Google Slides: Your new favorite multi-tool
Google Slides is the magician of classroom programs. It can of course be used for slideshows and lecturing, but there are so many other ways that this tool can be used! I’ll share some of my favorite Google Slides tips, tricks, hacks, and uses below. In the comments, let us know how you use this tool in your classroom!
Worksheets and Printables: Change the page layout to create worksheets. I prefer using Slides over Google Docs, because you get all of the layout, editing, and graphics support of Google Slides while still being able to create a standard 8x11 piece of paper. Just go to File> Page Setup> Custom and type in the dimensions that you want!
Student Project Scaffolds: Create a multipage slide deck with steps, rubrics, or instructions and how-to content for long-term projects. This allows students to move at their own pace through the content, with teacher-created supports, while you can work to support students individually as needed.
Interactive Slides: One of my favorite interactives is the digital choice board, but you can create so many types of interactives (eg. drag-and-drop, flashcards, and matching activities) to be used both in class and for homework assignments. We’ve linked a free example and template for a digital choice board here for you to use. We’ve used digital choice boards successfully from elementary through high school. You provide students instructions for how to use the board (in the sample it’s made like tic-tac-toe, the student can choose any 3 options as long as they’re in a row), and they can work through it at their own pace.
Group Project templates: I love Google Slides for group work because it allows me to scaffold and create a space for each student to work, while also providing them a collaborative space to work together. Using version history you can watch what each student is contributing, so you’ll know where to provide supports as needed.
PearDeck, Kami, & Seesaw content: I use Slides to create tons of content that I use in or with other programs. Because you can customize the page size, add text, links, images, and (using other programs) interactive elements. It’s a great base layer, if you will, for creating content that you use with other programs.
What other ways do you like to use Google Slides? Are you going to try out any of these ideas in your classroom? Have any questions? We’d love to hear from you if you do!
