3. Multimedia Presentation: Prezi
3. Multimedia Presentation Tools and Pedagogical Integration
Overview: Presentation Tools
Ah, the final reflection in the series...multimedia presentations! This particular topic wraps up my reflections and learning into a final synthesis of digital technologies and pedagogies. The thing about presentation creation tools is that they are most effectively used as integrated learning tools not merely to present multimedia or knowledge in its basic form. The nature of presentation creation tools is closely linked to the nature of Gen Z learners and whilst many of us are drawn to PowerPoint (personally I was a PowerPoint wizard back in school), this has quickly become an overrun program for engaging presentations as a new wave of creation tools have emerged.
Reflecting on the characteristics of contemporary learner's gives us insight into what makes an effectively engaging presentation...
Types of Multimedia Presentations
Interactive/Navigable (e.g. Prezi)Self-Navigating (e.g. Google Slides)Slide-Presentations (e.g. Keynote)Video (e.g. YouTube)Virtual Reality (e.g. Vizible)
(Crisansite, 2016)
Here is a video stepping through the critical elements to creating an engaging presentation using one of the top tredning multimedia presentation softwares - 'Visme'....
"The purpose of a presentation is to persuade, narrate, or educate." - Hobdell (2021)
Presentation Tools: Looking at Presenting with. Prezi...
WATCH ME: From PowerPoint to Prezi
Image Source: Prezi for Education
'Prezi' is an interactive (navigable) presentation tool. Prezi presentations have a navigation structure where the viewer (student or teacher) can choose the topics they want to go through by clicking and choosing. They require active interaction from the user and all the elements of Multimedia like sound or animation are effectively utilised to make the transfer of message clearer (Crisansite, 2016).
Prezi: Settings & Creation Tools
Miss Forsaith - Prezi Presentation
The creative idea behind Prezi is you can create an animated, non-sequential flow of topics and subtopics that are hidden until you zoom in. Prezi offers a “conversational style” of zooming and moving around between information. On my account page, you can see I have made several Prezi presentations...
There are a variety of templates to choose from, convert a PowerPoint into a Prezi presentation or create from scratch with a range of project ideas. The templates vary in colour and style, but the idea of zooming into topics and subtopics stays the same.
When it comes to customising your presentation, Prezi allows you edit the topic layout and the 'path' (direction) at which the topics move and flow when clicked on. This becomes an interactive function for teachers and student use as they can navigate through the presentation at their own pace and can trace back to topics/sub-topics.
The style functions allows for customising the typical design elements as shown below where as the the ínsert' function is more extensive and perhaps more useful for educational purposes.
As you can see, you are able to upload a range of digital media from PDF to audio, even a PowerPoint can be incorporated into the presentation itself. Images can only be uploaded from your computer but videos can be uploaded or embedded from YouTube. Embedded videos are not viewable in offline mode however. Sadly, GIFs aren’t supported (which Gen Z respond well to) and voice-over can be added only in premium plans.
These functions in particular are important for creating a dynamic presentation that integrates multiple learning opportunities and skills for students.
Again we discover more functions! Here we have actions that can be completed on each slide - edit sound, add animation, set custom start point (note: this could be used as a backwards mapping tool of a concept), presenter notes (note: this could be where students could write themselves pormpts or include a transcript for the teacher to view).
Ta-da the presenting part! Now, students or teachers have the option to present through the program or the presenter can narrate alongside or be visibly in the presentation either live (Prezi live) or recorded (Prezi video).
This screenshot shows the options when using 'create video' using the Prezi video function (note: Prezi presentations can only be created on a computer but can be viewed on all devices).
In terms of sharing the presentation, there are a few options here; sharing through presentation in the program as mentioned, creating a link, invite others to collaborate on the project through the 'collaborate' function (allows multi-author editing) or directly share the project through social media platform links.
Prezi presentations can only be downloaded from the Prezi application itself. There are two options - an EXE file for PC and a ZIP file for Mac. Presentations can then be viewed without an internet connection or the need to connect to the Prezi app.
When you are on the home page with all of your projects, you will see 3 icons - edit, present or settings. By clicking on the 'settings' icon you will see this page below. The PDF function allows you to export and print the presentation as a visual aid or for assessment submission.
Presentations are saved in the Prezi account itself being automatically saved as online programs tend to do. However the sharing and export functions allow storability and ways of transferring the presentation between different platforms when needed!
Unfortunately, presentations are public unless you have a paid account. However, in terms of privacy you are able to request viewer information for audience tracking and adds a layer of security for student use. Additionally, you are able to deactivate the presentation link taking it offline if necessary.
Prezi presentations can be shared to social media via a special share button at the top-right of the Prezi page. They can be shared on Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter - useful for collaboration, interaction and connection beyond the classroom!
Multimedia presentation tools can be daunting by the vast custoisation settings and functions. However, each individual function is user-friendly and quickly becomes easy to navigate. Those who don't feel comfortable self-navigating this tool have the option to watch tutorials and participate in mini lessons to use it effectively (see below)!
Presentation Tools: Legal, Safe and Ethical Protocols
In reflecting on my previous posts, it is clear that the legal, safe and ethical protocols that overarch all aspects of digital teaching and learning are similar across web spaces, digital media and multimedia presentation tools - copyright and licencing considerations, teaching students to be digital citizens and acknowledging the digital footprints and online presence of both students and teachers. Given multimedia presentations encompass several digital technology aspects, I have concluded that there a few key aspects to consider in line with the Australian Curriculums Learning Continuum for ICT...
Copyright & Licenscing- Appropriate use of Internet & Safe Behaviour - Integrity of Original Source Data - Digital Footprint & Online Presence - Current and Emerging Digital/Technology Trends
More detail: HERE
In terms of using Prezi specifically as a presentation tool, the privacy policy and terms of use are a good place for teachers (and schools as a whole) to review the legal and safe protocols, especially for student use.
Teaching-Learning with Presentation Tools: Prezi
Benefits
Student multimedia presentations benefit the teaching-learning experience in significant ways...
By doing presentations, students learn how to present in front of a group (specifically their peers), how to prepare engaging material for public presentation, and practice (especially with feedback) to improve their speaking skills (Weimer, 2013).
CLICK ME: Prezi for Education
Prezi is a powerful presentation tool however it doesn't hold any intrinsic educational value in terms of integrating learning - it's the content that students and teachers create that will ultimately determine the quality of the presentation.
Teacher Use
Thinking about high-level pedagogy, multimedia presentations can integrate a series of pedagogical techniques to support teaching and learning of contemporary learners. If a teacher can master the functions and Prezi tools effectively, teachers are able to engage students in a variety of ways, including flipping the classroom from traditional direct instruction, providing study guides, and facilitating online learning (Leonard, 2020).
Student Use
Students are able to effectively use the digital tools on Prezi that combine critical thinking, and the ability to synthesise thoughts and ideas, into clear, creative, and effective communication (Leonard, 2020). The key benefits of students using Prezi as a presentation tool are best described by virtual learning expert Robin Pierman (2015) 1) students create visual metaphors of their learning to improve retention; 2) analyse and create a layout that provides context to their learning and; 3) use 'freeform' navigation to prompt and engage discussion.
Linking Presentation Tools (Prezi) in the Classroom to SAMR & Blooms Taxonomy...
(...in Miss F's brain)
References
Crisansite. (2016). Importance of Using Multimedia Presentation in Teaching. WordPress. Retrieved from https://crisansite.wordpress.com/2016/04/28/importance-of-using-multimedia-presentation-in-teaching/
Hobdell, G. (2021). Week 5: Digital Tools 3 - Integrated Learning. Moodle Learning Materials. EDSE12024: Digital Pedagogies in Secondary Schools, CQUniversity e-units. Retrieved from https://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/book/view.php?id=1412194&chapterid=109022
Leonard, T. (2020). Welcome to Prezi in the Classroom: Ideas to Challenge and Inspire Your Students. Prezi Blog. Retrieved from https://blog.prezi.com/prezi-in-the-classroom/
Pierman, R. (2015). Toolbox Tip: Using Prezi in the Classroom. Association for Talent Development. Retrieved from https://www.td.org/insights/toolbox-tip-using-prezi-in-the-classroom
Weimer, M. (2013). Student Presentations: Do They Benefit Those Who Listen? Faculty Focus - Higher Education Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-and-learning/student-presentations-do-they-benefit-those-who-listen/
Hi Ashlyn,
ReplyDeleteThank you for another thorough and insightful post. You definitely demonstrated skill acquisition while reflecting on the use and purpose Prezi could serve in the classroom. I also looked at Prezi for this post so it was helpful to read about it from a colleague's point of view and compare that to my own reflections. I like how you've noted that digital presentations are ideal for appealing to Gen Z audiences, and infinitely adaptable for purpose and end-user. I also like how you've considered Prezi's capabilities from both a teacher and student perspective and how they could be used in transitional levels of the SAMR model specific to your subject area.
Hi Ashlyn,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on another great presentation.
I did signed up for Prezi a couple of years ago after my biology lecture used it. I was fascinated by his design. Sadly I that was as far as I got with it, thank you for showing me how it all works.
You appear to hit the brief in all accounts, again, demonstrating ICT skill, ICT fluency, incorporating contemporary learners and educator pedagogy.
I like how you add in original content (inn your brain) which is also requested in the Pecha Kucha, so I'm sure you will do well in the reflection task as well. The only thing I can mention is that your free hand letters can be misread, but this is only for 2 words I misread, the rest of your handwritten script was easy to read.
I have been happy to read you Blogs to date, and I can see you are very comfortable with this forum.
Good luck with the Pecha Kucha.