Ed Tech Tuesday: Google Slides

Google Slides has become one of my favorite Ed Tech tools (second to VoiceThread). I have used Google Slides more over the last few months than any other tool I've used when teaching. There are many great features about Google slides and in this blog post, I'll discuss a few.

Google Slides is a presentation program included as part of a free, web-based Google Docs office suite offered by Google. Some of the great features of Google Slides include:

Web-based application

Google Slides in a web-based application which means you don't have to download any software or install any applications in order for it to work. You simply go to the website and start creating your presentations. The other great thing is, if you have a gmail account (which most people do), you don't even have to create a new account; your google account already exists!

Collaborative abilities

Another great thing about Google Slides is the ability for students to work on a document collaboratively at the same time. You can edit the document in real time and even chat and comment with each other while working on the document remotely. For instance, I had students participate in a puzzle tournament in a synchronous online class where they all worked on a puzzle in groups. The groups were each able to edit the document and contribute to the puzzle independently from their own locations. You can grab a copy of this template below. This concept for this template was originally developed by Andrew Davies.

Create fun, interactive games/presentations

Another great feature of Google slides is the ability to link to outside resources or even to other slides within the presentation. For instance, if you wanted to create a "Choose your own adventure" type of activity, you can have students click on an option and then be redirected to a website, or perhaps another slide within the presentation. I have seen some great examples of how this feature can be utilized including linking to video and audio slides. Here's an example of an interactive game using Google Slides that links to various different slides and using media to enhance engagement. The original template was shared by K-12 educator via a Facebook Group.

Bitmoji integration

One of my latest obsessions has been with Bitmoji classrooms. A Bitmoji is your own personal emoji. You can create an expressive cartoon avatar of yourself that you can easily integrate into any Google Slide presentation by using the Bitmoj Chrome extension. You can include lots of expressions and messages to enhance any presentation. Here's an example of a holiday message I sent to my students using my Bitmoji. The original template was shared by K-12 educator via a Facebook Group.

What about you? Have you ever use Google Slides in your online class? I'd LOVE to hear some ways you have incorporated this tool into your course. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas in The Online Educator Facebook Group by clicking the link HERE. Also, as a treat don’t forget to GRAB YOUR FREE GUIDE to the 3 Secrets to Teaching Online Successfully.

I'm also proud to share that Andrew Davies will be sharing an amazing overview of the Puzzle Tournament process in the Online Educator Membership in 2021. Join the wait-list to be notified when the membership will be open for new members.