This week we were asked to create a presentation that explains the benefits of digital storytelling. As a result, I decided that I would create my presentation using a program called, Prezi. Having never used this before it was something that I was really excited about. Not knowing what to expect in my creation, I was a little disappointed because I thought navigating through this program would be a bit harder. Just kidding, not disappointed at all!! Prezi was so easy to navigate through and I loved the fact that your whole presentation was right in front of you. The only downfall was that you could not copy a picture and paste to your presentation, you actually had to save it and then insert your picture.
After viewing the video about digital storytelling I couldn't help but notice that everything about digital storytelling was positive. Its benefits are endless for both students and teachers and it is such an interactive way for students to participate in their learning. So being the devil's advocate I had to try to find the downfalls of digital story telling. After reading an article written by a freelance digital story facilitator http://www.panos.org.uk/?lid=23126I I found that digital storytelling does have its downfalls. The article states that sometimes digital stories are created and this is not always the best option. So I thought what better option would there be? A traditional speech in front of an audience that you have to be directly engaged with? I do agree with the fact that when students or teachers see digital stories they get a sense that when they create it must be done in a certain way that has worked for other people. A lot of what I learned about digital storytelling talks about the freedom of individual learning styles. I think if students and teachers can get away from what they want people to read and hear the better their presentations will be received.
So after about two days of working n this assignment I still feel that I
could have done a little better with the graphics that I used, but I think my content serves the purpose. After spring break I will use Prezi with my first grade class because I think it will be a great learning experience for them. We will create a nature walk presentation. I hope to be able to download pictures from my digital camera that we take from our nature walk. We will talk about animal homes and I will use pictures from the book, The Log Hotel to create a presentation that will inform the audience of all the different animal homes.
I also liked working with this online program Prezi. The one problem that I struggled with that I saw in your prezi is that when it zooms into a title or topic it sometimes cuts off part of a word. This is where I spent most of my 10 hours creating mine. I would rehearse the Prezi until all 100% of my titles and subtitles were showing. This kind of program is sometimes dangerous for a perfectionist, such as myself. However, I do feel that once I have had more practice with this program, I will not need to spend so much time creating one.
ReplyDeleteI also like your idea of a nature walk presentation and the animal homes idea that you described. Being a middle school mathematics teacher, I am struggling with trying to think of ideas how I could use it in my classroom. I think I will have to do a little more research to find how other middle school mathematics teachers have used it. One example that I do recall is exploring the geometry in the school.
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed reading your blog.
Your experience with Prezi sounds similar to mine. I was reflecting back at my experience using it and forgot to mention how easy the program was to navigate through. I am glad you mentioned it!
ReplyDeleteI liked your interest in finding the pros and cons of digital storytelling. I think it can put both the creator and presenter at ease rather than explaining bullet points and subtopics from a traditional presentation. Prezi needs audio or did I miss that.
I think your last sentence was a little hard to understand but to rephrase it. Using a little creativity can capture and audience as long as it is relevant and engages to the students.
I was glad to read how you will be using Prezi in the future. I will be part of a training team at the college I work for (it’s a new position) and will be using it for presentations.
I really liked how much information and graphics you added to your Prezi. You added important content about interactive learning and very well choreographed. It looked great.
I enjoyed reading your blog, enjoy your nature walk presentation, I am sure your Prezi will capture that experience and will look fantastic.
I am a follower!