In order to help the presentation reach higher ground (and be far more interesting), we need gifted students to use epitome examples that proves their thesis, and represent their idea. From a cognitive position, teachers should want gifted students to think in metaphors, as this transforms the understanding of a concept to higher ground.
Here are two examples of presentational software to get transformational usage:
1. Power Points
I know, Power Points have been done to death. However, they still serve a purpose.
What does a strong usage of PowerPoint look like?
- not a wall of text,
- student should be centre of presentation with key words or phrases
- 3-5 points per slide (3 is ideal)
- layout: colour, font, images (on right it complements the idea, on left it is the idea), gradient
- linear, explains how to very well
- outline skills
2. Prezi
I am not a huge fan of Prezi, but it too can help a student present information on higher ground.
What is so great about it?
- can imbed ideas within ideas, the job of a prezi is to go deep
- better for the thesis
- pick a central metaphor and use it to demonstrate the idea/thesis
- not just one path, can build up/out/down
-prezi teaches mind mapping skills
- images within images
-if there is no depth to the assignment then don’t use prezi
-builds outward
- don’t organize a prezi initially, just put the points on, then map
An example to begin Prezi or Power Point use is to pick a topic and represent it through an image from SmartArt in MS Word. This will help students visualize their concept and then think in metaphor.
Still not convinced? Stay tuned for Just Breathe Part Two: Common elements of strong presentational software to get to transformational usage
*Thanks to Wendy James for opening my eyes to this process!
Interesting. I think what you're seeing in the use of any presentation software is the role of planning and design interacting. Presentation software requires us to think about what we're trying to say and accomplish. I find both Prezi and PowerPoint to be largely linear tools, at least the way most people use them. Nothing wrong with that, and especially with students who are learning how to organize their thoughts and take an audience on a trip with them.
ReplyDeleteOne of the more innovative ways to try to use these tools (and others) is to try to build the presentation in a way that the audience drives the order and topics covered. But that requires a different way of thinking about the presentation in the first place.