Google Presenter

I evaluated Google Presentations, which is a part of Google Docs. It is an excellent tool, as it is basically a simplified version of Power Point, where multiple people can work on the document at the same time.

• I liked that you are able to insert any type of multimedia including pictures, videos, tables, or drawing. I also liked the simplicity of the application, as it is very functional and easy to use. I do like that the students are able to save the document as a PowerPoint, PDF or Text Document. There really wasn't much I didn't like about it, however I'm sure if I used it in my classroom there might be something I could find that I wish was different.
• The students would need basic computer knowledge including typing and formatting. They would also need to know how to save a multimedia file (video, picture, etc...) and how to locate it on the computer.
• I could see this application useful in all subject areas as all use some type of presentation tool throughout the year. In my subject area of Math, I could use Google Presentations to have the students collaborate on a specific topic and report their findings. For example, in one of our geometry units, there are many terms that I expect the students to know entering the unit (from the previous year). I split the students into groups and have them research them online and present their findings to the class. This would be a great location to use Google Presentations!!
• Teachers could show an example or video on how to use the application. If you don't know how to do it, then you won't do it!! Also, teacher could include it on the rubric as part of their grade for collaborating using the application.
• Teachers will need to assure that all students have a Google Accounts Login and Password, otherwise they will have to instruct the students on how to set one up. They will also need to assure that their computer lab has access to the Internet and that they can access the Google Sites.