Presentation Tools
by Kayela Galloway and Courtney Stephens
About these tools:
#1 Prezi
This is a simple-to-use presentation tool that most of your kids are already familiar with. The website lets you pick a layout or theme and then you just simply add your information. You can also add/delete slides as needed as well as reorder them in a way that makes sense to you. I like to use Prezi when they have a theme that relates to my topic for the day.
#2 Canva
This website allows you to create slides with built-in high resolutions images, vectors, and text effects. Most of the elements are free but they have extra ones that cost about $1.00. Once you sign up for Canva they will run you through a tutorial which is very helpful. This is also convenient because you can give your kids a link to the notes without having to upload them to schoology.
#3 Powtoon
This is perfect for creating video presentations slightly more lively and charming than the standard PowerPoint. Whether its blend of cartoony assets and sprightly animations is the right thing for you is another question. You can keep it simple and make more standard presentations or spice them up by adding animations and cartoon like images.
Tutorial: https://www.powtoon.com/tutorials/
#4 Google Slides
This may alarm you, but you may have held the secret to creating compelling slides without even knowing it. If you have a google account visit it now! At the top right hand corner, you will see an icon that looks like nine itty-bitty squares. Click it and visit Drive. Once inside your Drive, you will be able to create presentations with Google Slides. This is a simple step up from power point that allows you to share via link or attachment.
#5 MindMeister
MindMeister is a tool that allows students to create and share mind maps. Mind maps are a great way for students to collaborate and organize their thoughts. No matter the subject, students can brainstorm together and present their step-by-step thinking process. Creators can manage the website with their log in account and share with others online.
#6 Smore
Smore is a unique and creative way to create an online flyer, and you are currently looking at one! Presenters on this website can chose from a variety of beautiful layouts and themes that will put keynote presentations to shame. Teachers and students can use this site for free with a username and password. Presentations will save automatically, and can be shared online for group collaboration. You can even track how many views the flyer gets. If you want to spruce your flyer up "s'more" (pun intended), this site allows you to add images, videos, and even audio. It is super easy to operate and requires simply a drag and a click.