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Biteslide
Pros: Accessible and easy to use, the multiple-editor option allows for collaborative projects and slideshows.
Cons: Kids can't create their own drawings, video, or audio content within the tool.
Bottom Line: Engaging presentation tool allows teachers, individual students, and collaborative groups to create effective multimedia presentations.
The opportunities provided by this open-ended digital creation tool are limited only by your (or your students') imagination. Before starting, visit Biteslide's blog to see examples of kids' creations and read about how others have used the site. Slidebooks can be a great way for kids to present individual or group research projects: Kids might detail the steps and results of a science experiment, describe a history investigation with images, or explain the process for solving a math problem.
Because kids can work together on a single slidebook, teachers can assign work to individuals or small groups, or even make a class slidebook documenting a particularly long-term class project. Teachers can also use slidebooks as a form of digital portfolio: Take pictures of projects, artwork, or other creations, or take video of kids explaining what they've done, and document each in a slide. At the end of the year (or semester), kids can look back on what they've accomplished, or teachers can use the portfolio to assess kids' progress. Print slidebooks to give kids a keepsake of what they've created.
Editor's Note: Bitslide is no longer available.
With Biteslide, students can create digital slideshows using text, photos, and video clips. Once teachers create their own accounts, they can add students and assign projects. Teachers can make a "slidebook" (slideshow) template for students to copy and customize, or provide general instructions and give students free reign. Kids then sign in with a unique username and password and create their slidebooks.
Kids can search for images or video on Google or YouTube from their classroom computers -- a custom search tool is embedded in the slidebook creation screen. Kids can also customize the design of their slides, as well as add "editors" to allow for collaboration with other kids. Finished slidebooks can be downloaded or printed, and kids can mark their slidebooks "ready for review." A limited number of student accounts and projects, and unlimited slidebooks, are available with a free teacher account. Other paid subscription levels offer more options.
Biteslide's easy-to-use creation tool can adapt to a variety of subjects and ages. Essentially, it's a kids' version of PowerPoint that students can use to present ideas, organize thoughts, or demonstrate what they've learned. The power in this tool comes from the opportunities for creative expression it offers kids.
The site (or Chrome app) provides solid support videos and tips, but little inspiration. There is, however, an accompanying blog that features helpful articles and ideas for use. After an initial period of orientation, most kids will find it easy to get started. One of the site's better options is the ability to allow multiple "editors," so kids can work together to create a single project. Having the Google and YouTube search engines accessible during the creation process is also a helpful feature. (Searches seem to be limited to prevent inappropriate results; nevertheless, teachers should be aware that these are still open search tools.) The addition of a drawing tool, or the option for kids to add their own audio, would add even more versatility to the tool.
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