Top 10 Tips for Using PowerPoint

1.   PowerPoint is useful in presenting a linear presentation.  
2.   On PowerPoint there are different options for printing slides, which makes it accessible for sharing the information and even sharing the PowerPoint where others can write their own notes under the slides.
3.   There are multiple animation options for changing how the text is presented in PowerPoint, and a number pops up that lists the order of the animation, which is useful for easy editing so that they can appear in the order you really want the animation to.  (The animation path can be alterted!)
4.    Inserting different images, narration, and even music is an option available in using PowerPoint.  So really the design, animation, and overall slide show can be manipulated to look the way you want to.
5.   There are preformatted slides and options for a blank slide, which is useful in moving around anything on the slide and playing content or image anywhere you would like.  
6.   Easy and multiple ways to manipulate the font color and size using PowerPoint.
7.   On PowerPoint bulletin points list the main ideas and are easily highlight the topic being covered.  (If you hit the “tab key” after each bulletin point sub-points are created, and click the “shit-tab key” to go back to main bulletin point).
8.   There are multiple options for different slides styles by clicking on “New Slides” to use in PowerPoint. (Can also select the "action buttons" and create a "hyperlink" to other slides or a URL). 
9.   Different background options for presentation, templates, and background styles can be altered. The images can match up to the content.  Also, images can be be "grouped" together by clicking holding the "shift key" clicking on each image, right click, and select "grouping." This feature allows you to move a large body of content.
10.   On PowerPoint you can alter the time configuration for each slide so that slides can transition automatically.

 

Click on the Technology and Teaching page to view PowerPoint

Top 10 Tips for Using Prezi!

1. The zoom in and zoom out feature on Prezi is unique because the program can go from “big ideas” or concepts to zooming in on words or images so those ideas can be highlighted.
2. On Prezi you can setup a free account, which is helpful for teachers using Prezi as a teaching tool for students to use.
3. It’s more than just a linear presentation; the rotation features on Prezi is more interactive for the audiences.
4. Prezi is done all online, which means that with internet connection it’s easy to share any Prezi that is created.
5. Prezi presentations can be shared, copied and worked by others for group projects.
6. Prezi can be used more than just for presentations, but ideas can be mapped and brainstormed with how the features are set up.
7. Prezi could be used interactively to play trivia or present quizzes to the class.
8. Prezi could be used over time, for new classes because your Prezi’s you create are saved on your account.
9. Prezi’s can be uploaded to the internet for easy and continual viewing over time or people could refer to the presentation once given the link for their reference.
10. Prezi is a fun and creative alternative to presenting information that may otherwise be uninteresting.

Click the Technology & Teaching page to view my first Prezi!