Presentation Tools - Presentation Tools in Libraries

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A Look at Presentation Tools Used by Librarians

By Amber Scroggy

        Librarians use a multitude of presentation tools to develop engaging presentations. Various programs enable the creation of engaging and memorable lessons, helping students better understand and connect with the content and concepts presented. Choosing the right tool for a presentation depends on the creator’s needs and desired visual attributes. Additionally, there are presentation tools that are integrative, allowing students to actively participate in the presentation, (Whicker et al., 2012).

        There are numerous presentation tools available to meet those needs, and luckily some of them are free, or low cost. Here is list curated in an article by Jennifer Resor Whicker, Kathy Shields and Amy Chadwella that briefly looks at some of the presentation tools used by librarians to enhance library instruction:

•  Prezi - Online tool used to create multimedia presentations and favored for its infinite canvas. https://prezi.com

•  Mindomo - A customizable online mind-mapping tool that allows real-time collaboration. https://www.mindomo.com 

•  Bubbl.us - An online brainstorming tool for creating basic mind maps. https://bubbl.us

•  Lino - Online canvas tool for posting sticky notes, including multimedia stickers. https://en.linoit.com 

•  Poll Everywhere - An Audience response tool for real-time polling via the web, twitter or text. https://www.polleverywhere.com 

•  Google forms - Online form creation tool for collecting response in Google Spreadsheets. https://docs.google.com/forms

•  Evernote - A note-taking program that syncs across internet accessible devices. https://www.evernote.com ​

•  TechSmith Capture - (Previously Jing) A free screencasting tool for capturing images and videos from a computer screen. https://www.techsmith.com/jing.html

•  Join.Me - A screen-sharing and teleconferencing tool

Another screencasting tool that has a free option and multiple pay options depending on your budget and needs is:

•  Screen-o-Matic, (Glusker, 2021). https://screencast-o-matic.com ​

        It is obvious to see that there are numerous options to pick and choose from. Perhaps using one of the brainstorming programs listed above can help choose the right presentation tools to design and enrich your next presentation!
 
        Here is a list of additional presentation tools that may prove useful in creating visually appealing and engaging presentations:

• Microsoft PowerPoint - https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/powerpoint

• Google Slides - https://www.google.com/slides

• Canva - https://www.canva.com

• Keynote (for Mac users) - https://www.apple.com/keynote

• Visme - https://www.visme.co

• Zoho Show - https://www.zoho.com/show

• Slidebean - https://slidebean.com

• Haiku Deck - https://www.haikudeck.com

• Powtoon - https://www.powtoon.com

• Kahoot! - A game-based learning platform for quizzes, polls, and interactive activities. https://kahoot.com

• Mentimeter - A tool for creating live polls, quizzes, word clouds, and Q&A sessions. https://www.mentimeter.com 

• Padlet - A collaborative platform for creating shared boards, timelines, and maps. https://padlet.com

Check out this video that provides a little more information about a few of the tool listed and mentions a few more.

If you made it all the way here....

Thank you for reading!😁

References:

Whicker, J. R., Shields, K., & Chadwell, A. (2012). Free Tech

Tools That Enhance Library Instruction. Virginia Libraries, 58(1). https://doi.org/10.21061/valib.v58i1.1192

Glusker, A. (2021). Screencast-o-Matic. Journal of the Medical 

Library Association, 109(2), 355–358. https://doi-org.palomar.idm.oclc.org/10.5195/jmla.2021.1207

I do not receive any compensation from any party or company listed above.