Digital Tool: Powerpoint

	- powerpoint in a presentation program by Microsoft - consists of a number of slides (idea derived from the slide projector) - may contain text, graphics, movies an other objects - can be printed, displayed off the computer, or navigated on command by presenter
	- variety of features can instigate creative ablity - can be printed, displayed (audio recording) or presented giving an array of options - can be included in learning experiences and assignment submission - can be a ‘home base’ for information delivery by hyperlinking other places
	- incorporates use of ICT into many aspects of teaching and learning - easy to learn and use - engaging, interesting and fun for presenter and audience through text, images, audio video and interactive presentation features - incorporates visual literacy and presentation skills - variety of uses - organises information more easily - a program that all computers have installed
	- easy to crowd slides making it hard to follow and present - important to have presentation knowledge and skills (6 lines with 6 words) - can get carried away with the features (transition, sound effects) and loose focus on actual content of presentation
	- powerpoint presentations makes the audience feel worthwhile as information is resented in a professional way - develops an interactive, engaging atmosphere - provides an array of possibilities with different slide designs, layouts and interactive features - makes an organised lesson that’s easy to deliver and follow - helps for clear delivery of information
	- easy and simple to use and follow - appealing for both presenter and audience

Digital Tool: Prezi

Man-oh. That was an effort and a half. But i did it, although for some reason the move, resize and rotate function failed to work for me, probably because I'm on mac with no mouse. Still, I dont think its too bad for a first attempt. Check it out at this link http://prezi.com/ibtk3mg9kjwy/sydney-australia/

Plus
- interactive presentation tool
- organises information well
- engaging and interesting
- can include text video images and audio
- approaches aspects of visual literacy
Minus
- difficult to use on laptop without mouse
- advanced features cost money
- requires lengthy tutorial - not self explanatory
- broad topics or more than one focus can get messy and confusing
- lengthy presentations get frustrating and annoying with zoom features
- can make audience dizzy and sick from continuous movement
- can go wrong if the context of the presentation does not suit the particular presentation style
Interesting
- could be useful for brainstorming or mind mapping
- could be specifically effective for presenting images and video with limited text (titles)
- improve organisation skills through grouping
- can be used for a range of different topics

Summary – Group 2 Technologies for Learning Design

As each tool within the group 2 technologies come hand in hand, ie. video uses both images and audio, the core focus is the full impact of multimedia on enhancing learning. Multimedia for learning is particularly important for 21^st century learners. It is engaging and interactive and can be used in a multitude of ways.
In my own investigation of the tools, I tried each tool individually. In exploring images, I used the program Picnik to alter a photo. This was an enjoyable process although somewhat frustrating as all option weren’t available without payment. In the learning environment, images can be used to support critical thinking specifically through the use of thinking routines like see, think, wonder. Therefore, teachers can present learning materials with the purpose of engaging thinking (knowledge, understanding, analysis, evaluation) and influencing feelings. Images can also enhance visual literacy.
The second tool of the group, podcasting, also appeals to the multimedia age through creativity and the use of interactive, engaging experiences. A podcast, simply a sound file, be shared online drawing upon aspects of networking and collaboration. Podcasting facilitates communication and expression of knowledge and ideas in a contemporary world. This particular tool can be used for school projects or assignments, for communication and outreach as well as the possibility of creating an archive of lessons on podcast. The teaching focus is not about delivering information to students, but rather for students creating themselves which can be achieved with this tool.
Finally, previous experimentation with digital movies was a lengthy process but once the skill was mastered the contribution to learning was great. Digital movies can be used in a range of contexts for common usages such as communication, observation, analysis and reflection where outcomes include higher order thinking, presentation and communication skills, and literacy development.
As a whole entity, multimedia combines aural literacy, together with visual literacy, which is becoming very important in the 21^st Century literacy set.

PMI: Multimedia (Images, videos and audio tools)

Plus	- creative - encourage visual literacies - interactive - fun and engaging - many programs are free to use (movie maker, podOcast) - versatile – can be developed in our out of classroom, on excursions, carnivals etc. - appealing to 21st century learners - engages thinking and influences feeling - tools for reflection to support learning - facilitates communication and expression of ideas and knowledge
Minus	- can require expensive digital software (microphone, video recorder) - time consuming - offensive content to some beliefs - some difficulty loading online
Interesting	- ethical considerations - permission required for videos and photos of people - assignment mode, lesson delivery opportunities - thinking routines for critical thinking – see, think, wonder

Digital Tool: Digital Movie (Here's One I Prepared Earlier (for undergrad)

Digital Tool: Images

This was an enjoyable process although somewhat frustrating as all option weren’t available without payment.

Digital Tool: Podcast

PodOmatic Page                http://ekdodson.podomatic.com/

Wow! That was an effort, but I got it!!! Two podcasts, one about chromosomes from iTunesU and the other a recording of myself.

Although it took a while to figure out how to use the program, in the end it presented itself to be fairly easy. I came to enjoy investigating podcasts and think it would be a great tool to incorporate into learning experiences