Reflection Week 8

Today's lesson (13th April 2013), I have learnt to software that are Macros PowerPoint and Prezi. I have difficulties using both software as this is the first time I am using it and I am facing with a lot of trouble while using it. Best solution is, I have to explore myself more about both software. Here is the information for both software. 

What is Macros PowerPoint?

Macros in PowerPoint allow users to carried out repetitive tasks at the click of a button. A user can record a task being carried out to a macro, assign the macro to a key combination or button and then use it to perform that task over and over again. some uses of macros include: Moving to a different part of a spreadsheet, running a calculation, closing an application, printing an application or adding a header and footer. Macro might be used to timestamp a document, save, print and close the file.

The advantages and disadvantages of Macros PowerPoint

• A repetitive task can be carried out using simple instructions.
• Errors can be reduced as the macro will do exactly what it has been asked to do.
• Macros can be set up to help inexperienced users to perform complex tasks.
• Errors may occur if the conditions that the macro is running under is different or the macro was recorded incorrectly or the macro is run at the wrong time. 

Justification 

In my opinion, macros enables the function of PowerPoint become more advanced and more interactive. It can increase the function of PowerPoint from teacher's centered to students centered learning. However, for the user who want to use macros in PowerPoint, they must know the key combination to run the macro. To correct errors the user must have some understanding of how the macro was created.

Application

I can use the Macros in PowerPoint to create a students activities during the class for example drag and drop, crossword puzzle and labeling.

What is Prezi?
Prezi is a Hungarian software company, producing a cloud-based (SaaS) presentation software and storytelling tool for presenting ideas on a virtual canvas. The product employs a Zooming User Interface (ZUI), which allows users to zoom in and out of their presentation media, and allows users to display and navigate through information within a 2.5D or parallax 3D space on the Z-axis. It is used very regularly now by students and enterprise businesses, making it a very popular online service to share and present ideas and information to viewers whenever or wherever they might be.

The advantages of Prezi

• Prezi presentations are made via the internet which doesn’t limit you to one device allowing easy to access to your presentation wherever you are.
• By using Prezi rather then PowerPoint or Keynote your presentations may be a lot more creative.
• Your Prezi presentations can be a lot more engaging then PowerPoint or Keynote.
• By using Prezi you can make your presentation public for anyone to watch in their own time.
• Prezi allows you to share information online.
• Prezi is also free for students.

The disadvantages of Prezi

• Unfortunately, the free account with Prezi limits you to basic functions. If you want more tools and options you will have spend a little money.
• Quite a big disadvantage is that no audio can be added to Prezi presentations.
• Not printer friendly, so if you need to hand your slides up to your lecturer be aware that this might present a bit of a road block.

Justification

In my opinion, Prezi provide an interesting and attractive view for slide presentation. However, Prezi is not a free software and you need skill to apply it. 

How to use Prezi?
Feel free to watch the video below:

Application

I am not good at using a Prezi. However, I am so empress with the Prezi presentation made by Dilan Somander. Here is the presentation.