Google Presentations

I found Google Presentations to be fairly similar to Power Point.  I haven't used Power Point in a few years, but the basic set up and capabilities seem the same.  Some differences are that Presentations is online only (which could definitely be a downside), and it has a built in chat (just like all google docs).  It also allows for collaborative real-time editing, which could be really useful in a classroom.  One thing I really liked was that you can search for an image through the google browser, select anything that shows up, and insert it into your presentation.  It was so easy!  Much easier that copying a url or downloading an image to your computer before you can use it.  However, Power Point might have more features than Google Presentations, because Presentations is freeware.  It covers all of the basics, but Power Point may come with extra features such as more themes which might make it attractive for someone who uses it regularly.  Like the word processor, I have a hard time finding the downside to Google Presentations!

I looked at a middle school lesson plan for science-- a consumer product testing experiment.  Students were required to design a survey using Google Forms, and then use Spreadsheets to show and process their data.   At the end of their experiment, they were required to present their experiment and findings to the class by using Presentations.  The lesson required them not only to input words and information, but also to pay attention to color and layout.  Students were also required to use charts, percentages, and other visuals in their presentations.  I thought this was a great lesson because it showed the students how they can use Presentations to quickly and effectively get across the information they are trying to communicate.