Next Generation Presentation Tools

I'm sure we've all heard the silly saying:  "Power corrupts...PowerPoint corrupts absolutely!"  Now, I fully admit that I rely on PowerPoint when teaching big classes or when presenting at a conference.  I think I use it well, and don't abuse it like some people may.  However, sometimes I want something more.  Fortunately, a slew of next generation presentation tools have recently emerged!  Take a look at some of these, and have fun with creating presentations:

• Prezi:  Described as a giant, virtual whiteboard for your presentation, Prezi allows you to present content in a non-linear fashion.  Very cool to play with, but beware:  you may feel a bit motion sick after using it or watching it for awhile!  
• Zoho Show:  Web-based presentation software, much like the others presented.  Allows for live audio chat with presenters/presentees.  Also, allows for easy import of PowerPoint slides into the web-based program.  
• Sliderocket:  Create web-based, online presentation slides.  No software downloading necessary.  Allows users to comment and answers polls in real time.  
• Google Docs Presentations:  Create and share presentations on the web.  No software downloading necessary, although you will need a Google Account.  
• 280 Slides:  Build and access presentations from online.  No software downloading necessary.  Often compared to Apple's Keynote software.  

I presented on Next Generation Presentation Tools about 8 months ago.  You can view my presentation via Slideshare (another great presentation sharing tool) below.  Some of the slides have live video or web pages embedded in them, which does not translate into Slideshare very well.  If you're interested in instructions for embedding live video or web pages into PowerPoint slides, check out some instructions here, or simply search YouTube for the instructions and demonstrations.

Presentation tools

View more presentations from Rebecca Miller.