Often we find ourselves using the same form of presentation that we always use. We stick to what we feel comfortable doing and what we feel is easiest at that time for us.
Isn’t it Ironic that as educators we are always trying to get our kids out of their comfort zone? This is how we expose them to new ideas, thoughts, ways of thinking, and get the most out of them, yet as educators we cocoon ourselves up and stay in our safe house. One of my least favorite quotes is “I am using technology in the classroom, I present using PowerPoint”. That statement gives me chills, and not good ones.
An interesting group that we could all learn from happens to be TV Commercial writers. They are constantly changing trying to stay relevant. They have a target group in mind; they know their target group in and out. They can tell you trends on what’s hot and what’s not. Should teachers not be in this same mind frame.
Negative Teacher Comment: “Well that’s too much work. That is too hard and I don’t get paid enough to work that hard, I don’t have time for that.” – All I can think about when someone speaks with this tone, is I would do everything in my power to make sure your not teaching my daughter.
Present differently, Present to be relevant.
The continuous effort we put into our presentations should have an direct correlation on whether or not our students “buy into our product”, a product that so happens to be knowledge. In the spirit of EDTECH and Sharing here are some Relevant Presentation formats that I use.
Prezi – This just might be the most popular presentation tool of teachers that are not using Power Point. Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that opens up a new world between whiteboards and slides. The zoomable canvas makes it fun to explore ideas.
Keynote – Definitely one of my favorite ways of presenting if not my favorite way to present. It is very similar to power point. Easiest thing to put together. Keynote for Mac is great, Keynote for iPad is just as good. I can put together a short great visual presentation in no time using Keynote.
Cartoons/Comic Life: Presentations are not meant to be 2 hours long or even 45 minutes long. If it takes that long it should be called a lecture rather than a presentation. Presentations are supposed to capture us, help us understand, grab our attention, and give us visuals that connect with the content. I don’t care if you are an Elementary teacher or a High School teacher. Using comics as a form of presentation is an eyeopener and an attention grabber with all ages.
On a closing note, these are just a few examples of what I like and works for me. This is not a one size fits all blog. There are so many different forms of presentations out there. You just need to remember to change it up. Find new content, use new methods, and most important stay relevant.
Images:
Comfort Zone Image: http://stumbleforward.com/2009/05/18/3-ways-to-step-out-of-your-comfort-zone-and-get-debt-free/
Prezi Image: http://enlightenednook.wordpress.com/
Key Note Image: http://matthewneer.com/internet-marketing/keynote-animation-secrets-revealed/
Comic Life Image: http://icthinking.pbworks.com/w/page/23213238/Thinking%20Critically%20with%20Comic%20Life
