Presentation Tools
The first presentation tool I tried was Canva. Although many of my colleagues have used Canva to create children’s books, presentations, and multimedia assignments, I have never utilized this application before. I was pleasantly surprised at all of the different templates, editing capabilities, layouts, and colors available on this platform. Canva also integrates well with Google Suite applications, which is a plus in schools that already use Google tools and login credentials, and it’s free to use. While Canva does present a steep learning curve for those who are unfamiliar with it, there are tutorials and examples to guide you through, and therefore, I will be using this tool for my Conference Presentation assignment.
Before deciding to use Canva, I also looked at Emaze. While pretty simple to use, Emaze doesn’t have the “dazzle” like that of Canva. I was able to start a presentation using one of the templates and uploading/inserting graphics, shapes, and texts was pretty straightforward. I liked the widget feature and the tutorial section could guide even novice users in setting up presentations, websites, and marketing tools. While I probably would not use this in my classroom or library, Emaze does present a nice alternative to Canva for businesses who do not mind or can afford to spend money for an upgrade.
Lastly, I explored Genial.ly. There were a wide-range of options to choose from including gamification, presentations, and infographics. The templates were well-made and colorful, and the fact that you can add interactive buttons, text, and videos was appreciated. Exploring this tool made me feel very overwhelmed as there was so much to look through, and I feel my middle-school students would feel the same way. I did not see any tutorials on this application, so it may be better suited for those who have the time and patience to sort through the myriad of tools and options. For those who neither have the time nor the inclination to do, Genial.ly has a ton of templates to choose from.
Curation Tools
Pinterest is a wonderful, easy-to-use application that I can to use in the library for providing information on new releases, classroom novel choices and research projects, award-winning books, LGBTQ novels, materials of interest to BIPOC students, and if I feeling daring, banned/challenged books. The links to the curated sources can be used by teachers, students, and parents. Unfortunately, my school district blocks access to Pinterest on the computers accessing the district’s internet servers which would require that I obtain a waiver to our acceptable use policy. Luckily, the waivers are easy to obtain, and our library management system, Destiny, also allows for curation of resources.
Storytelling Tools
I used Pixton to retell a scene in Bud, Not Buddy where Bud and his friend Bugs join a Hooverville camp. I was able to make my own avatar and add props, dialogue, and scenery. I currently require my sixth-grade students to visually depict their interpretation of Bud’s time in the Hooverville. Usually this assignment involves them using imagery to detail what camp looks, smells, and sounds like through very badly done drawings. I can only imagine their excitement at being able to complete this assignment as comic.