Activity #3 - Prezi

Math Teacher Writing Variable Expressions Concept Map on Prezi

Prezi is an awesome tool to use in order to enhance critical thinking skills and techniques. While creating this, I found myself stumped and trying to prioritize my information many times. I think this was the most challenging part of this assignment. I also believe that this challenge will hold for students as well. Especially in mathematics, the understanding of mathematical steps and process is critical. If students were to have to create a Prezi about a math concept, they would need to identify and prioritize which step comes first. They will also need to understand and even be able to explain why that step was placed in the given order. Using the templates provided will help the students visualize their information and explain it better, rather than focusing on making the presentation look good. I have noticed a lot of that when students use PowerPoint. Prezi makes it easy to prioritize and also emphasize important subtopics and information.

         What I like most about Prezi is that it is engaging for students. They can also work collaboratively when separated. I think this will push the “shy” students to engage in creating the presentation because they won’t have to do it in front of their peers.  Students will be required to think independently and be able to instill their individualized thoughts into the presentation, meanwhile, working with their peers to eliminate insufficient thoughts and suggestions.

         I love that the given templates have a step-like format, one step, then the next, and so on. In my classroom, I would group students together in class so they can begin their initial planning for their Prezi. After they each have a strong idea, I would separate them to begin creating the Prezi and work collaboratively but separated. The only precaution I would need to take is the ambitious students completing the presentation at home when the homework component would not even be expected. This would take the creativity, thoughts, and input from the rest of the students in the group.