I chose to do the digital text project. Going into this project I had several different ideas of what to do to represent digital text. As I started, I realized how hard it might be to use some of these awesome programs in your class. Some you have to have downloaded on the computers (which some kids might not even have computers at home, or might not be allowed to download stuff onto their computers), and even if you had a computer lab with the programs already downloaded many of these programs demand a lot of time for the learning curve as well as time invested in downloading content for your project. I came across a program called Prezi. Prezi is pretty much a power point presentation with a little more zing to it. Probably one of the coolest things that I have ever come across. I forgot about my students for awhile and thought of all the different ways and possibilities that I could use it in my presentations and teaching. It does not cost anything and requires no downloading which is fantastic. You are able to insert pictures and videos easily without any trouble and you don't even need to leave the website to access them.
With students I think that they would respond very well to Prezi. I think that they would have a lot of fun with the program. I think it would be a good idea to reserve the computer lab for two days and have the students work on their own presentations. You could assign out topics that you had gone over for the entire semester, or break it into smaller topics that maybe you had just covered in the unit. Also it might be a good way to generate some background knowledge if you are going into a unit and want the students to gain some knowledge on their own before you start on a unit. I was remembering that there are often restrictions on school computers that block a lot of websites, and I figured that if that was the case students could simply use their text books for information and if it is a background knowledge activity then students could have complete presentations on what they think the topic is and their ideas and questions about it. The best part about Prezi is that it is saved on the internet and you dont have to be on the same computer you made it on to view it. They could make their presentations in the computer lab and present it in class on the class computer.
Some problems that I can see happening with Prezi is students not understanding how to work it. I think that if I had two class days that students could get the hang of it and put together a basic presentation. Another problem (which is a problem with most digital texts) is that its not 100% proof that it is going to work. So many things can go wrong such as it not being saved, it not transferring, etc. and you have to be prepared to be a little relaxed on deadlines with students when things like that happen. But I think that Prezi makes things pretty much 99% proof because it saves everything for you and again, you can access it from anywhere! It would be very easy to use this often since I do not think that students would get bored with it. It is a good way to get information across in a creative way.
I did a Prezi on Illegal Drugs and I had a blast doing it. Seriously is one of the coolest things I have had as a teaching tool and I am super excited to use it. This is the URL to view it.
http://prezi.com/user/mp-eptrq4yrf/
Amazing, detailed Prezi! I hope that you keep it as a model for your students so you can show them how a nice one is made. I like how you incorporated multiple forms of representation, such as videos and images. I think that it is a more powerful way to share information because then you can get first-hand testimonials from people.
ReplyDeleteI also liked your reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the Prezi. I agree with you--it's great that you don't have to keep them on a flashdrive because students will lose those things all the time.
Again, thanks for a great project! :)