This week, I'm going to share how I used a Prezi in my classroom! If you don't know about Prezis, they are sort-of PowerPoint-esque. A Prezi is a really dynamic and engaging way to presenting information. For those of us with SMARTboards,
Here is what they say about themselves:
I made my first Prezi last year. I spent some time playing around with the technology to see what I could do with it. My Prezi was about Spanish Conquistadors.
Some things that worked:
- My students loved the movement across the screen. It kept them really engaged and focused and allowed us to get through a lot of content quickly.
- Being able to add graphics (paintings, maps, flags and primary sources) to the Prezi was great for all students but especially my English Language Learners.
- It was really easy (and kind of fun!) to make.
- You can pack a TON of information into a pre-made template.
What didn't really work:
- My conquistador lesson was very teacher driven. Other than tapping the SMARTboard, the students didn't really interact with the lesson. However, I think if you want the students to create a Prezi, they are going to need to see one first!
What I'll try next:
- I'm thinking of using a Prezi for a read aloud. I JUST finished reading Wonder by RJ Palacio last night, and I think it would be awesome to create a Prezi focusing on the different narrators and points of view in the novel. Once testing is finished, I should be able to get my class into the computer lab, so I'll have them work on the different characters in the book. Once they have their pieces done, we can put it all together in one large Prezi to share.
Have you used a Prezi in your classroom?
This is another idea I have never heard of!! I love playing around with technology and this looks so neat! I have added it to my growing pin to-do list:) Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDelete~Holly
Fourth Grade Flipper
Sarah, thanks for reminding me about this great resource. I went to workshop last summer where I was introduced to Prezi, but it got pushed to the side with the back to school rush. Maybe I'll give this a try while reviewing. Thanks!
ReplyDelete~Courtney
Polka Dot Lesson Plans
Prezi sounds very exciting. I will have to try it out!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Elementary School Garden
I have never heard of a Prezi, either! I'm going to have to research it a little now. I'm still earning how to use Smartboards, so all this technology is very new to me!
ReplyDeleteHeather @ Crazy Life of a Future Teacher
I just recently tried Prezi for the first time with my students and they did great with it! I'll have to post about it soon. Yours is awesome! I definitely will be using Prezi again!
ReplyDeleteKristin
iTeach 1:1
I'd love to see yours!
DeleteSarah
I love Prezi also! I first heard about them from our new teachers who had used them when in college. I checked it out and loved it so now I have my students make them for visual aids when presenting in lieu of Power Points.
ReplyDeleteJessica
English With Mrs. L.
I have seen Prezis but never made one. I use ppt and One Note for just about everything, though, so it can't be too different.
ReplyDelete-Maria
Everyone deServes to Learn
Oh, I love this! I'd seen one before, but didn't know what it was called.
ReplyDeleteYou use it on your SMART board - can you write on it interactively? I think this has so much potential!!
Thanks for sharing!
Yes, you can write on it! That's a great way to make it more interactive!
DeleteSarah
Love this new idea! Thanks for sharing :) And yes, it was a Farley idea! Thanks for popping in and leaving love on my blog!
ReplyDeleteAmelia
wherethewildthingslearn
I've used the Prezi, but haven't had my students use it...yet...I think they may make me motion sick if I gave them the reins! ;O)
ReplyDeleteI've only created one or two, but it was last year and I haven't had time to this year. :O(
I think it's a great tool, though!! And, they have a lot of ready made ones on the site that you can tweak if you need to!
Amanda
Collaboration Cuties