Prezi

= = toc = Introduction = Prezi is a presentation application that uses a large single canvas to present as opposed to individual slides. It is web-based and free. The user interface for Prezi is different from other presentation applications and requires initial time to learn. It is easy and intuitive. The result is a presentation that flows in a creative, free-form manner. Ideas can be clustered together. The presenter can then zoom in on specific clusters to focus on more details and information within that idea.



** Features **

__Big Canvas__ Image 1 The main difference between Prezi and traditional slide based like PowerPoint is Prezi's big canvas which enables the creator to show all ideas at once and then zoom on specific ideas and data during the presentation.

__Text input__ Text can be placed anywhere on the canvas. Text boxes appear anyplace the user double clicks. Prezi has limited choices of colors and fonts. There are preselected themes the creator can choose from.

__Zebra__ Image 2 Text, images, and video can be moved, sized or rotated easily with the Transformation Zebra. By clicking on the object, the Zebra appears and easily allow you to change the information

__Upload__ Images can be easily uploaded from a computer using the Insert mode on the menu in to upper left hand corner of the screen.

__Graphics__ Prezi offers very simple shapes that can be inserted into the presentation from the Insert menu. More complicated graphics need to be uploaded as pdfs

__Audio and Video__ YouTube videos can easily be inserted by typing the URL into a text box. Audio files need to be converted to video files.

__Storyline__ Image 3 The creator can designate a storyline by establish the path the viewer will follow to view the presentation.

__Smart Zooming__ Prezi allows the presenter to zoom into show the details of an object or zoom in or smaller information and then zoom out to see the "big picture". This allows the presenter focus on details embedded in the overall presentation.

=Presentation= The presenter uses the arrow keys on the computer or a remote clicker to navigate through the path of the presentation. The presenter can stop at any point along the path and take a different route by using the mouse to navigate. This allows the presenter to answer questions and review ideas easily. The presenter can always zoom out to see the entire canvas.

=Sharing= Image 4 Prezi is web-based and all Prezis can be accessed easily on the web by typing in the URL. Prezis created in free accounts are always public, educator and pro accounts can choose to make a presentation private. Prezis can be downloaded onto a computer or burned on DVDs, though the links to YouTube, etc. will not work if offline. Prezis can also be viewed by up to 10 users at Prezi Meetings, in real time.

=Comparison to other Presentation Tools= The chief reason creators state in choosing Prezi is that they find it is more valuable to present without the slide format of PowerPoint and similar applications. The ability to see the who presentation and then zoom in on specific topics, ideas, and data seems to be the key reason users choose Prezi. It seems to be used a lot by cutting edge tech users who like the non-linear format and the ease of using a presentation application that matches how we naturally talk, more side paths and embedded ideas. Prezi was first used at the TED conference in 2009.

=Conclusion= All in all, Prezi is exciting to use. It is very intuitive and works the way our brains work. I would like to see students use this since it is similar to the freedom of storymaps. It also allows for a lot of creativity in designing the presentation. It mimics the way we think and also the way I personally like to plan a presentation, with ideas popping out all over and then joined in a logical sequence. Below is a Prezi I designed to learn the application based on a program my school is implementing.

=Reference=
 * Step-by-Step Tutorial on Prezi Basics,** http://prezi.com/learn/getting-started/

=Sample Prezis:= Use arrow keys to navigate.

Thoughts on using Prezi as a teaching tool
Created by Paul Hill, 24 May 2010 media type="custom" key="7222081"

Gault - Good to Great: Strategies for a Workable School
A sample Prezi project I created to learn about the application, 12 October 2010 media type="custom" key="7154279"