Jul 11 2008
Thing #13
I love going to a conference in my recliner!! Awesome! I “attended” the “Electric Slide” presentation from the 2007 New Tools section. It was very worthwhile. Two alternatives to PowerPoint were introduced, Spresent (Part 1 of presentation) and Splashcast (Part 2 of presentation). Both parts were presented well. However, my computer would not show the second part, and I had to just listen to audio only. But even then, I could go into the site being discussed and see what the presenter was demonstrating.
Having the conference on the web 24/7 is great. I begin listening to the session this morning at 4:45 A.M. Never, would I attend a regular conference at that hour! But in my own den, I can work until my little heart is content. Not only is it convenient, but there is another positive point with web conferencing-we can attend all the conferences we are interested in. There is no conflict with two desired presentations going on at the same time!
I would love to be able to earn PLUs with such a conference! And why not? You can earn entire degrees on the web, why not PLUs? That would be so lovely.
The two part presentation I “attended” was on alternatives for student PowerPoints, Spresents and Splashcast. Both programs are very intutiative and similar to PowerPoint. Other advantages include: all students would be using the same version, it is available at home and at school, students can embed videos and publish on a blog or wiki, the students can use the discussion tab to comment on each studet’s work. So presentations do not have to be given orally in class, but can be accessed on the web whenever desired. There they can be read by students and teachers. Due to these advantages, I do think having the students use these programs would be very beneficial.
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