10 FREE Presentation Tools for Online Education (Well, mostly free...)

10 FREE Presentation Tools for Online Educators

Throughout the ILT program at the University of Colorado Denver, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of free authoring tools online.  This is a list of 10 presentation tools that educators, students, and trainers can use to create fun and engaging presentation materials. I have personally used all of these tools and feel that I can provide a candid review. Check them out!

1. Stupeflix

Stupeflix is free video online video software that allows users to create video presentations.  The software allows you to add music, images, map locations, and text to slides. The free version has 16 templates, but if users would like more templates and more functionality they have to purchase the PRO version.

2. WeVideo

WeVideo is free online video software that allows you to add video, photos, and audio, but only allows a few menu options unless the user purchases the Premium or Pro version. The user can only upload a 7 minute video without purchasing the upgrades.

3. Emaze
Emaze allows users to choose a template and create a slideshow. The biggest issue I found with using Emaze is that it has a lot of audio issues and it does not have a timeline feature for audio so you cannot cue music at specific stopping points.  This software is best for just a visual presentation.

4. PowToon
PowToon is online software that allows users to create animated videos and presentations.  It also has a premium version for users that gives users more templates, images, and audio to choose from. Pow Toon is one of the best free presentation software tools on the market, in my opinion.  It really grabs the viewers’ attention with lively graphics and images.


5. SlideShare

SlideShare is online software that allows you to either upload PowerPoint presentations or choose slide templates from a library or both.  Users can add audio, but it is quite limited in its overall functionality.  SlideShare is easily shareable on social media and all over the web.

6. Prezi

Prezi is one of the neatest presentation tools out there.  The presentations jump off the page and there are no “slides,” it feels more like watching a video. I have had problems with audio and videos on the presentation and having audio loop through the presentation. If you are going to be doing all the talking, this will be a great tool.


7. SlideRocket

SlideRocket allows you to import PowerPoints or Google Presentations and help bring those slides to life. Users of SlideRocket basically have to purchase the premium version in order to make anything of value. I think SlideRocket is more for businesses than it is for education.

8. BrainShark

Brainshark is a presentation software program aimed at big businesses and companies.  It makes presentations more engaging and promise companies more sales productivity. It only allows for a short free demo before users must purchase a plan. Brainshark will actually create the presentations for you and you buy them from consultants.

9. Voicethread

VoiceThread is a cloud application that requires no software installation.  Users can comment on slides via webcam, text, phone, or audio upload. It is easily integrated with LMS programs. VoiceThread seems to be more for creating webinars or conferences.

10. Knovio

Knovio allows users to upload PowerPoint presentations and create presentations with audio. It allows users to record video side-by-side with slide presentation. It is limited in functionality, but it does help bring boring PowerPoint slides to life.

UCDenver Graduation for ILT Students (10 Things you NEED to know)

UCDenver Graduation for ILT Students

(10 Things you NEED to know)

I will be graduating this December and let me tell you, it has been a fantastic journey in the Information & Learning Technologies MA program. Having said that, I made a few mistakes when it comes to graduation that luckily, (after some begging and pleading) I am still able to continue with graduation.  Don’t make the same mistakes I did!

Here are 10 simple steps that will help you make all the right steps toward graduation.

1.    Make sure you stay in touch with both your academic adviser and your program adviser throughout the program and especially during the term you wish to graduate

2.    Check your UCDENVER email OFTEN- important graduation items arrive in your UCDenver email, do NOT ignore them

3.    Follow the ILT graduation guidelines on the ILT Resources Google Doc

4.    Turn in your portfolio on time

5.    Make sure to complete the graduation form AND the Culminating Experience forms by the required deadline

6.    Complete the IDI survey and the exit survey by the required deadline—links to these surveys will come in your campus email

7.    If you wish to attend the commencement: Sign up before the deadline and order your cap and gown (regalia)

8.    Bookmark these 3 links—these links will be your bible throughout the ILT program: ILT RESOURCES ILT GRADUATION and ILT PORTFOLIO

9.    Ask for help if you need it! The SEHD department is there for you and they understand the stresses that go along with final semester and graduation. Here is a link to the SEHD Website

10.  Perhaps the most important tip…bask in all your glory because you earned it!

If you have any tips, please leave a comment below.