Evaluating Web Presentation Tools- Google Docs and Prezi

Google Docs
Google Docs is a great tool for anyone who has ever used Microsoft PowerPoint.  While test driving Google Docs, I found it very easy to use because the editing tools are so similar to PowerPoint's editing tools.  Additionally, there are tutorials and help available.  Furthermore, this would be asscessible from anywhere that one could access a Google account and it is totally free.  Collaboration and file sharing could be achieved through a joint account.  However, I did not feel that Google Docs had many special features or multi-media capabilities.  There are much fewer slide designs available than with Microsoft PowerPoint and no slide transitions.  Additionally, you can add pictures or short videos, but no other multimedia.  I would recommend Google Docs for someone already familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint and not really interested in learning something new or short on time.

Prezi
Prezi is a great way to make a creative and "artsy" presentation.  It is a free and easy-to-use way to make eye-catching presentations.  I found Prezi a bit confusing to use at first.  However, they offer very helpful tutorials and "cheat sheets".  Additionally, editing can be done together making it easy to use collaboratively.  A great feature is the availability of several different graphic organizers.  Using these templates is a huge time saver when adding them to a presentation.  You Tube Videos can be uploaded.  However, I tried to upload a different video as a file and could not get it to work.  Also, I personally like the presentation style that Prezi uses but it could be seen as a negative that you cannot change the presentation style or effects.  I would recommend Prezi for someone who is looking for "something new".  It is a totally different and interesting way to present information.  It may be time consuming at first, but could be a great way to create professional looking presentations in the future.