Ambyr+Lay

**280 Slides: What Is It?** **280 Slides is a Web 2.0 technology tool that is similar to PowerPoint from Microsoft Office.** **It is used to create slide show presentations.****However, because of the enhanced interactive capabilities of the tool, users may now benefit from being able to access their creations anywhere they have internet access. T****he presentations are stored securely on the site's server.****In addition, you may easily import an existing PowerPoint presentation as well as download a new creation to PowerPoint.****Other user friendly features of the technology include its AutoSave Recovery feature that prevents your work from being lost.****Sharing your work is also easily done!** **This is a fascinating modern Web 2.0 take on a familiar favorite!**  **Visit the site and see for yourself:** 280 Slides @ []

Why I Chose 280 Slides?

I chose this specific Web 2.0 tool for my project because I see the potential for its use in today's classroom. For the past several years, I have challenged my seventh grade Communication Arts students to present the information they find through the use of slideshows. This is always a favorite for them, as they have grown up using the technology and are comfortable with its features. What I see here, with 280 Slides, is a way to enhance the slideshow experience for my students. With this technology, they can continue to use much of the same knowledge that they currently possess, but also to be engaged in the use of a more interactive version on the presentation. Being able to add better pictures and videos to their presentations, as well as being able to publish their final product online will encourage them to create quality work!

 How I Used 280 Slides?

One of my favorite lessons to teach each year is that of figurative language. Introducing students to these concepts is always an enjoyable experience. We focus on eight figurative language terms and their definitions. We then discuss examples of each of the eight types of figurative language terms and challenge one another to create our own. We play figurative language games and eventually use our understanding of figurative language as we discuss and learn more about poetry. My students seem to get really involved in the lesson, which all begins with a slideshow. I have always before used a basic powerpoint presentation that I found on the internet a few years ago. This year, my students will be introduced to a slideshow presented through 280 Slides! 

Critique: After creating my slideshow using 280 slides and linking it to this wiki, I visited the link myself and noticed that the presentation is not in the same format that I created it in. The color, the font, and the overall slide layout was slightly changed. I see this as a definite downfall to the program.

Meeting The Needs Of Diverse Learners?

Making use of any technology that presents information in a visual manner aides in meeting the needs of diverse learners. Slideshows that break apart information into easily digestible chunks greatly benefit students in that the information does not seem overwhelming to them. The ability to also integrate audio and video tools into the presentation makes the information more appealing to auditory learners.