PREZI
Prezi is a whole new concept on the take of visual aids. It is a presentation software and storytelling tool that allows the user to create and present ideas on
a large, blank, unlimited, virtual canvas. It allows you to make colourful, informative presentations that bear almost no relation to the traditional, slide by slide approach taken by PowerPoint.It is free (for the most basic version) and takes just seconds to sign up.
Like PowerPoint, Prezi lets you seamlessly integrate images, text, videos, animations, and sounds - but in a non linear way.It is interactive and collaborative. This creates a more dynamic and engaging visual experience, as opposed to the boring lists and bullet points that we (all too often) have to endure with PowerPoint. However, there are not the same integrated tools that PowerPoint has, such as graphs and flow charts. Other images have to be created outside of Prezi and brought in.
This is how it works..
This is what you can do with it..it's great!
PREZI ADVANTAGES
1. ZOOM - Prezi's unique differentiation is it's zoom function. This allows the user to simply click the background with the mouse and the presentation zooms out to an overview, then you can zoom back in to any area you please. It allows you to explore ideas,places; smoothly and naturally. In other words, if you want to 'zoom in' for emphasis you can. If you want more detail, you can zoom in deeper, and then once you're in a specific area, you can change, or introduce connecting images or ideas, then 'pan' to expand on that idea or gain more detail.
2.Non Linear and Interactive - allows the user to choose his/her own paths. Users can jump in and out with ideas and are given more flexibility when presenting their ideas.
3. Collaborative - can share presentations online with up to 10 people. This makes working on group projects easy.
PREZI DISADVANTAGES
1. Limited Design Options - limited backgrounds to choose from and each has pre-chosen fonts and colours that can't be changed.
2. Cost - Only the basic version is free. There is a student discount version provided online, but this still offers limited file space and storage.
3. Dizziness - It's easy to over zoom the function. Too much zooming and turning and panning, can make your audience feel dizzy...detracting from the message you want to deliver.
4. Learning Curve - whilst Prezi is fairly simple, it does take a little bit of getting used to if you are not very creative or design orientated. The software is easy to learn, but non designers may need to practise.
SO, WHICH IS BEST?
Well it seems clear that which ever you choose, the important thing is to put some thought into it, and select the one that will deliver your message most effectively. For the best results, you need to continuously practise your presentation skills, ensuring that you are providing a stimulating and engaging presentation. Both Prezi and PowerPoint have their place. PowerPoint has it's advantages for illustrating flow charts, graphs and simple facts, while Prezi has it's benefits if you want to create a more interactive presentation.
Whatever tool you select, take the time to master it, and use it to create dazzling, rather than dull, presentations. The other important point to make is that if your story or content is poor, then neither tool will help you.They are just tools. Whichever you choose, it will only add value to your presentation if it effectively helps to deliver your message. If you have strong content and want to express complex ideas that are simply linked to your message with memorable visuals, then these tools will help you do that.
If you have limited time, and need to display ideas, facts and figures in a simple way, then stick to PowerPoint. However, if you want to create an interactive experience for your audience with a strong 'WOW' factor, you might consider Prezi.
The biggest problem it seems with PowerPoint, is that users generally fail to, or don't understand how to create fun or dynamic presentations with it. It's not PowerPoint that is the problem, but the presenter who has created it. Most of us, including myself (and my students), equate PowerPoint with tired bullet points and cheesy clipart because that is what we generally get. This BORING format is what gives PowerPoint a bad press, and teachers a bad reputation.If used creatively and to it's full potential, PowerPoint can be an effective, dynamic, and informative learning tool.
Design secrets can easily be learned though. To unlock the true potential of PowerPoint, and design exciting, persuasive and engaging slides that will get your students attention, there are a number of books and websites that give great tips and resources.
Reference:
Garr Reynolds: Top Ten Slide Tips
http://www.garrreynolds.com/preso-tips/design/
Presentation Tips To Wow Your Audience.
https://www.udemy.com/blog/powerpoint-presentation-tips/
Presentation Panda: Slides Made Simple (ebook)
http://presentationpanda.com/book/
good post!
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