Peer Review

Prezi App for iPad

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Reviewed:: Feb 17, 2014 by Teacher Education

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: The author of this material describes Prezi as a free App that offers the capacity to create , edit, share, collaborate, and present learning material. Because the app is synced with the cloud, users can access the latest version of a saved Prezi on a mobile device, such as iPad or iPhone. Example of features include 15 templates with various styles and structures; ability to change layouts to fit content ; add new frames to extent a presentation; insert images from the web, library, or take a photo. The Prezi can be saved from the app, and will be accessible both online and offline. The app can also be used to create a Blog and other social media tools, such as Facebook and Twitter.
Type of Material:: Presentation
Recommended Uses:: This app might be appropriate for lectures, conferences, professional development in teacher preparation programs, and lecture for methods courses. Additional recommended usage include 21st century learning skills in core content areas, such as English, language arts, science and mathematics . Also, using Prezi in the classroom includes creative thinking and problem solving , communication and collaboration.
Technical Requirements:: Cloud software and mobile devices such as iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Sharing and backup require Wi-Fi and a Prezi account.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The user will create and edit basic presentations hosted by Prezi. Users will share and present their Prezi, understanding a non-linear presentation model. The learning goals are determined by the user.
Target Student Population:: Target population includes undergraduate and graduate programs, K-12 faculty, high school and perhaps junior high students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Ability to maneuverer an iPad. Know how to create a Prezi online and understand how a Prezi is different from PowerPoint-like apps. Knowledge of pedagogy and domains for effective teaching practices as well as standards and learning skills are helpful.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: Effective use of the Prezi app enhances the content, and supports teaching and learning. For example, zooming the canvas opens up the classroom to active learning and student engagement. Also, the app is flexible and may be used in a variety of teaching environments
Concerns:: None noted during this review.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: • The user is able to navigate a prezi efficiently and without much guidance. • As a teaching tool, prezis might be better presentations than PowerPoint or Keynote and this app does a great job as a presentation tool prezis created online.
Concerns:: • The iPad app isn’t very robust for creating presentations. There are better and more efficient options for the iPad. • Editing features are limited to basic text changes and importing images from the iPad’s camera roll. Additionally, there isn’t the ability to edit the flow or path of a Prezi. • Embedded hyperlinks are not clickable. This is a huge concern for presentations that have many links. • The full desktop experience for creating and editing a prezi doesn’t compare. It is far superior and more efficient. This app falls short.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: • Instructions are basic and helpful. • Prezi presentations run well on the iPad and the presenter is able to quickly maneuver through the flow and pause to zoom-in on a section. As a presentation app, not creation app, Prezi excels. This app may be used to facilitate learning, because the content is presented in its entirety, students are able to see the connections and the breadth of a topic without losing links between lessons, and are able access to fine details. Also, the layouts make the material attractive and highly interactive. Consequently, learning becomes more meaningful and memorable. Especially, when used to demonstrate concepts or skills in more challenging subject areas such as science, or mathematics.
Concerns:: • Internet access is required to access Prezis. However, there is the ability to download the Prezi for offline viewing and editing. It is very important to watch the blue download marker to make sure the Prezi is fully downloaded before using offline or presenting (otherwise some images may show a loading circle).

Other Issues and Comments:: • The app is great for presenting Prezis from the iPad, but isn’t robust enough as a creation or editing app for Prezis. • Critiques of the app focus on the lack of creation and editing. As a disclaimer the description in the App Store says, “Create, edit, present, and share your Prezis anywhere with simple, intuitive multi touch gestures. Drag to pan and pinch to zoom in or out of topics, just like you do in any map apps. Revise and retouch your Prezis, correct typos and adjust your presentation on-the-fly. Prezi for iPad is the perfect companion to your Prezi experience.” The description doesn’t promise anything above basic editing. We hope in a future update more features will be added.
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