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There is an incredible array of presentation tools available. Ready to move beyond posters? Let's go!

Powerpoint (and Keynote, the Mac equivalent and Google docs) is still an effective way to make presentations. Slideshare allows you to upload your powerpoint presentation and share it on the web. It is also a good site to check if you are looking for a powerpoint on a specific topic (no need to reinvent the wheel!)

A quick tip: Check in with your technologist/librarian to see if your school has an educational account to any of these applications. Most offer school education accounts with free, extended access. OK, ready for something a bit jazzier?

Animoto allows you to quickly and easily create music videos. Once you've registered, simply upload your images, add text, and choose a soundtrack. The site will compile your work into a 30-second video. A great tool for book trailers, book talks, a way to share field trip photos, or just to capture a day in your classroom to share with parents.

Prezi is the zooming presentation tool. Hard to describe, easy to use and visually dynamic. A great alternative to powerpoint.

Voicethread describes itself as "a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds __** [|images, documents, and videos] **__ and allows people to navigate pages and leave __** [|comments in 5 ways] **__ - using voice (with a mic or telephone), text, audio file, or video (via a webcam). __** [|Share] **__ a VoiceThread with friends, students, and colleagues for them to record comments too." I t is a tool perfectly suited for digital storytelling.

Wikis are quick and easy websites with a million uses. Never tried one? Take a look at "Wikis in Plain English" You are currently using a wiki--we used Wikispaces to design "28 Things".[| PBwiki]allowsyou to create user IDs for your students, no email required. In the classroom wikis can be used as classroom websites. They can be used for collaborative projects, or as a way for teachers to gather a multitude of resources together for their students. They are a wonderful way for students to showcase what they have learned.

[|Skype] is a free voice and video chat service. We've used it our classrooms to discuss books with sudents in other parts of the state, to talk to students traveling in India, to share weather information with a second grade class in North Carolina and to host our Union 28 MCBA Battle of the Books tournament! Bring an expert or author into your classroom, or stay in touch with a sick student on an extended absence. This is a wonderful tool.