Five Web-based Alternatives to PowerPoint

Five years ago, I learned of Zoho as an alternative for an office suite.  Now there is a wider selection of options.  

ReadWrite BIZ writer John Paul Titlow says: “For years, Microsoft PowerPoint has been the standard bearer of slide presentation applications, but several web-based alternatives have emerged. For the most part, the alternatives offer similar functionality to PowerPoint, sometimes more, sometimes less. One obvious advantage to web-based presentations is that they’re stored in the cloud, eliminating the potential for nightmare scenarios involving lost or corrupted thumb drives.”...ReadWriteBiz, Nov. 27

1. Prezi - See the demo and great examples of Prezi for presentations.
2. SlideRocket - It is a collaborative presentation tool.  It allows for users to comment and answer polls in real time, interact with Flickr and GoogleDocs.
3. 280 Slides - Easy to create, easy to share. Take a tour!
4. GoogleDocs - Essentially a web-based version of MS PowerPoint. Nice.
5. Zoho Show - The presentation application of Zoho offers the standard functionality, but also includes live audio chat with the audience.

Bit.ly Bundles - a short URL for a bunch of long URLs

Mashable/Social Media reporter Jolie O’Dell writes: “Link-sharing service bit.ly has just launched a new tool for people who really, really love sharing links. Bit.ly Bundles allow you to package multiple long links in a single shortened URL. This is a highly useful feature with an almost endless string of use cases. You can tweet a string of YouTube videos or post a collection of study materials to Facebook—all with just one short URL.”...

Here is an example of a Bit.ly Bundle for a number of online technology tutorials for teachers and teens, http://bit.ly/bundles/4libraries/1 

Try it!  URLS: Shorten and share.

Scribblar -- fun with a friend

Scribblar basic is a free and easy whiteboard. It requires no sign-up and lets you take a snapshot of the page. Kids of all ages should find this fun and useful. It allows audio, so no phone call is necessary. I experimented using my netbook, which is handy but not as good as a full screen.

OpenOffice's Education Site - under development

Just learned that OpenOffice.org has a site especially for educators and their students.
The mission of the OpenOffice Education Project:
"Its purpose his to help teachers as well as students or anybody involved in education to enter the OpenOffice.org project and find a place where to contribute or to find information. Another aim is to be a central point for tools and initiatives around OpenOffice.org the product and the sources that can be shared by our international community and where students of any level can find a place to easily participate." For more information about this productivity tool, or to contribute, see the Education Project wiki.

Mobility@Your Library - #6 Productivity Tools

Here is #6 of 10 categories of how libraries use mobile devices.

#6 Productivity Tools. These are much needed, given so many libraries still rely on traditional methods of doing things. Baby-Boomer Librarians are retiring in large numbers. Keeping library doors open requires good use of staff time. Some library tasks lead to repetitive stress injury, so those tasks are good candidates for new ways of doing things. Self-service is one trend that increases library productivity.

• Self checkout
• Shelf check/inventory
• Weeding
• e-Scheduling
• Reference Desk Statistics
• Research Starter eWorksheets

EXAMPLES:

1. When I asked for examples of library mobile or wireless tools, I heard from Jaye A. H. Lapachet, M.L.I.S. of San Francisco-based Content Innovations. The company's product, ProBarcodes, allows a library staff to store scanned barcode (or RFID) information on a handheld device, including barcode readers, PDAs, and mobile phones for later upload to database systems. “ProBarcodes is targeted at small and mid-sized special libraries that would not be able to afford a barcode solution. CheckScan and ShelfScan currently work with ProBarcodes to allow librarians to facilitate self checkout (CheckScan). ShelfScan allows library staff to assign books to certain shelves which assists with inventory and location control.” Mostly in Law and Special libraries. Equipment: HP PDAs, Worth dedicated barcode reader, AT&T Tilt, Windows CE phones.
2. Scheduline exhibited at the California Library Association annual conference. Their product caught my eye because about six months ago I began working the reference desk at my local college. Each week, I get an e-mail with the reference desk schedule. Wonder how much time and energy that takes each week?!! Well, this company provided a handy and very compelling library cost analysis to go along with its literature. The website lists its benefits to administrators and personnel: Scheduline uses the web to schedule and communicate with personnel. Benefits for Administration: Make schedules at your convenience from any computer (or smartphone) with Internet access at any time. Personnel can view their own schedules online, reducing distracting phone calls and visits. No new hardware or software to purchase or maintain. Your system is always current. Benefits for Personnel: Check schedules online via the Internet. Send requests for special shifts, time off, comp time, paid time off, vacation, etc. without calling or visiting workplace. View or print schedules from any screen.

I'd like to add some solid library examples of Research Starter eForms (for students and Reference Desk Librarians to fill out). I've created a form in MS WORD that helps me remember all the questions to ask students, but the form is also ideal for students off campus or any student starting a new research assignment. This form saves me and students time and energy.