Evaluating Web 2.0 Tools – Eric Freeman

Two tools I evaluated:

Ahead

Pros:

-a web based presentation program.

-basic version is free

-beyond traditional slides

-can upload images, videos, and pdfs

-has a tutorial

Cons:

-Tutorial was PDF only, and not interactive

-costs $35 per year for more saving space and ability to post to non-public domains

-only public posting

-no offline presentations

-no downloadable file

-touchy zoom

-seemed complicated

I think that this could be a good program if you were sharing over the internet, or inviting people to view your presentation online. It is accessible from anywhere, which is handy. It does about any kind of media. I would not be able to recommend this program however. I have a short attention span when it comes to applications, and this one was cumbersome to learn, so I lost interest. Not user friendly, especially for kids. I also thought it was expensive considering there are cool free presentation tools out there.

Viddix

Pros:

-video of presentation for engagement

-slides, images, text, links, polls, blogs, and other links can be posted

-publish to a web page

-can poll an audience or class to get opinions or check for understanding

-use any web browser to invite viewers to presentation

-many video demonstrations available

-free account, but it is basic

Cons:

-best use is for video presentations

-pay to receive more features and space

-pay in Euros

-have to speak for entire presentation

-did not find tutorial, but seemed basic enough to figure out

I can see this presentation tool being used to deliver information, or sales pitches. It could be cool in a classroom to build several of these, then have students navigate through them like centers, and then ask comprehension questions within a discussion. For our upcoming assignment though, I have trouble seeing this one being used.