Presentations

After viewing a sampling of videos on Google Docs Presentations, it is clear that this application was designed to closely mirror the processes and functions of Microsoft's PowerPoint. The primary difference that is discernible between the two is that Presentations is a cloud based application. A new document is not saved to a particular computer or storage device. Instead, it is stored in the "cloud" which allows users to access it from any computer and invite other Google users to view or edit it through their own accounts. It was also nice to see that Presentations supported multiple formats. A document can be transferred from Presentations to PowerPoint without formatting issues.

The cloud function of Presentations allows for many applications in conjunction with in class assignments. In a lesson plan aimed at middle school students, Presentations was utilized to help students memorize and expand their vocabulary. This idea can function across the spectrum of subjects. Each student would be responsible for creating a unique slide that presented the vocabulary word as well as the definition. The students could work in groups and would collaborate on the project as they consider the overall structure of their presentation. Students could work from their homes or while at school if they have access to technology within the classroom.