Today’s tech snack can be found at the following url: http://www.preso.tv/
What is it and how does it work?
Preso.tv is a web 2.0 tool that allows people to share their powerpoint, pdf, and word document files in real time with an audience without a projector. Students can view the presentation from any Internet enabled device and it works on all Internet browsers. Using preso.tv is easy to use and does not require you or your students to sign up for an account to use the service. All you have to do is upload your file to preso.tv and then the site will process the file. Once processed, you will be given a url and the option to start your presentation immediately or schedule it for viewing at later date. All students need to access your presentation is the url. **Note, once you start a presentation, students will see the slides as you advance them. (Students cannot advance slides on their own) If you schedule a presentation for a later date, then students can advance the slides on their own.
Options within the program also allow you to highlight areas of the slide and zoom in and out to feature desired areas. Additional features provide statistics on the number of viewers and length of presentation.
Classroom implications
Preso.tv is an easy way to share content with your students without having to rely on having a projector. You could flip your classroom and schedule presentations for students to view from home. A student who is homebound could also follow along in class, by simply having the link and following along from home. **Note: once a presentation has been closed out or stopped, it gets deleted off the preso.tv server. If you want to present the presentation again, you have to upload it again and then you will be given a unique url for that current presentation.
So today’s tech snack provides us with a nice alternative to using projectors. Lcd projectors are a great tool to use in the classroom, but it is nice to know that we are not pigeon holed or restricted if they are not available for whatever reason.