Ask a Scientist: Cloning

At this time I have not recieved a response from the Ask a Scientist website. Once a response has been received I will update this post.

Presentation Program Previews

This week I had the opportunity to preview two different presentation software programs available on the web.  Below are my reviews of those programs:

Google Docs:

Ease of use – Very similar to PowerPoint and its well-known format. This makes it simple for those that already know the program.

Special features – Multiple people can see the same document from different locations and can submit changes as well.

Reliability – Google is a reliable tool used by many all over the world, so I see no reason that this form of Google would be any different.

Learning curve/availability of training materials (e.g. tutorials) – Tutorials are available before use.

Equipment/technical requirements – An internet connection and web browsing tool are the only needed technical requirements.

Potential for collaboration and file sharing – As stated under the special features, collaboration is allowed in this program.

Cost of use – FREE!

Accessibility from home, school, or classroom – The program is web-based and usable anywhere a web connection is available.

Multi-media capabilities (such as animation, sound, video elements) – Video elements are able to be included in the program.  However the one drawback that I see of this program is it does not allow animations, specifically between slides during the  presentation.

Engagement/motivational factors – The program is very basic in its visual appeal.  There are not engagement/motivational factors to this program.

Museum Box:

Ease of use – Easy to use with a lot of options.

Special features – The program allows you to create images on the sides of boxes, creating a presentation from those boxes.

Reliability – The site seems pretty reliable, except for down time for scheduled maintenance.

Learning curve/availability of training materials (e.g. tutorials) – The site provides an introduction video, links to others projects for inspiration, and a help button for all of
the tools.

Equipment/technical requirements – An internet connection and web browsing tool are the only needed technical requirements.

Potential for collaboration and file sharing – The file is sharable on the site.  However, there is no collaboration available.

Cost of use – FREE!

Accessibility from home, school, or classroom - The program is web-based and usable anywhere a web connection is available.

Multi-media capabilities (such as animation, sound, video elements) – Videos, links, and image capabilities are available. However, animations are not.

Engagement/motivational factors – It is really cool to see the boxes sides, and see the animations as they flip from one to another.  The engagement is great with this program.

After having taken a close look at these two programs, I probably would not use either one for this project.  Though they allow you to create slides, neither seems to have very engaging options for actually doing a presentation. This includes no options for animations or slide transformations.  I am still interested in checking out the Prezi presentation software, but if it falls between either of these and PowerPoint, I would choose to use PowerPoint.