Prezi.com is one of a new generation of cloud-based
presentation apps that overturns almost every idea a user has about
presentations. Prezi was developed by Peter Halacsy, Adam Somlai-Fischer and
Peter Arvai. Prezi uses Adobe's Flash technology to create animated
presentations with a few clicks and drags. Instead of creating a series of
separate slides, the user can put all content—text, graphics, captions—on a
single canvas, and then trace a path from one item to another.
To create a presentation, users add topics and main
ideas to the Prezi canvas. This canvas serves as a map for the entire
presentation. As users add ideas to the canvas, they are able to zoom in and
out, adding supplementary details and subtopics. Users can also insert images,
shapes, documents, or videos anywhere among the presentation content, in
addition to grouping ideas using frames.
Prezi provides an environment for creating highly
customizable presentations. The user can select different fonts, colors, and
canvas layouts and can incorporate different types of media. The elements can
be easily rearranged anywhere on the canvas with the mouse, and further editing
(e.g., size, orientation, and relative position) is done with an embedded
editing tool. Users also have the option to publish their presentations online,
where other subscribers may view and copy them.
Prezi can be used as a tool for creating dynamic and
informative presentations. Unlike many existing presentation tools, Prezi
allows users to work on and access their presentations online, as well as on
their local computer. Other presentation tools require content to fit within
the boundaries of a slide, whereas Prezi allows users to prepare and present
content of virtually any size. The presenter can focus on different elements by
using the zooming and panning features. This can save a significant amount of
time in preparing a presentation, and such capabilities can also help the
audience view big picture concepts and specific details, which can greatly aid
in comprehension and retention of information.
Prezi is a free tool but if a user wants to upgrade
from the basic, pricing varies by subscription plan, all of which
are billed annually. At this time, a free account is available for users to create
and store presentations with a small amount of storage space.
Prezi seems to be a great option for those teachers
who use concept mapping or digital story telling in the classes. It would
be a good teaching tool for those visual learners who struggle to grasp the
“big picture” of a topic, or how it relates to specific points the teacher is
instructing them on. Instructional designers can use it to help them
during their storyboarding phase of production. But like all software,
there are some downsides. It is easy for one to go overboard with the
zooming user interface, leading to nausea for viewers. And because it
utilizes the cloud, the user needs Internet access in order to view the presentations.
Overall Prezi is a great choice for those presenters who are getting bored with
PowerPoint and Keynote. Prezi is a great online tool. It is easy to use and its
products are practically limited only by the user’s creativity.
