PPT = 6; Prezi = 4

I just finished preparing a presentation for the PETE&C conference and decided to try Prezi as the presentation support tool instead of PowerPoint. Below is a short summary of my initial thoughts about Prezi and some comparisons to PPT.

I'll be presenting "Web 2.0 for Reflection and Assessment" at PETE&C on Tuesday, February 23 from 10:45-11:45 AM. It's a presentation I've done before. I'm not sure if I would review Prezi differently if my experience was creating a presentation from scratch.

Two considerations for my review:

1. I'm not a "bullet point person" in PPT. I use keywords and images and mainly images. So, I may have a different view of PPT than some.
2. This is my first time using Prezi. I viewed the introductory video but didn't look at a lot of other Prezi's before jumping in and creating mine. I only worked in one theme. So, some of my review could be slanted because I just don't know enough about it yet.

Feature	Pros	Cons	Prezi or PPT?
Drawing	Simple arrow, free form line and highlight	Only simple tools that really don't support information presentation	PPT
Text	Easy to create, edit and move around the canvas	Limited text, fonts, colors . . . based on the theme selected	Prezi
Images	Easily adapt to image size Handles transparent images	Have to get used to manipulating images to display"unpixelated" No clip art or photo galleries No image editing	PPT
Documents	You can embed documents!!!!(that is awesome!)	None that I'm aware of	Prezi
Navigation	Can navigate to various points on the canvas Easy to get from one screen to another without linear navigation	It's still ends in a linear presentation for the viewer (for the most part) It can be cumbersome to set up the flow while authroing I often had to delete all of the navigation points in order to make an edit	PPT
Transitions	Smooth transition from one point to another	No options for different types of transitions	Prezi
Animation	Transition is animation	No builds, no object animations	PPT
Sharing	Email sharing Embed code URL Twitter Facebook	No commenting with presentation No favoriting Public presentation with free version	PPT
Presentation Support	Download for local playback Easy to move around presentation materials Screen resolution is not as big an issue	Learning materials only at prezi.com and from PLN No notes	PPT
Cost	FREE version with options for paid levels FREE level 2 version for education	What seems to be limited functionality for a cost (even though it's affordable)	Prezi

PPT = 6; Prezi = 4

It's great that there's another presentation option! I'm looking forward to seeing how others use Prezi, how my use of it will evolve and the features and functions that are added over time. But, for now I'd still recommend PPT as your "go to" presentation tool (just please reduce the use of bullets 8-) . But consider Prezi as an experimental tool, a way to switch things up a little bit and as a way to challenge your traditional thinking about presentatio preparation and support.

A New Year's Resolution You Can Keep: Integrate Technology into Learning

Fifteen years ago PowerPoint and a projector were the extent of learning technologies available to everyone. Even a decade ago only PowerPoint a projector and the static web were available and accessible to everyone. Now the options are almost limitless as learning technologies continue to evolve and new tools, techniques and strategies are poised to have impact in the next decade.

Read the full article at http://www.harrisburgu.edu/news/article.php?id=543&cid=1&page=1

eLearning Development and Media Design

Users determine the quality of eLearning Development If a program runs without any errors, but no one knows how to use it, does it make any impact? Too often designers and developers focus on the programmability of eLearning programs and neglect the usability. It’s a balance between feature and function that results in an effective product. Graphic design can have an impact, but more often location, labeling and consistency have the greatest impact on the usability of eLearning programs. Some usability considerations include screen resolution, navigation controls, user control and access and 508 compliance. Beginning in January, students in LTMS 518: eLearning Development will be creating elearning modules that focus on navigation, usability and compliance to content standards. Planning and asset management will also be explored as elements of efficient eLearning development. Industry leading software and open source options will both be considered throughout the course. Students will get hands on eLearning Development experience with PowerPoint, Captivate, Dreamweaver and Flash.		eLearning Development Programs There is a variety of software (100+ software programs) available to create eLearning. The programs range from everyday Office software like PowerPoint to eLearning authoring systems like Lectora to multimedia development tools like Flash. Each tool presents strengths and weaknesses that must be considered as part of the tool selection process. Plan for the short-term with an eye on the long-term. Analyze the development needs and the content creation environment. Doing so will help with selecting a tool that will meet your immediate needs, but allow for long-term flexibility. Check out these eLearning Development resources: Webinar Recording of eLearning Guild Authoring and Development Tools Brandon Hall Authoring Tool Knowledgebase Rapid eLearning Blog
Spring 2010 Schedule: LTMS 510: Learning Technologies and Solutions LTMS 514: Media Selection, Design and Production LTMS 518: eLearning Development LTMS 600: Implementing Web 2.0 in the Classroom LTMS 607: Writing for Learning Solutions Learn more on the Harrisburg University web site or call 717.901.5101.
If a picture’s worth a thousand words . . . Images, animations and video can create an impact on learning by increasing attention, motivation, comprehension and memory. Although, media can also get in the way. Without considering the learning objective, the technology and the audience media can also distract, confuse or frustrate. Some strengths to consider when selecting media: Graphics: Enrich or replace text, Minimize media download, Versatile, Low cost Animation: Present visuals over condensed time, Realistic but simplistic images, Realistic but controlled movement Audio: Summarize text, explain complex processes or graphics, efficient two-way communication Video: Convey emotion, multiple media (audio, visuals, animation, text), demonstrate detailed and complex tasks Beginning in January, students in LTMS 514: Media Selection, Design and Production will focus on selecting appropriate media to meet learning objectives as they create graphics, illustrations, audio, video and animations to support learning. Graphic design fundamentals will be addressed as well as production skills like media compression and conversion. Industry leading media software and open source options will both be considered. Students will get hands-on media creation experience with PowerPoint, Photoshop, Fireworks, Flash, Audacity and MovieMaker.		Media Selection, Design and Production Color, contrast, spacing and dimension are just a few graphic design elements to be aware of as you create graphics for learning. Animation, audio and video provide added value and additional elements to master. Media compression is also a valuable skill, especially when distributing to a wide audience with a variety of technology resources. Check out these eLearning Development resources: How Tiny Camcorders are Changing Education Lynda.com Tutorials Some Photoshop Tutorials

CES products that might impact learning

The Consumer Electronics Show took place in Las Vegas January 8-11. The show is a yearly pilgrimage for those involved with the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of consumer electronics products – or anyone who just likes to check out some pretty cool gadgets.

Consumer Electronics Show

I like to read the CES reviews on CNet each year to scope out products that could potentially impact the learning space. When’s the last time a technology used for learning was intended to do so? Podcasts, blogs, wikis, Flash and video games all started as communication and entertainment efforts that eventually impacted the learning industry. Authorware, LMSs, testing software and Captivate are a few exceptions, but mainly I look to entertainment and communication technologies to find the next “thing” that might impact the learning industry. Here are a few to keep an eye on.

3D TV and LCD
3D TVs and monitors can take learning immersion to another level. 3D TVs will be available at a consumer price and offered by LG in late 2009 or early 2010. Simple 3D technology has been around in monitors for a few years, but the market hasn’t penetrated beyond gamers. As the technology becomes less expensive and more immersive and consumers ask for the experience on the computer monitor after watching 3D TV in the home, maybe we’ll begin to see learning games and simulations in 3D – after someone creates a 3D authoring tool. If that happens, I’m sure we’ll see a few tutorials in 3D as well – yippee!

There was also new generation 3D LCD monitors at CES.
http://ces.cnet.com/8301-19167_1-10134983-100.html?tag=mncol;title
http://ces.cnet.com/8301-19167_1-10134449-100.html?tag=mncol;title

Boxee
It’s basically a media object aggregator / repository. Can this technology be used to aggregate and manage learning objects, like it does media elements?

Minoru 3D Web Cam
This web cam has two cameras that deliver pictures to the view in 3D. It brings 3D video recording to the desktop and directly to the consumer. It does require 3D glasses to view the 3D video, but that’s a small price to pay. OK – everyone make sure they have their 3D glasses ready for the next web conference.

Chumby
I’ve known about the Chumby for over a year now, but at CES Chumby and Samsung have partnered to create a digital photo frame that enables wireless updates from a photo sharing site like Flickr. Chumby’s wireless information transfer and open widget development community might provide opportunities for quick learning vignettes delivered to you right at your desk. Better yet, someone could synch the Chumby display with an email and calendaring program and display job aides and quick references based on the contents of email and activities scheduled in the calendaring program for some just-in-time learning.

Video Eyewear
Watch a private video display or experience augmented or mixed reality on mobile devices through video eyewear, all while seeing the world around you. And, the Vuzix glasses look cool too. Imagine sales people, medical technicians, machine operators, etc. being able to view training videos on demand, as needed . . . by putting on a pair of sunglasses.

TruMotion Remote
This technology comes from Sixense Entertainment, which first developed it to track the head positioning of F-16 and F-18 jet pilots. Imagine Nintendo's Wiimote, but with unlimited motion to mouse control. While the Wiimote is awesome, range of movement is basically limited to forward/back, up/down. The precise motion sensing of the TruMotion remote has implications for better mimicking “real world” experiences in learning games and simulations where precise motions are important. This one, along with desktop 3D is getting us closer to virtual reality.

Check out this demo of the remote in action - http://engineeringtv.com/blogs/etv/archive/2008/11/25/sixense-truemotion-controller-demo.aspx

Thought Control
You got it – “Thought Control.” This is way cool . . .and potentially creepy at the same time. Mattel’s Mindflex game let’s you control the height of a floating ball with your thoughts as you move it around a course. A headset measures your level of concentration. The more you concentrate, the more control you have over the floating ball.

As the CNet reviewer indicates, the novelty of this game will most likely fade quickly. But, this product could certainly impact learning as the technology evolves. Mattel indicates that future versions might respond to fear, anxiety, happiness or frustration. Imagine the technology as part of simulations or assessments to gauge where learners struggled (fear, anxiety, frustration) or felt confident (happiness). If nothing else, imagine the new version of the “happy sheet” (Level 1 course evaluation) with this technology applied.

There were hundreds of products at CES. I’ve only noted a few that I think might impact the learning industry. Check out the CES site on CNN - http://ces.cnet.com/. Which products listed here do you think will impact learning the most in the years to come? What other consumer electronic products are there that will impact learning?

Evolution vs. Revolution?

Are we in the middle of a revolution in learning, as many would describe it, or an evolution? Revolutions happen fairly quickly and often have a great, immediate impact on all. Evolution happens slowly and often without impact to surroundings or in isolation of other related entities. Yeah, it’s definitely a learning evolution.

Fundamentally changing the American education system and learning and development in corporate culture has been an effort in the making for over 50 years. There have been changes, but education and learning and development are fundamentally the same as they were decades ago. The winds of change have begun to blow harder in recent years however. These changes are mainly fueled by technological advances, but advances in brain/human behavior research and environmental variables have also impacted the evolution.

Even though I feel I've driven the evolution more often than not in my first decade as an instructional technologist, I'm living proof that it's an evolution not a revolution. This is my first blog post. Even as someone who's been pushing for social learning as a component of corporate learning programs, I never found the relevance or the time for blogging myself. I've been an active participant in discussion forums and commented on other people's blogs, but have never taken the dive head first into social learning/networking.

I start the better part of my second decade in instructional technology as Director of Learning Technologies and Assistant Professor of Learning Technologies at Harrisburg University. In this new role I hope to drive the evolution, more often than not, through curriculum development, teaching, speaking, writing, research and product development. I’ll write in this blog to share and reflect on my thoughts, experiences, findings and design and development efforts in the hope that what I learn and share can advance the evolution – an evolution whose apex is efficiently and effectively designed learning, learning that is optimized through technology and media, and learning that engages and inspires learners to improve their skills, change their attitudes and share their knowledge.