Sway is a tool developed by Microsoft that allows users to present information in a captivating way. It provides options for creating different sections of text. Additionally, you can import images and videos straight into the document by simply dragging them into place. Sway also allows you to present these images and pieces of text in creative ways, such as by stacking them or displaying them in a grid. The tool even provides a collaboration option for teachers to build a document together. This especially helps when creating classroom activities like digital breakouts. With Sway, students can immerse themselves in the content.
Sway mainly contributes to Domain 1 of the Danielson Framework: Planning and Preparation. It serves as a tool for teachers to input information and present it uniquely to their students. Because of its options to embed videos and other related items, teachers may use Sway to demonstrate their knowledge of the content and effective pedagogy they are using (1a), along with their knowledge of resources (1d). Additionally, the teachers determine the sequence of the lesson and the order in which the content is delivered on Sway, thereby setting the instructional outcomes (1c). Overall, Sway designs presentations to be used within classroom instruction (1e), and it can also display necessary information on direction sheets and documents sent home to the parents. Its purpose of creating an engaging learning tool also contributes to component 3c of the Framework, aiding in Instruction.
This tech tool also emphasizes the ISTE Standards for Students, particularly building them up to be Creative Communicators. It allows them to implement visualizations and format the information in a way that effectively communicates complex ideas easily (6c). By allowing students to create their own Sway documents, they can take charge of their learning and prove what they know. The information that the students publish can help them customize the message depending on who the audience is (6d). Additionally, you can facilitate students as they collaborate on Sway to build presentations, working as a team of Global Collaborators (7c). When considering the Four C's of Teaching and Learning, Sway encourages communication by providing different avenues and resources to make information understandable. It also prompts creativity as students choose what videos or images they would like to place in the document, even though Sway also has an option to automatically format the presentation. Critical thinking and collaboration work together as students build projects as a group, or when teachers use Sway to ask questions at the beginning or end of class that prompt deep thought.
I would recommend Sway for the classroom, because it allows teachers to efficiently present content. Since Sway can format itself and make the presentation flow nicely, all you have to do is create the content that the students will be learning. By allowing the option to drag in videos and images, Sway eliminates the need to worry about links and other windows. I personally think that Sway creates smooth lessons that are easy to follow for students, and it also offers an excellent method of communicating important directions or information for parents. Sway documents can even create newsletters to inform parents of what content you are covering in class. Therefore, Sway's presentation features convince me to rate it highly as a useful tool.
Check out this Sway document I made about Grammatical Rules!
Special thanks to Mrs. Danae Brentzel-Martina for contributing some ideas for examples!