Remember when knowing how to use PowerPoint was impressive? It doesn't take long for technology to become dull and overused. Unfortunately, PowerPoint, even with system updates, it become one of those things. However, there is still a real need for a relevant presentation tool that is creative, yet professional. I believe prezi.com is the answer.
Prezi.com is a free service, with the option for paid upgrades. This site allows users to create dynamic and creative presentations. If you are familiar with PowerPoint, it is fairly easy to operate. Prezi does include several tutorial videos on the site for beginners.
One thing that I LOVE about the site is that you can upload PowerPoints you have made over the years, and the site transfers the images and text into the Prezi format. This feature saved me a ton of time when updating my presentations.
The options that Prezi offers allows students to think beyond linear cause and effect or chronological timelines. This proved to be very useful when reading Slaughter House-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. The story line jumps around, sometimes paragraph by paragraph. However, even though the events in the story didn't happen chronologically, they effected the main character's life in different ways. Showing the connections in a regular PowerPoint would being about many issues, as it is limited to a linear presentation. Prezi allows the user to manipulate the placement of slides and lets the user choose the order or "path" in which the slides are presented. Therefore, students were able to create a timeline of events in chronological order, but were able to present the information in the order it was revealed in the novel. The visualization helped clarify one of the admittedly confusing parts of the story.
Here is an example of a student created presentation on Slaughterhouse - Five.
http://prezi.com/wmod67xis1w9/copy-of-slaughterhouse-five-timeline/?kw=view-wmod67xis1w9&rc=ref-38019973
Another great thing about this site is that they offer an upgrade package for free to educators. All you need is a school website and e-mail address as proof.
I really encourage people to look into this as an alternative or supplement to PowerPoint. It's free, readily available, visually striking, and easy to use.
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