Prezi
Prezi is a tool for “visual storytelling” through animated presentations. A presentation starts with a broad overview, and by panning over and zooming into it, more detail is revealed. It is not necessary to engage with the presentation in a linear manner; the viewer can move backward and forward and drill down as desired. Presentations are created on Prezi’s platform, and must be viewed there as well (analogous to watching a video on YouTube).
Accessibility
While the animated, zooming interface Prezi offers is engaging and fun (and according to some studies enhances comprehension compared to a static slide deck), animations are NOT accessible. Screen readers cannot read all aspects of a presentation. Prezi is not ADA compliant, and does not meet MSU standards for accessibility.
Security and Safety Recommendations
Do not share links to program content in a public place like a website; communicate this information directly to registered participants only.
Cost
Prezi is a “freemium” subscription service, with a free basic offering, and three tiers priced at $7.00, $19.00, or $59.00 per month, which provide more features. The basic level is sufficient for creating educational presentations.
References
Padlet
Padlet is an online collaboration tool consisting of message boards. A padlet has a theme or topic, and then a series of posts from the instructor and/or students, consisting of text notes, uploaded documents, linked or uploaded video and audio clips, maps, screen captures, etc. A padlet might be used for group discussion, or for each student to reflect on lesson material. A padlet may be used on its own or embedded into a learning platform such as D2L or Google Classroom. It can be used in a synchronous or asynchronous style.
Accessibility
Padlet’s website states that the product is “basically compatible” with screen reader software, but they are working on improving accessibility.
Security and Safety Recommendations
Do not share links to program material in a public place like a website; communicate this information directly to registered participants only.
Cost
Padlet offers a free trial consisting of three padlets. Continued use requires a subscription: $12.00/month or $99.00/year for one teacher, or $1,499.00 per school per year.
References
- Sample gallery
- Teachers Grade Everything: Padlet, an Online Bulletin Board Tool
- Accessibility and Padlet
Kahoot!
Kahoot is a platform for running online quizzes and polls consisting of original material or questions drawn from a pre-existing library. Students can play individually or in teams. Questions can include images and videos. Games can be live, with everyone playing together, or as a student-paced challenge. Games can be created and run through a browser or with a dedicated app on a device.
Accessibility
The Kahoot! website states “We aim to be compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.0, to an AA conformance level.”
Security and Safety Recommendations
Do not share links to program materials in a public place like a website; communicate this information directly to registered participants only.
Cost
Kahoot is a subscription service. The Standard level, allowing 20 players per Kahoot, is priced at $15.00/month or $120/year. Pro (50 players) is $240.00/year and Premium (2,000 players) is $480.00/year.
