What are Presentation Tools?

Velarde (2023) who represents Visme, a presentation tool, states that presentation tools are software applications enabling educators to visually share knowledge usually delivered through a slide show format using text, images, and various graphics. Velarde (2023) states that there are many factors to take into account when choosing a presentation tool including:

• Is the content able to be embedded such as videos and GIFS?
• Are you able to add audio to your presentations?
• Can the elements be animated?
• Is the application desktop or cloud-based?
• Can the presentations be used on any of your devices?
• Are presentations created to be viewed offline?
• Is the built-in graphic asset library extensive and varied?
• Can easy collaboration be accomplished with the ability to have team accounts inside your company?
• Is it easy to use?
• Does it include Brand Kit?
• Can the completed presentation be shared straight from the presentation software online?
• Can your presentations be password-protected once uploaded to the cloud?
• Does the presentation software include analytics for performance numbers on social media?
• Can the finished presentation be used as a lead generator from the software?

Visme software allows the choice of dozens of fully designed presentations tailored for specific industries, or one can start with a blank canvas. It has ease of use with drag-and-drop graphics. The software even allows for ease of branding.

It is easy to insert or embed videos and GIFS inside the presentation. The audio can be done separately or as a voice-over, and the presenter can also be recorded presenting the content. Third -party forms such as quizzes and forms can also be easily inserted with the code the application creates.

Animations to create interactive experiences are also included in this software allowing hover effects, clickable pop-ups, and linking to the slides also allowing for content blocks and objects. Preannimated characters, illustrations, and gestures are also able to be created. Along with allowing the slides to enter from the side or have a staggered fade.

This application has all the components that an instructional designer could desire however there are other issues that one needs to take into consideration when choosing a presentation application based on the research having been done to date.

Though Visme software sounds great and is even reasonably priced for personal: $12.25/month paid annually and for business use at $24.75/month paid annually with an option for a custom enterprise pricing to be assessed upon inquiry there are many realities that an instructional designer needs to take into consideration before purchasing any presentation software.

Duhaney (2000) found that many teachers are unprepared to use the technology available to support their classroom activities. Students are more familiar with the use of the technology so are often enlisted to help the teacher to implementing these new technologies helping to build greater motivation in the students. Through the guidance of the teachers students access information, and communicate with others in different geographical locations as they learn how to use new instructional media. The students who understand the technology showed more motivation by being able to help fellow students learn how to use the technology.

Lane (1994) reported that the responsibility for learning with the use of electronically mediated instruction (EMI) has shifted from teacher-centered learning to learner-centered learning. The teacher facilitates the learning by acting as a coach and resource guide as they learn together fostering collaboration between the teachers and students.

When considering the type of presentation software I may use in the design of my instruction ease of use for all concerned is most important for both the instructors and the students to be able to receive the best educational experience. Sometimes fewer bells and whistles would make for a better choice creating an ease of use for all the stakeholders who are going to be using the presentation application.

Resources:

Duhaney, D. C. (2000). Technology and the educational process: Transforming classroom activities. International Journal of Instructional Media (27) 1, 67.

Lane, C. (1994). Distance education. In RS. Portway and C. Lane,

Technical guide to teleconferencing and distance learning, (2nd ed.,

pp. 195–278). San Ramon, CA: Applied Business

Telecommunications.

Velarde (2023). 15 Best presentation software for 2023 (Full Comparison Guide).

Retrieved from: https://visme.co/blog/best-presentation-software/