Cowan
Canva
Description: Canva is a visually appealing graphic design program that allows users to create beautiful, engaging presentations in addition to many other applications such as posters, flyers, resumes, etc. Teachers may use it to present information to students, or students can use it to present information they have gathered individually or in groups.
2 Advantages:
Canva creates professional-looking presentations with easy-to-use templates and graphics.
You can even upload your own graphics to it. Presentations can be shared with other users for group presentations.
2 Disadvantages:
Some templates may make the design seem limited.
The free version of the program limits the graphics and design options available.
Hyperlink: https://www.canva.com/
References:
Best Classroom Tools for Presentations and Slideshows | Common Sense Education. (n.d.).
Www.commonsense.org.
https://www.commonsense.org/education/lists/best-classroom-tools-for-presentations-and-slideshows
Digital Scholar. (2022, June 23). Top 10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Canva Design Tool. Digital Scholar.
https://digitalscholar.in/pros-and-cons-of-canva/
Google Slides
Description: It is a popular, free tool available to anyone with a Google account that makes creating
presentations easy for teachers or students of any age.
2 Advantages:
Presentations may be shared with other Google users for group projects.
The tool bar is easy to use, and the user can choose images straight from the application via a Google search.
2 Disadvantages:
User cannot import a presentation from one program to another without formatting issues.
Since it is a cloud-based program there is a possibility of security issues.
Hyperlink: https://docs.google.com/presentation/u/0/?tgif=c
Best Classroom Tools for Presentations and Slideshows | Common Sense Education. (n.d.).
Www.commonsense.org. https://www.commonsense.org/education/lists/best-classroom-tools-for- presentations-and-slideshows
Google Slides: Free Online Presentations for Personal Use. (2019). Google.com.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/u/0/?tgif=c
Prezi
Description: Prezi is a web-based presentation program that uses an entire canvas instead of individual slides to present information. Images can be used to zoom in on information and zoom out when you wish to move to the next slide. It is a dynamic presentation option for teachers and students.
2 Advantages:
It is completely free with a variety of templates.
You can import PowerPoint templates into Prezi format.
2 Disadvantages:
Internet is needed for use.
It can cause discomfort for those prone to motion sickness.
Hyperlink: https://prezi.com/
References:
Advantages and disadvantages of Prezi and Powerpoint. (n.d.). Prezi.com.
https://prezi.com/p/gwzxycp3keg2/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-prezi-and-powerpoint/
Best Classroom Tools for Presentations and Slideshows | Common Sense Education. (n.d.).
Www.commonsense.org. https://www.commonsense.org/education/lists/best-classroom-tools-for- presentations-and-slideshows
Loom
Description: A screen recording tool that allows the presenter to share his/her screen and use the microphone to speak while presenting slides.
2 Advantages:
It is a great tool for quick video creation and sharing.
It is very user-friendly, easy to use.
2 Disadvantages:
Advanced editing features are limited.
If user wants to create more advanced recordings, the cost of the paid version may dissuade him/her.
Hyperlink: https://support.loom.com/hc/en-us
Best Classroom Tools for Presentations and Slideshows | Common Sense Education. (n.d.).
Www.commonsense.org. https://www.commonsense.org/education/lists/best-classroom-tools-for-
presentations-and-slideshows
Loom Recorder Pros and Cons: An In-Depth Look - Teach.io Blog: Expert Insights on Online Learning & Trends.
(2024, January 11). Teach.io Blog: Expert Insights on Online Learning & Trends. https://teach.io/blog/loom-
recorder-pros-and-cons-an-in-depth-look
Miro
Description: It is a program that creates interactive whiteboards for teams to brainstorm and collaborate on projects.
2 Advantages:
Huge library of templates
It can be used for in-person or distance learning.
2 Disadvantages:
Users cannot save customized templates to use over and over again
There are so many features that the learning curve to use the program is quite steep.
Hyperlink: https://miro.com/
References:
Kanai, P. (2023, April 18). The Pros and Cons of Using Miro Software. Articles for Project Managers - the Project Management Network. https://projectmanagers.net/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-miro-software/
Miro Review for Teachers | Common Sense Education. (n.d.). Www.commonsense.org.
https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/miro
Fadalla
Nearpod
Description: Nearpod is a presentation tool that focuses on student interactions with the lesson. Students can interact with the teacher and other students. Teachers are able to imbed articles, images, and videos into the presentation.
2 Advantages:
Teachers can insert videos to match the lesson as well as polls and questions into the presentation so that they do not have to bounce back and fourth between tabs.
Nearpods can be assigned to students online in the case of virtual class days or if a student is out sick. They will be able to go through the Nearpod and complete the questions without falling behind.
2 Disadvantages:
The free access to Nearpod has limited space for presentations.
It can be hard to grade student's work because it will not send the work to learning cites such as Schoology.
Hyperlink: https://nearpod.com/
References:
The Ohio State University. (n.d). Teaching and Learning Resource Center. https://teaching.resources.osu.edu/toolsets/carmencanvas/guides/carmencanvas-integrations/nearpod
Common Sense Education. (n.d). Best Classroom Tools for Presentations and Slideshows. https://www.commonsense.org/education/lists/best-classroom-tools-for-presentations-and-slideshows
Capterra. (n.d). Reviews of Nearpod. https://www.capterra.com/p/122875/Nearpod/reviews/
Microsoft PowerPoint
Description: Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation tool that uses a variety of graphics to provide information in a concise way.
2 Advantages:
This is one of the longest running presentation tool making it versatile and credible.
It is a very practical presentation tool and is very user friendly.
2 Disadvantages:
There is not as much possibility for students to interact with the lesson digitally.
Microsoft Powerpoint has limited customization options that other tools do not.
References:
Roberts, Sierra. (July 14, 2023). What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of PowerPoint. https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-powerpoint/
PearDeck
Description: PearDeck is an presentation tool that promotes real time interactions between students and teachers. Teachers are able to imbed polls into the presentations and see students responses immediately.
2 Advantages:
The real time feedback provided by PearDeck allows the teacher to know immediately what topics need to be addressed.
Students are able to answer question anonymously. Therefore, it will eliminate some of the anxiety students face when answering questions in front of their peers.
2 Disadvantages:
After reading various reviews it seems that this is not the most user friendly presentation tool.
Despite the use of polls, the students can sometimes become bored with the routine interaction.
Hyperlink: https://www.peardeck.com/
Resources:
Pear Deck Learning. (January 22, 2024). Meet Pear Deck Learning. https://www.peardeck.com/blog/meet-pear-deck-learning#:~:text=An%20interactive%20presentation%20platform%20designed,create%20dynamic%2C%20collaborative%20learning%20experiences.
Hipp, Jeannie. (January 3, 2023). The Benefits of Using Peer Deck in the Classroom. https://blog.tcea.org/web-2-0-benefits-pear-deck/
Software Advice. (n.d). Pear Deck Reviews. https://www.softwareadvice.com/lms/pear-deck-profile/reviews/
Lesson Up
Description: Lesson Up is a presentation tool that has pre-made lessons as well as tools for you to digitally create your own lesson. It is a great resource for creating powerpoints on whatever topic the teacher deems necessary
2 Advantages:
The pre-made lesson plans are very helpful to teachers and can save time for them.
It has a lot of tools that are good for teachers to use as a creative outlet.
2 Disadvantages:
Seems to be better suited for elementary school grades rather than middle and high schools.
This is very useful for teachers but not a lot of good uses for students.
Hyperlink: https://www.lessonup.com/site/en
Resources:
Edtech Impact. (n.d) Lesson Up. https://edtechimpact.com/products/lessonup/
Common Sense Education. (n.d). Best Classroom Tools for Presentations and Slideshows. https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/lessonup#:~:text=Pros%3A%20Tons%20of%20premade%20lessons,learn%20when%20you%20get%20started.
Screencastify
Description: Presentation tool for teachers to use that will allow them to screen record to better aid students in the classroom.
2 Advantages:
It is a great way for teachers to explain something with examples on the screen record and then upload for students to refer back to.
Students are able to submit work through Screencastify immediately when finished.
2 Disadvantages:
If you are not connected to wifi then the videos will not save to the drive.
Better suited for levels of education such as middle school and high school.
Hyperlink: https://www.screencastify.com/
References:
Common Sense Education. (n.d). Best Classroom Tools for Presentations and Slideshows.https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/screencastify#:~:text=Pros%3A%20Can%20screen%20record%2C%20edit,to%20easily%20complete%20screencast%20assignments.
ScreenCastify. (n.d). https://www.screencastify.com/features/interactive-questions