To Use or Not to Use: A Review of Some Tools for Educators/Presenters     by Edie Flores

Vcasmo

This week I reviewed three websites, which offered inventive ways for the user to make a presentation to share with others, whether online or in person. The first tool I visited was found at www.vcasmo.com. The site offers a unique feature where the user can create both a video and presentation and show them side by side. Your presentation window is twice as long allowing your video to run alongside a PowerPoint-type presentation.

When I initially visited the site, I decided to sign up. Following registration, you are sent a confirmation email.  I waited all day for mine and did not receive it until the next day. What I like about this software is being able to have a pre-recorded audio commentary alongside a presentation slides. I viewed one user’s “how to” video which explained how to make a presentation in seven easy steps. It was very easy to follow and simple to understand. I like that this can be viewed by anyone from any web browser. I also like the ability to share the video publically or with a certain group. I could picture myself using the video to explain a current presentation. Many times students are absent and miss the lecture portion of a class. A presentation like this could be made available to help those students by posting it to the class website.

Ahead

The next tool I viewed was found at www.ahead.com.  This was a site best used for someone who had a touch screen computer. With the simple touch of your fingers, you can drag objects and adjust them to your own specifications. You would think this would be great application for iPad but since Apple and Adobe are not friends, you have one of two choices. 1.) You can use what ahead calls their “highly degraded html version” or 2.) You can use one of iPad app browsers like iSwifter or the eCloud, which allows flash content using a server. The only problem with the second option is the lag time. I am too impatient to wait. I opted to try the html version.

So here I am, signed up (registered), and ready to begin. I get a pop-up suggesting I upload a file. I upload a small video of my daughter when she was an infant. Using my laptop, I uploaded a file. Only problem was when I chose to preview it, I only had audio and no video. However, I did have a video thumbnail. I saved my work and logged in using my iPad.  On first try, I used my Safari browser. I thought surely the degraded version is worth a try; however, it would not load. Any time I chose the link for the html version, it brought me to a window that that said I need flash player. So then, I used an app called iSwifter. This is an app that allows me to have flash on my iPad. I was able to log in and actually see the thumbnail of my video but that’s where it all stopped. I could not manipulate any objects for re-sizing.

Ahead seems like a great tool to use, but as with a lot of software educators use, we have to wait until our pcs catch up to the technology. :o(

Empressr

The third site I visited was www.empressr.com. This site allows you to create a presentation with video, photos, audio, music and share it publically or privately.  It took no time at all to register for a free account. There were several methods where you could either start with a blank presentation, use ready-made templates or use the expressr express, which allows you to upload your pictures and get right to work. I chose this method.

What I liked about this software was the ease of use. You have a larger viewing plan from which to see all of your work. You have the typical side border showing your slides, much like PowerPoint. You also have quick adds such as shapes and charts. I added a few in the picture below. Because this is the express method, page transitions are decided for you, which takes the fuss out of things for you. I found it very easy to maneuver and edit.

Bottom Line

In today’s world of technology, it is always aggravating when you want to assign a student a presentation and they do not have the software, such as Microsoft Office on their computer.  The same could be said for teachers who have older computers at home. Then there are those kids and teachers who get a laptop for Christmas only to find out it came with Microsoft Works and not Office. Having access to online presentation software via the web is a great alternative. You can send a link, and viola, your presentation is ready to go.

References:

Ahead retrieved from: http://ahead.com/#view/lilaspaces/main/welcome?scene=HOME

Evans, Craig. Vcasmo. Ten (10) Easy Steps to Create an Online Program retrieved from:  http://vcasmo.com/video/Autismhangout/6518

Expressr retrieved from: http://www.empressr.com on January 5, 2012.

Vcasmo retrieved from: http://vcasmo.com/video/Autismhangout/6518 on January 6, 2012.