn creates a deeper understanding and retention. Some times the way we view information helps us to remember it, it can really aid the visual and kinetic learning.
With any technology, there are advantages and disadvantages that exist. Take a look at some of the ones I have come up with and then from there, you can weigh out the pros and cons to decide if Prezi is something worth adding to your classroom in the future.
New and Different Prezi is not your typical slide-based presentation tool. There is no such thing as a linear, slide-by-slide display method. It’s Free and Web-Based Link Text and Images to Movement Prezi zoom in (past the word Imagery) and display examples of the imagery you are discussing. The movement relates to the terms and examples, creating a visual link for the students. Appropriate for All Ages The web-based software is designed with all ages in mind. The simple icon-based design tools ensures that any age group will be successful in creating and presenting new creations. |
Can Cause Motion Sickness Yes, you read it correctly.! This is totally avoidable if you know what you’re doing when designing your presentation, though. Making simple moves from one screen area to the next will eliminate the nauseating effects of cross-screen movement. Good pictures that are jpeg format are required as they can easier become fuzzy within Prezi |
Break the mold and present in unique ways.
One nice thing that Prezi allows is exporting of your completed presentation, making it view able offline. This is recommended for anyone relying on the Prezi for class or a presentation as it can be used as a backup should your internet fail.
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As you know, the SAMR is a technology integration model, basically shows
the way to get the most out of your technology in the classroom and it needs to be considered that some tasks just aren’t made for redefinition, and great
learning can happen without redefinition. But redefinition is the Holy Grail!
If you get there, you’re providing learning that couldn’t have happened a decade ago (maybe a year ago).
If you get there, you’re providing learning that couldn’t have happened a decade ago (maybe a year ago).
Prezi makes presentations possible in a way that was previously impossible. It gives the presenter controls that they wouldn't have with a standard PowerPoint presentation (and it’s free).
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| http://ditchthattextbook.com/2014/03/13/rethinking-samr-tpack-and-using-technology-well/ |
Notice that as you enter redefinition, the time continues to
add up but the visibility doesn't. You do add the majority of technology
integration, though: enlightenment. This is where some of the most engaging,
meaningful learning can occur.
This means if we want to really define learning it not always about what we as teacher do, but what we get the students to do. Making a Prez would allow students to consolidate their knowledge and research, be critical and creative and most of all become higher order thinkers. When considering getting students to make their own Prezi, PowerPoint or Globster always make sure you;
The collected information can be consolidated and presented on a Globster which is an online scrapbooking tool that allows the student to place many types of information on a single page.The Globsters can be embedded in the central Wiki or Weebly site as a great evidence of activity and learning.
I have embedded an example of a Globster on my wikispace and would complete this lesson plan with a group collaboration creating a Globster, and then collating it into the central Weebly to give evidence of learning.
So what advice would you give me before I used any of these tools?
This means if we want to really define learning it not always about what we as teacher do, but what we get the students to do. Making a Prez would allow students to consolidate their knowledge and research, be critical and creative and most of all become higher order thinkers. When considering getting students to make their own Prezi, PowerPoint or Globster always make sure you;
- have clearly defined your expectations for the task
- set clear timelines and due dates for all components of the activity
- explain copy right laws and provide direction for creative common images/film
- set rule for behaviour and online conduct (see my slide show below)
- let them be creative and have fun, they will learn!
As an additional activity for my Yr 9 science lesson, I directed them to Google Earth layers. Here are some screen shoots of Google Earth looking at the volcanoes that make up the ring of fire (watch the Prezi!).
I have embedded an example of a Globster on my wikispace and would complete this lesson plan with a group collaboration creating a Globster, and then collating it into the central Weebly to give evidence of learning.
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| A Globster used as to summaries learning in a topic/unit |
Well,
I see a few issues that I feel need additional consideration such as the online safety of students using these programs. I think as Teachers we need to educate students about the importance of privacy and security by including it in your curricula or inviting experts to speak to your class. Keep the dialogue going about the technologies that your students are using to keep your education efforts current and relevant. Also, Be proactive. Make sure your school has policies in place that address important issues concerning student privacy, employee privacy, searches and surveillance, use of computers, mobile devices and social networks (on and off school property), cyberbullying, school email and data security.
How can we educate our students?
So I developed my own PowerPoint presentation (they still have a place!) to show all my students and discuss being a good digital citizen, I then uploaded it to slide share. Enjoy!
Class rules from clatcham
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| My Wordle on ICT's |
As always make sure you know your schools policies and understand and abide by all copy right laws for everything you use, make sure your students understand about creative commons when making their own Prezi or Globster.
Any advice on which ICT tools I should use?
Hmm..
I think that as teaches plan, we need to make sure that the content we are delivering is solid. For ever lesson plan we need to ensure that there are sound teaching fundamentals. Then, through good ICT's choices we need to make sure that the technology tools and processes are a good fit for what we want to do.
Teachers need to plan the course and choose the best tools possible to
construct the best experience.
As a goal without a plan is just a wish. An ICT tool without a learning outcome is just a waste of time.
Choose right, plan well, reach that goal and redefine learning.
Cheers Cassie
References
http://blog.planbookedu.com/promoted/page:11
http://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/newmedia/learningobjects
http://instructionaltechtalk.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-prezi/
http://ditchthattextbook.com/2014/03/13/rethinking-samr-tpack-and-using-technology-well/?relatedposts_hit=1&relatedposts_origin=1673&relatedposts_position=1
http://www.slideshare.net/belindaastanton/tpack-samr
http://ditchthattextbook.com/2014/03/13/rethinking-samr-tpack-and-using-technology-well/?relatedposts_hit=1&relatedposts_origin=1673&relatedposts_position=1
http://www.slideshare.net/belindaastanton/tpack-samr
Wow Cass. Awesome job, I love the prezi, you have the right idea with zooming into the details and I can see it being a great asset in a Science class done well. Also linking between prezi, google earth, glogster and weebly is a great idea. I agree that Prezi is a great example of redifinition. Great work.
ReplyDeleteRegards Katrina