Prezi : The New and Improved "PowerPoint"

What is it?
Prezi is FREE for students and teachers, and is available at: http://prezi.com/ "Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software and storytelling tool for exploring and sharing ideas upon a virtual canvas. Prezi is distinguished by its Zooming User Interface, which enables users to zoom in and out of their presentation media" ("Prezi," 2011). Users can place text, images, videos, and other presentation media on the Prezi "canvas" and group the items together in frames, designate the size and position of each presentation object, and pan and zoom in between objects ("Prezi," 2011). Prezi allows for both linear and non-linear presentations, depending on whether or not users decide to designate a navigational path on their canvas. Limited Internet capabilities in the classroom? Not to worry! Users are able to download their Prezi presentations onto their computer to avoid any potential Internet problems in the classroom.

What are the major differences between Prezi and PowerPoint? Prezi is non-linear navigation with a map layout; PowerPoint is a linear navigation with a slide stack layout. Prezi is web-based and downloadable; PowerPoint is computer-based. Prezi has limited printing options; PowerPoint has multiple printing options. Which is better? That's up to the user to decide.




Here is a great introductory video for Prezi: YouTube video link (PalmBreezeCAFE, 2009)

Literacy and Technology?
Prezi is a wonderful tool for teaching literacy with technology. As human beings, are thoughts are not exactly linear. Students can often find themselves limited or frustrated with PowerPoint presentations. So why not allow students to not only be creative by also present in a non-linear fashion? How can Prezi be incorporated into the classroom? The possibilities are endless!

Let me begin with a simple example of a Prezi before I start tossing out Prezi ideas for the classroom. The following Prezi discusses Web 2.0 in the classroom. It's fantastic and actually related rather well to my own course on literacy and technology. Simply click the right arrow to go from frame to frame. Engage Your Learners Better With Web 2.0 (McCallum, 2010)

From a student's perspective, Prezi could be used for a multitude of items:

• Concept Mapping : Students can create concept maps using more than just text! With Prezi, students can incorporate text, images, videos, and other presentation media. Students are not limited to a linear mode, and can easily use Prezi to create a concept map to help illustrate relationships among concepts as well as organize and represent knowledge.
• Mind Mapping : Students can create a diagram to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea. For students who are less artistic, Prezi can help them better utilize the mind mapping technique as well as create a multimedia mind map.
• Graphic Organizers : Students can create multimedia graphic organizers.
• Character Maps : Students can create simple character maps for any literary character. They can build the Prezi over time or create a character map on Prezi as an assessment.
• Book Reviews : Yawn... Traditional book reviews can not only bore the student but also the teacher. Why not spice up the book review by making it a multimedia presentation? Book reviews could go from a yawn fest to an exciting and engaging presentation!
• Vocabulary : Students can collaborate to create a Prezi to help them better understand and learn the vocabulary. Students can also use Prezi to review and study for upcoming vocabulary exams.
• Storytelling : Create a story using pictures and videos! Students could also create a storyboard using text, drawings, and videos.

From a teacher's perspective, Prezi could help make a lesson more meaningful and interactive for students:

• Zooming in on details : Prezi allows users to zoom in on images rather easily. Teachers can help students study images in a lesson much easier. Forget that obnoxious laser pointer; teachers can zoom into a specific area of an image they want students to focus on. This could not only help create a more in-depth discussion, but help students understand what they are studying more clearly.
• Lesson Introduction : Create a lesson introduction or provide further instruction through an interactive Prezi.

More ideas?
Prezi Templates - Not the best at creating interactive Prezis? It just became a whole lot easier! There are reusable Prezis, essentially templates for you to insert your own information. Simply go to Reusable Popular Prezis (Prezi Inc, 2011)

More ideas on using Prezi in the classroom. The following website provides a Prezi explaining how to use Prezi and ideas of integrating and innovating Prezi in your classroom. Again, click the right arrow to move from frame to frame in the Prezi. Using Prezi In Your Classroom (Davenport, 2010)

References

Davenport, C. (2010, October 26). Using prezi in your classroom. Retrieved from http://colleendavenport.com/go/using-prezi-in-your-classroom/

McCallum, R. (2010, March 31). Web 2.0 in the classroom: meeting learners in their own world [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://prezi.com/obqzirjhtf-q/web-20-in-the-classroom/

PalmBreezeCAFE. (2009). Prezi - part one [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pWV8dUhoq8&feature=player_embedded


Prezi. (2011). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prezi

Prezi Inc. (2011). Reusable popular prezis. Retrieved from http://prezi.com/explore/reuse/