10 Creative Presentation Alternatives

Presentations are a common way for students to share their knowledge, but have you considered the many different websites out there that allow students to creatively present their information in new ways?  Think about giving one of these options a try next time you want your students to share what they have learned.

1.  Meograph- Dubbed "four dimensional storytelling," Meograph allows users to integrate timelines, Google Maps, links, and videos to create one interactive story.

2.  Jellycam- This is a simple, free stop-motion animation creator that creates videos using a webcam or uploaded images.  A soundtrack can also be added to your video.

3.  Powtoon- If you are familiar with Common Craft's simple video tutorials and have always thought of making your own, Powtoon is the tool for you.  This easy-to-use tool allows users to make simple animated presentations by choosing from one of their several options.

4.    Go Animate- Create animated videos to be saved and embedded online.  Users design everything from the characters to the background and add voice through a microphone or typing in text.  View some examples from our students.

5.  Easel.ly Infographics- Infographics are a fantastic way to visually present information.  Easel.ly is a great tool for easily creating your own Infographic on a topic of research.  What is an infographic?  It is a visual representation of information or data.  Your students can use Easel.ly to mix text with images to create a professional looking visual of their knowledge.  Take a look at this infographic example below.

6.  Biteslide Online Scrapbooks- Students can make their very own digital scrapbooks using Biteslide by adding their information, images, videos, and Biteslide's fun additional tools.  Embed, download, and share student work.

7.  Knovio- Want to update your flat PowerPoint presentations?  Knovio is the answer.  Using a webcam or microphone, you can add video and narration to a PowerPoint slideshow.  Simply upload the PowerPoint file, record, and share with others online.

8.  Jux- Create really cool, professional looking products such as Top 10 countdowns, slideshows, articles, or videos by adding information and images.  Modify using Jux's effects and templates.

9.  Popcorn Maker- Modify videos that you find on the web by adding in Google Maps, text, or web links to the videos to view while they play.  Think about the many ways in which students can add their thoughts or information to a YouTube or other videos.  What about adding a Google Map to a video that highlights an important location or linking to a web article that further explains a topic?  There are many different options for creativity.  Videos created with Popcorn Maker can be embedded into a blog or a website for others to view.

10.  Comics- Comics are a great way to get kids thinking about information and sharing it creatively.  The free comic creator Make Beliefs Comix is easy to use, requiring no login.  Bitstrips for Schools is a more advanced comic creator, but it is not free.  (It does have a 30 day free trial!)  View some examples of comics our students created about Internet Safety using Bitstrips for Schools.

Create Infographics to Visually Share Research

Infograpics are trendy on the web.  Who doesn't love a good visual representation of statistics and research information?  Your students can become part of the trend by easily creating their own infographics using these great websites:

1.  Piktochart- With the free account, choose from one of five themes.  Add your images, text, and create charts.  A professional looking poster is instantly created!  Download and save the finished product.  Here's an example of one of their templates.

2.  Easelly- Similar to Piktochart, you can choose from one of their pre-made themes (called vhemes) or start with a blank canvas.  Add pictures, text, and modify as desired.  Easelly also supplies a variety of clip art from which to choose.  Here's an example of an Easelly template:

Infographics are ultimately a fantastic and creative way for students to present information on a topic.  It requires that students synthesize their information in a meaningful way while creating new knowledge.  This is only one of the many 21st century skills that will ensure success in the future.

Great Tools for the 21st Century Classroom

Below is my presentation from the School District of New London's April 4 teacher inservice. There are so many great tools to share; it was difficult to limit it to 21!