With the help from Prezi, there are different ways to become trained on their platform. First and foremost is the YouTube video that Prezi has uploaded themselves to their own personal channel. No teacher needs an account to access these videos and can be watched freely and often as needed for training. Who doesn't enjoy free things?
Another way to gain training on the platform is through the platform itself. When exploring the home page, there is a tab at the top of the page titled resources. Under that tab, it gives anyone the tools that they need for using the platform efficiently and effectively. Under the resources tab, there are three distinct sections: learn, support, and connect.
Under the learn tab, users can watch videos on how to become a "Prezi master" as the platform likes to call it. They also give presentation tips through an expert trainer that can give you ideas on how make your work stand out. Lastly, there are educational resources that give teachers ideas on the best practices to use in the classroom instantly.
Under the support tab, you can receive help from the support center with a certified team member standing by to answer any questions that you might have. There is also the option to sign up for online trainings in the three different platforms of Prezi.
The last tab is the connect tab. This will give you access to webinars led by an expert trainer. You can read through blogs that give the latest updates, insider tricks, and even some simple tips for completing presentations. There is also the news room in which current users, trainers, influencers, and leaders use to discuss with each other on the platform and how to use the platform more effectively.
If you still didn't think that was enough, Prezi offers a Certified Educator program and a Certified Educator Trainer program through their platform. Under the education tab and once you scroll down to "learn from the best" section, there is a small cap icon that talks about the Prezi programs. Click on the link to see the two programs that they offer. Both programs are done at your own pace and do not cost anything to sign up for. Here is a copy of the link for you to find out more information: https://prezi.com/education/programs/.
This video walks through how to create a Prezi presentation through the Prezi Present function. A brand new presentation can be created or an existing PowerPoint can be converted to the platform. You can add topics and subtopics off of that category to dive deeper into the content. The presentations can be presented in a live format or recorded for others to view the presentation.
This video breaks down how to create a Prezi Design. It shows the different types of templates, filters, chart importing, and layouts. Maps, images, and uploaded files can be added to the presentation also. Any project can be easily downloaded or shared with others.
This video shows users how to create a video to present to others with interactive slides. Any of these sides can be accessed by others within the video conference as well as add notes and comments during real time sessions.
While many of the applications of the Prezi programming can be found on the website, a technology training on this platform should be introduced to educators separately. While it is noted that some educators will be comfortable with using the platform independently and will prefer to explore on their own, others will need guidance and support with the program. The following steps will be taken to insure that educators will fee more comfortable with using the platform:
Training will begin by introducing the platform to the whole school staff. This will give them a detailed look into the three different platforms of Prezi and what each can do. Through the three platforms (Present, Design, and Video), I will discuss the benefits of the each platform and why they would be beneficial to use in each of the classrooms. While many staff members might have questions at this point, I will also point out the fact that this platform is eye-catching and helps to promote engagement in student learning. Once the presentation has concluded, I will then encourage any staff members to address any questions or concerns that they have. I will further answer those questions and also encourage the staff to sign up for one-on-one sessions or group sessions that I will be conducted based on the three different platforms of Prezi. These sessions will help the teachers to become more confident in their skills to integrate this platform into the classroom and/or see if this is a good fit for teaching with their students.
Based on the needs of the teachers, I will meet with the teacher or the teacher teams to discuss how the platform can be integrated into the curriculum needs of their students in the classroom. The best way to proceed with the meetings is to encourage the teachers not get overwhelmed and stressed since we will walk through the process of the platform in question together. For example, if we are exploring Prezi Video, then we will be doing a step-by-step process of how to setup a video through this platform. By walking through the process together, we are demonstrating understanding and creation of a technology that will implement the skills of the students through a digital platform. We will also be exploring the different uses that the platform has to show what can be integrated, created, and developed whether on an individual basis or on a team basis.
If some teachers prefer to conduct team presentations together, then I will work that individual group of educators to explore the many options into Prezi can be used for group work. This can be through the use of all three platforms together or through the use of one. I will be happy to walk them step-by-step into how others can collaborate, comment, and complete projects together within the same time frame met by all. If this is not an option that some would like at the time, I will continue to move forward with the individual and/or group meetings on the platforms itself.
Once individual and/or group meetings have been conducted, I will meet with any teacher to further their knowledge on the platform. This can be through the co-teaching method of using the platform with a lesson plan the teacher has created or by even given the teacher support in the classroom when implementing the platform with student use.
Teachers will then begin to support their students in the classroom by rolling out the platform for the students to use and explaining the different features of the platform. I will be available to help any teacher that needs me to further learning of student knowledge on the platform. I will also support teachers with the help of rolling out the platform with students during instruction time if needed to give an extra set of hands for help.
Teachers and students will then explore the platform on their own. I will watch and observe so that I may be of any further assistance if needed to the teachers or to the students for questions or concerns. Once the lesson is complete, I will offer constructive feedback for the teachers and always remind them that I am available for any type of support that they need.