The first tool I would like to share is the Prezi presentation software.
A lot of students are really getting into using it for presentations rather than using the more traditional MS PowerPoint. I think it is a bit more fun to use as they have really fun templates and makes the presentations a bit more engaging for students to work with (or watch). A public account is free and you can download the desktop app as well as working online. It's pretty easy to navigate and you can imbed videos and links, just as you can with MS PowerPoint, but it seems a bit easier. I like to format of bobbing from bubble to bubble and you can navigate to any bubble at any time with the click of the mouse.
A lot of students are really getting into using it for presentations rather than using the more traditional MS PowerPoint. I think it is a bit more fun to use as they have really fun templates and makes the presentations a bit more engaging for students to work with (or watch). A public account is free and you can download the desktop app as well as working online. It's pretty easy to navigate and you can imbed videos and links, just as you can with MS PowerPoint, but it seems a bit easier. I like to format of bobbing from bubble to bubble and you can navigate to any bubble at any time with the click of the mouse.
The next tool I would like to highlight is iMovie.
What kid doesn't love creating videos? iMovie is easily accessible on most apple devices and allows you to create and edit videos. It does take a bit of practice and skill to piece together a presentation, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy and the end result is really professional looking. iMovie is fun to use to commemorate class trips, as a possible format for class yearbooks, and really any movie presentation if students are looking for alternate ways to present their work. In the era of YouTube and social media, students really engage in being allowed to present their work in a variety of ways.
The third resource I would like to share is ePals (http://www.epals.com/#!/main).
I haven't actually used before but it looks really cool. I'm wondering if anyone has any personal experience they can share or perhaps point me in the direction of a similar resource. The resource is called ePals. Classes from all over the world can log in and connect with other classes for a variety of purposes. They can just become pen pals, work on a collaborative project over the internet, Skype one another, etc. When I was going through it, I did see a few Canadian classes registered. When you register, you write a quick commentary on what you're looking for in terms of collaboration. I think it would be really cool to get together with a class on the other side of the world to collaborate on a project with.
Whenever anyone ever asks me what my favourite "app" is..it is one that always includes camera, video or audio...as you have done here. There are so many opportunities for creativity here. Thanks for sharing this Candice. I wonder, as a learner yourself, which of these tools have impacted your learning/teaching the most?
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