# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Add Audio Directions to Your Instructional Google Slides Get the Voice Recorder Chrome Extension Record & Insert Audio in Google Slides Add Audio Directions to Your Google Classroom Get the Talk & Comment Chrome Extension Record & Add Audio to Google Classroom “Share” Link Tricks for Copies, Prev...

# data[].attributes.headline
Pear Deck - Google Slides Application that allows you to turn a lecture into an interactive lesson.

# data[].attributes.subject
Pear Deck - Google Slides Application that allows you to turn a lecture into an interactive lesson.

# data[].attributes.headline
Katherine Kononchuk's Presentation on HYPERDOCS

# data[].attributes.subject
Katherine Kononchuk's Presentation on HYPERDOCS

# data[].attributes.headline
Noemi Macias-Mora's Presentation on QUIZLET

# data[].attributes.subject
Noemi Macias-Mora's Presentation on QUIZLET

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Mrs. Macias-MoraF 202

What am I learning today?Today, I will learn about Quizlet.com and how it can help my students study word meanings. Video Clip: 1 minute

Why am I learning this?Since "Word Meaning" is a School-Wide Area of Weakness, Quizlet.com can make learning Tier 2 & 3 engaging and effective! Video Clip: 2 minutes

How will I know I learned it?I will be able to open a free account in order to create a Study Set from Scratch. Video Clip: 2 minutes 48 seconds

Pre-Work

On the day of, you can look forward to participating in a Quizlet Live game, and to some time to create your own Study Set! Remember to bring 10 vocabulary terms with the definitions you want your students to learn!

Studying on Quizlet:To read about the 7 different ways to study with Quizlet.com click here.

Mrs. Macias-MoraF 202

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Mrs. Macias-MoraF 202 What am I learning today?Today, I will learn about Quizlet.com and how it can help my students study word meanings. Video Clip: 1 minute Why am I learning this?Since "Word Meaning" is a School-Wide Area of Weakness, Quizlet.com can make learning Tier 2 & 3 engaging and effective!

# data[].attributes.headline
Laura Larson's Presentation on Digital Annotations

# data[].attributes.subject
Laura Larson's Presentation on Digital Annotations

# data[].attributes.headline
Amanda Sandoval's Presentation on Station Rotation

# data[].attributes.subject
Amanda Sandoval's Presentation on Station Rotation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
👟 Infusing Kinesthetics into a Digital Environment

# data[].attributes.headline
Amanda Sandoval's Presentation on Hyperslides

# data[].attributes.subject
Amanda Sandoval's Presentation on Hyperslides

# data[].attributes.headline
Allison Plebani's Presentation on Google Sites

# data[].attributes.subject
Allison Plebani's Presentation on Google Sites

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
START TEAM | Eleanor Roosevelt High School | CNUSD | #techgrit TIP #15 Want a day to brainstorm and collaborate? CLICK HERE Someone is available every period to support your EdTech needs. Email ERHSstart@cnusd.k12.ca.us Click the activities for template /blog VIEW A PADLET OF MORE SLIDES ACTIVITI...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
On the 8th day of Tech-Mas my true love gave to me... 8 Docs Drawings.

Note: This post is part of my " 12 Days of Tech-Mas" series for 2017. You can see all of the posts for each day as they get released in the main post here: " 12 Days of Tech-Mas 2017".

"You can't do that in Google Docs!"

If you have ever made that claim, then you know the frustration of loving all the awesome things you can do in Docs, but still bumping up against limitations.

Sometimes we can extend the capabilities of Docs by installing add-ons or extensions. However, there is another powerful tool that's been sitting right there in the Docs menu all this time, which can provide you with loads of extra features that you may not have realized you had.

That tool ... Google Drawings.

That's right. You can embed Google Drawings into your Doc right from the " Insert" menu. Being able to insert a live, editable Google Drawing inside your document can let you do lots of things you normally cannot do in Google Docs.

In this blog post we are going to take a look at eight things you can do with Drawings inside of Docs. These can be great to make your documents more interactive for students, to add multimedia, to create HyperDocs, for student projects, and much more.

See below for details, directions, and examples for each, as well as recorded video tutorials demonstrating how each works.

Video Training - 1-Hour Recorded Webinar

You can view watch the entire training video above, or view just the portions related to each example using the links below.

Session Slideshow - Google Slides link

Session Agenda - Google Doc link

Before we get into each of the examples, let's start with a quick explanation of how to embed a Google Drawing into a Google Doc. Here's how it works:

Open a Google Doc as normal.

Click "Insert" then "Drawing".

This will open a pop-up window with the Google Drawing tools and canvas.

You can now create your Google Drawing as normal, using the menu options to add text, shapes, arrows, images, wordart, tables, and more.

When done, click "Save & Close".

This will take the Drawing you have created and insert it into the Google Doc.

You can adjust the embedded Drawing in several ways:

Click on the inserted Drawing to select it.

Click and drag the Drawing to move it around the page.

Change the size by clicking and dragging its blue square handles.

Change the wrapping to "Wrap text" if you want text to wrap around the Drawing on all sides no matter where you drag it on the page.

Change the wrapping to "Break text" if you want the text to stay above and below the Drawing.

If you need to do any more editing in the Drawing, simply double-click on the embedded Drawing to re-open it in edit mode.

Note: If you share a Google Doc that has a Drawing embedded, the people you share it with can only view the Drawing, unless you give them edit rights to the Doc. If they have edit rights to the Doc, then they can also double-click on the Drawing to open and edit it.

To see a video tutorial with a demonstration of all these steps, watch the portion of the webinar linked here: Supercharge Google Docs with Drawings - Inserting a Drawing

8 Examples of using Drawings in Google Docs

Here are the 8 examples we will explore for how Google Drawings can be used to add extra features and functions to Google Docs:

1. Add a textbox

2. Caption a picture

3. Add a video

4. Add a graphic organizer

5. Add a manipulative activity

6. Add a whiteboard

7. Add a watermark

8. Take a snapshot

Example #1 - Add a Textbox

One thing Google Docs is missing is the option to add a textbox that can be moved around the page. One workaround for this is to add a textbox to Google Drawings, and then insert the Drawing into the Doc. Here's how:

Open your Google Doc as normal.

Click "Insert" then "Drawing".

In the Drawing you can now create a textbox by clicking on the "Textbox" button in the toolbar.

You can now add text to the textbox.

You can format the text as needed, including font, size, color, alignment, and more.

It may also be helpful to add a border to the textbox so it stands out when inserted. To do this click the "Border weight" button (and optionally the "Border color" and "Border dash" buttons).

When done, click "Save & Close"

The textbox will be inserted into the Doc.

You can move and resize the textbox as needed.

You can change text wrapping around the textbox as needed.

You can double-click on the textbox to re-open the Drawing to edit it.

For an example of a Google Doc with a textbox see here: Google Document link

To see a video tutorial with a demonstration of all these steps, watch the portion of the webinar linked here: Supercharge Google Docs with Drawings - Add a Textbox

Example #2 - Caption a Picture

Another thing you cannot normally do in Google Docs is add a caption to an image. There are many ways to add images to a Doc, but what if you want to put some text below the image to provide a citation or caption or some other helpful information. Again, this can be done with Google Drawings. Here's how:

Open your Google Doc as normal.

Click "Insert" then "Drawing".

In the Drawing you can now add an image by clicking on the "Image" button in the toolbar.

Feel free to resize the image as needed.

Next you want to create a textbox by clicking on the "Textbox" button in the toolbar.

You can now put the textbox right below the picture and add the text for your caption.

You can format the text as needed, including font, size, color, alignment, and more.

When done, click "Save & Close"

The captioned picture will be inserted into the Doc.

You can move and resize the picture as needed.

You can change text wrapping around the picture as needed.

You can double-click on the picture to re-open the Drawing to edit it.

For an example of a Google Doc with a captioned image see here: Google Document link

To see a video tutorial with a demonstration of all these steps, watch the portion of the webinar linked here: Supercharge Google Docs with Drawings - Caption a Picture

Google Docs does not currently have a way to easily add a video to your document. So we have to get creative. A while back I did a blog post where we explored four different ways to add videos to a Doc (you can see that here if you want: 4 Ways to Play Videos in Google Docs) One of those options was to use Google Drawings (with a little additional help from Google Slides). Here's how:

First begin by creating a Google Slideshow. You will just use this temporarily to copy the video you need, so you do not need to do anything fancy with the Slideshow.

Once you have a blank Google Slides presentation, insert a video onto one of the slides.

Click "Insert" in the top menu bar, then choose "Video" from the drop-down menu.

If the video is on YouTube, you can search for the video or paste in the YouTube URL for the video.

If the video is saved on your Google Drive, you can search or browse through your Drive to find it.

Note: If linking in a video from your Google Drive, be sure you have shared the video properly so people can view it.

After you insert the video, you can choose to adjust the start and/or end time for the video if you do not want all of it to play.

If so, click on the video to select it, then click "Video options" in the top toolbar.

You can now set the "Start at" and/or "End at" options as desired.

Now that you have the video ready, you will copy and paste it into your Doc:

Open the Google Doc you want to add the video to.

Click "Insert" in the top menu bar, then choose "Drawing".

This will open a blank Google Drawing canvas.

If you have not already copied the video from your Google Slideshow, do that now by selecting the video and copying it.

In the blank Google Drawing canvas, paste in the copied video.

As needed move or resize the video to your liking.

When done, click "Save & Close".

The Google Drawing with the embedded video will now be inserted in your Google Doc.

You can move and resize the video as needed.

You can change text wrapping around the video as needed.

To play the video you simply need to double-click on the video in the Doc (which will open the Drawing window) and then double-click on the video again to start it playing.

Note: The user must have Edit rights to be able to double-click on the embedded Drawing to open and play the video. If using with students, you may want to make a copy of the document for each student through Classroom so they will have their own editable version.
For an example of a Google Doc with an embedded video see here: Google Document link

To see a video tutorial with a demonstration of all these steps, watch the portion of the webinar linked here: Supercharge Google Docs with Drawings - Add a Video

Example #4 - Add a Graphic Organizer

Graphic organizers can be a great way for students to process information, plan for writing, compare and contrast ideas, look for cause and effect, examine relationships, and more. And Google Drawings is an excellent tool for creating graphic organizers. I have posted many times in the past about this topic. You can access loads of free templates and learn how to create your own in my earlier post here: " 30 Free Google Drawings Graphic Organizers"

By making a graphic organizer in a Drawing and then inserting that into a Google Doc, you provide your students with an interactive tool right inside of their document. Here's how:

Open your Google Doc as normal.

Click "Insert" then "Drawing".

You can now add your graphic organizer in several ways.

You can create shapes, text boxes, connector lines, and more, by using the toolbar buttons such as "Line", "Shape", "Text box", and "Image".

Alternately you can copy and paste an existing graphic organizer from another Google Drawing. You can access my full folder of Drawing templates here: Google Drive folder

Note: If you paste in a copied graphic organizer, it may come in too large. If so, use the zoom option to zoom out so you can resize the entire copied Drawing to fit.

When done, click "Save & Close"

The graphic organizer will be inserted into the Doc.

You can move and resize the graphic organizer as needed.

You can change text wrapping around the graphic organizer as needed.

You can double-click on the graphic organizer to re-open the Drawing to edit it.

Note: The user must have Edit rights to be able to double-click on the embedded Drawing to open and edit the graphic organizer. If using with students, you may want to make a copy of the document for each student through Classroom so they will have their own editable version.
For an example of a Google Doc with a graphic organizer see here: Google Document link
(Scroll to the bottom of the Doc to see a completed example.)

To see a video tutorial with a demonstration of all these steps, watch the portion of the webinar linked here: Supercharge Google Docs with Drawings - Add a Graphic Organizer

Example #5 - Add a Manipulative Activity

Similar to adding graphic organizer, you can also use Google Drawings to add a manipulative activity to a Google Doc. By this I mean something where the student may drag and drop items, or connect things with arrows, or move and rotate shapes, and such. Some examples of this could include:

Open your Google Doc as normal.

Click "Insert" then "Drawing".

You can now add your manipulative activity in several ways.

You can create shapes, text boxes, connector lines, and more, by using the toolbar buttons such as "Line", "Shape", "Text box", and "Image".

Alternately you can copy and paste an existing manipulative activity from another Google Drawing. You can access my full folder of Drawing templates here: Google Drive folder

Note: If you paste in a copied manipulative activity, it may come in too large. If so, use the zoom option to zoom out so you can resize the entire copied Drawing to fit.

When done, click "Save & Close"

The manipulative activity will be inserted into the Doc.

You can move and resize the manipulative activity as needed.

You can change text wrapping around the manipulative activity as needed.

You can double-click on the manipulative activity to re-open the Drawing to edit it.

Note: The user must have Edit rights to be able to double-click on the embedded Drawing to open and edit the manipulative activity. If using with students, you may want to make a copy of the document for each student through Classroom so they will have their own editable version.
For an example of a Google Doc with a manipulative activity see here: Google Document link

To see a video tutorial with a demonstration of all these steps, watch the portion of the webinar linked here: Supercharge Google Docs with Drawings - Add a Manipulative Activity

Example #6 - Add a Whiteboard

One of the most common pain points in Google Docs is the challenge of writing out math problems or science formulas, or doodling a hand-drawn diagram, or such. Thankfully there are more options now than ever before including natural handwriting with the mobile version of Classroom, and extensions such as Equatio. However, Google Drawings can also be a creative alternative for handwriting. Here's how:

Open your Google Doc as normal.

Click "Insert" then "Drawing".

Add whatever text or shapes or other items you need as usual.

When ready to add handwriting, click the "Line" button in the toolbar, then choose "Scribble" from the drop-down menu.

You can now handwrite on the Drawing canvas.

When done, click "Save & Close"

The handwriting will be inserted into the Doc.

This can be a creative way to provide students with a whiteboard or scratchpad inside of a Google Document where they can handwrite their answers, show their work, doodle a diagram, or such. Students could add the Drawing themselves, or you could have the Drawing area pre-loaded in the document they get a copy of.

For an example of a Google Doc with a whiteboard see here: Google Document link (Scroll to the bottom of the Doc to see a completed example.)

To see a video tutorial with a demonstration of all these steps, watch the portion of the webinar linked here: Supercharge Google Docs with Drawings - Add a Whiteboard

Example #7 - Add a Watermark

When it comes to missing features in Docs, a very common complaint is the inability to add a watermark to your document. A watermark can be a nice way to indicate a file is "Confidential" or a "Draft" or the personalize a file with the name of your school or organization.

To solve this challenge we have to use a very odd hack that I learned through Michelle Manning. Here's the gist:

The only options Google Docs has for wrapping are "In line", "Wrap text", and "Break text".

To do a watermark you need to be able to put an image (or wordart or such) behind the text.

Even though Google Docs only shows three wrapping options, it actually supports on hidden mode, which is putting an item in front of text.

This can only be accessed if you first create a Word Doc that has an item in front of text, then upload that to Drive, then convert the Word Doc into a Google Doc. The item will stay floating in front of your text.

If we then make sure the item is semi-transparent, we can simulate a watermark since you will be able to see the text of the document as well as the transparent image.

With all that said, I have created a template you can copy to make this much easier. Here's how it works:

Create your Google Doc as normal and fill in all of your text.

When done creating your Doc, make a copy of my "Watermark Template" here - http://bit.ly/docswatermark

In the watermark template you will find a Google Drawing that has been inserted into the Doc but is floating in front of the text.

Select the Drawing and copy it.

Now go to your Google Doc that you are working on and paste in the Drawing.

You can now double-click on the Drawing to go in and edit the text so the watermark will say what you want it to.

If needed, feel free to change the font, rotation, and such.

Note: If you choose to change the color, you will need to select "Custom" and be sure to slide down the "Transparency" slider so the wordart will remain somewhat see-through.

When done click "Save & Close".

The watermark Drawing will be in front of your text.

As needed you can move or resize the Drawing to position the watermark properly.

To see a video tutorial with a demonstration of all these steps, watch the portion of the webinar linked here: Supercharge Google Docs with Drawings - Add a Watermark

Example #8 - Add a Snapshot

In the past, when you went to insert an image into a Google Doc, you had several options including " Take a snapshot". This allowed you to use your webcam to take a picture and insert that into your document. Recently (as of this blog post's writing) Google removed that option from the menu for inserting images.

Hopefully we will get that feature back eventually. In the meantime there have been many suggested alternatives to add snapshots to Docs (and Slides). I recently did a blog post explaining how to use the Webcam Screenshot extension for this purpose.

Another option (at least for now) is to use Google Drawings. The insert image menu in Drawings still supports the " Take a Snapshot" feature. So until that gets removed, you can still add a snapshot to a Drawing that is inserted in a Google Doc. Here's how:

From the pop-up window, choose "Take a snapshot".

You may have to give it permission to work.

You can now take a picture with your webcam.

Feel free to resize the image as needed.

When done, click "Save & Close"

The snapshot picture will be inserted into the Doc.

You can move and resize the picture as needed.

You can change text wrapping around the picture as needed.

You can double-click on the picture to re-open the Drawing to edit it.

To see a video tutorial with a demonstration of all these steps, watch the portion of the webinar linked here: Supercharge Google Docs with Drawings - Add a Snapshot

Although Google Drawings is an awesome stand-alone program, it can also be used in creative ways inside of Google Docs. This allows you to add textboxes, captioned images, videos, interactive elements, and much more. With this trick, you and your students can create more engaging and active documents, projects, HyperDocs, and more.

If you know of any other creative ways to use Google Drawings inside of Docs, please share your ideas and examples in the comments below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
8 Ways to Supercharge Google Docs with Drawings

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
On the 8th day of Tech-Mas my true love gave to me... 8 Docs Drawings. Note: This post is part of my " 12 Days of Tech-Mas" series for 2017. You can see all of the posts for each day as they get released in the main post here: " 12 Days of Tech-Mas 2017".

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
According to the cell phone data report, it is safe to say that the Snapchat app occupies a high percentage the Martin-bill usage.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Writing essays are not the only way for students to practice literacy and document analysis skills. Learn how to use tech tools that will get students talking about their learning, engaging in deep conversations, and practicing document analysis skills beyond the DBQ essay format.

# data[].attributes.headline
Zoom 101 with Noemi Macias & Beth Olshewsky

# data[].attributes.subject
Zoom 101 with Noemi Macias & Beth Olshewsky

# data[].attributes.body
Resources: https://bit.ly/3elQJOb

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

# data[].attributes.headline
Setting up your Google Classroom Step-by-Step

# data[].attributes.subject
Setting up your Google Classroom Step-by-Step

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In Fall 2018 Google Classroom updated the interface to make the Classwork page the prominent focus. Check out these 32 videos to help get you going with Google Classroom. Thank you to ViewSonic for doing the filming and editing. One of the best ways to learn Google Classroom is to experience it as a student. Try one of my Go Slow workshops where all of the workshops take place in Google Classroom.

List of 32 Videos

Link to spreadsheet list
Add resources to the Classwork page

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z4e_Advmhg&t=8s

Use the new comment bank to give feedback

Students locate the class materials

How students know they have completed their work in Google Classroom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXyf81E9WZw

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
32 Videos to Get Going in Google Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In Fall 2018 Google Classroom updated the interface to make the Classwork page the prominent focus. Check out these 32 videos to help get you going with Google Classroom. Thank you to ViewSonic for doing the filming and editing. One of the best ways to learn Google Classroom is to experience it as a student.

# data[].attributes.headline
Diane Mapes' Presentation on Classroom Flipping

# data[].attributes.subject
Diane Mapes' Presentation on Classroom Flipping

# data[].attributes.headline
Creating Student Groups with Google Sheets

# data[].attributes.subject
Creating Student Groups with Google Sheets

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Group Creator Albert Allison Betty Chad David Elizabeth Farris Amy Billy Chris Dominique Ellen Francis Bernard Casey Dan Earnesto Fabian Alice Beth Catherine Danielle Ernie Fabiola

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Screencastify Blog | Video Tips, Tricks, Trends and News

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our education experts offer the best tips for getting the most out of video in the classroom as well as news, insights and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
PDF files are about as universal as it gets. You can open them on almost any Internet-ready device. They're read-only, so publishing a PDF is a good way to distribute information to be consumed by reading.

It may not be the first thing you think of when you use Google Slides but it really is a great, simple PDF ebook creation tool.

I originally created a PDF ebook to help you create PDF ebooks. (I hope that's not as ridiculous as it looked as I typed it.) You can click here to check it out. Or scroll down for step-by-step directions for creating your own ebook in Google Slides.

Feel free to take a look at the original Google Slides file where I created it. (You can make a copy by going to File > Make a copy ... but please don't click "Share" and ask for edit access.)

Also, be sure to check out the links to 5 free ebooks created in Google Slides at the end of this post.

Step-by-step directions for creating a PDF ebook in Google Slides

Step 1: Page setup

Once you create your slide presentation, go to File > Page setup. Select "Custom" and change it to the size you prefer (I chose 8.5"x11").

Step 2: Template

Maintaining consistency is important in any publication. To keep it simple, I set up one page and used the "duplicate slide" option to create new slides so they'd all look the same.

Step 3. Creation

Start creating pages on the slides in your presentation. Creating an outline can help you organize your ideas. Try to break the text on your slides up with images, charts or other visuals.

Step 4. Images

Fill your ebook with lots of visuals. There are many options. Many images in this ebook are free ones from Pixabay.com. Screenshots can create great tutorials. Of course, you can always shoot your own photos. Just don't blindly grab images from a search engine ... You likely don't have permission to use them! Check out this post for more about how to get and use free images the RIGHT way in class.

Step 5. Links

Adding hyperlinks to websites you mention make your ebook interactive and save time for your readers, whomever they are. Click Insert > Link ... or just push Ctrl-K (Apple: Cmd-K). Google lets you search for links on screen without leaving the page (see image below).

Step 6. Create PDF

When your ebook is finished, click File > Download as ... > PDF Document. Your ebook will automatically be saved to your computer.

Step 7. Share

Now's the fun part: distribute your ebook! Email it. Share it on social media. Add it to a website. Of course, you can print it ... but if you print it, it's not really an ebook anymore, is it???

5 free ebooks created in Google Slides

I created it using Google Slides, just like the ebooks I describe above. "101 Practical Ways" is a huge compilation of tools and tips, backed up with screenshots, icons, links and more as a gift to my reader.
Click here to get 101 Practical Ways to Ditch That Textbook- for FREE!
As frequent moderators of the #Ditchbook Twitter chat and members of the #Ditchbook community Karly Moura and Sean Fahey wanted to create a shareable, printable guide to help you and your colleagues get the most out of this social media networking platform.

This guide will help you get started if you're brand new to Twitter. For those that are looking to jump into the world of Twitter chats, like our weekly #Ditchbook chat, it has a section on that too!
Click here to download that ebook - for FREE!
We want to make these bell-ringer activities even EASIER for you to use and share with your colleagues. So we have created a FREE ebook (you can print it if you want to!) with 10 activities complete with instructions, templates, and extension ideas.
Click here to download that ebook - for FREE!
Do you LOVE Flipgrid but need a little help getting started? Sean Fahey, Jennifer Saarinen, and Karly Moura wrote an eBook called The Educator's Guide to Flipgrid. Now in the fourth edition, this eBook will help answer (almost) all of your questions and get you started using Flipgrid in your class.

Want to level up your Flipgrid skills? They have that covered too.
Click here to download that ebook - for FREE!
Need a little help getting started with Wakelet? Looking for even MORE ways to use Wakelet in the classroom? Or perhaps you want to share this curation tool with your colleagues? Check out The Educator's Guide to Wakelet.
Click here to download that ebook - for FREE!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to create a PDF ebook with Google Slides - Ditch That Textbook

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PDF files are about as universal as it gets. You can open them on almost any Internet-ready device. They're read-only, so publishing a PDF is a good way to distribute information to be consumed by reading. It may not be the first thing you think of when you use Google Slides but it really is a ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Make ONE Google Slides for ALL the Students

Unfortunately, the default when adding Google documents to Schoology is to "Make a copy for each student." I personally try to avoid this like the plague. Using digital tools allows us to rethink what processes we are doing and take advantage of what tech allows us to do DIFFERENTLY. My general rule of thumb is that I only assign individual copies of something to students 20% or less. Stop assigning yourself paperwork!
See below for a template for Schoology users to create collaborative Google Slides.
Avoid Assigning Yourself Paperwork

Look at John Hattie's research (visible-learning.org) and you will see that cooperative tasks, classroom discussion, and actionable feedback are at the top of the list of what is effective for learning. One way to accomplish this is to share ONE Google Slides with your students and give them edit access. Every student on the SAME ONE Google Slides.

I would rather hit myself in the head with a brick than open up 30 Google Docs.

Google Classroom makes it easy to share one Google Slides.

Control T - New Tab

Type slides.new

Press Enter

Name the Google Slides

Close the Slides

Go back to Google Classroom

Create an Assignment

Click the Drive icon

Find the slides you just made

Change from "Students can view file" to "Students can edit file"

Assign

This instantly gives all students in the class collaborative edit access. Extra bonus, it does NOT change the sharing permissions to anyone can edit, it changes it so the STUDENTS can edit. Each student is explicitly shared on the Google Slides with edit access. This ensures that any edits a student makes are documented in the version history with their name rather than an anonymous animal.

Collaborative Slides in Schoology

To share collaborative Google Slides with students in Schoology you need to create the Google Slides, click on the share button, change the access to "anyone with the link can edit" or paste your class roster to share the slides with all of your students. Copy the link. Create an assignment in Schoology and paste the link to the editable Google Slides.

Make Slides Add-on

It is hard to remember to change the sharing settings on a document before sharing it with students. I created a template that will do this for you.

alicekeeler.com/makeslides

Make a copy of the Google Sheets spreadsheet. You can reuse this over and over again so you only need to paste your class roster once. Suggestion to rename your spreadsheet to something meaningful like "Period 2 Collaborative Slides Maker."

Paste Email Addresses

In column A you will need to paste the email addresses of your students. The names column is optional (and honestly superfluous right now).

Make Slides Menu

Next to the Help menu is a custom "Make Slides" menu. It can take a couple of minutes depending on your Internet speed for the menu to show up.

Choose "Make Slides." You will be prompted for what you want to name your collaborative Google Slides.
You will need to authorize the Add-on. The warning is letting you know that no one at Google has officially reviewed my code and you need to make sure you trust me before authorizing. You are ONLY allowing yourself access to your files and email.
Automatically a new Google Slides will be created in your Google Drive. Each email address on your spreadsheet in column A will be added as an editor to the Google Slides. You will receive an email with the link to the Google Slides and a list of who the slides were shared with.

Copy the Link

From the pop up box confirming the creation of the Slides or from the email, copy the link to the collaborative Google Slides. Add this link to a Schoology assignment.

Reuse

Use the SAME spreadsheet over and over again each time you want to create collaborative Google Slides. My recommendation is to at least once a day have students collaborate on the same Google Slides. Could be a warm up, a quick check for understanding, anything you would do on whiteboards, anything students would write on a Google Doc.

What Can You NOT Do with Collaborative Google Slides

If you can do it on whiteboards or paper you can use collaborative Google Slides. With rare exception, pretty much all of your assignments where you use individual Google Docs can be done with collaborative Google Slides.

This gives you ONE document to open rather than 30. It allows for easy review of student work while they are working. Take advantage of collaboration and ask students to "Make another student better" by going to another slide and leaving a feedback comment that goes beyond "Good job" but rather gives a genuine critique and suggestion.

Bonus: Google Slides is multi-media! You and the students can add images and video. Try using the Insert menu to add video feedback from Google Drive. I like to drag my Bitmoji from the Chrome extension to student work in Google Slides for feedback.

Collaborative Google Slides makes it easy to share student work with the class and discuss. Simply press the Present button.

Students Can Submit Their Slide URL

The URL for each slide in Google Slides is unique. Students can copy the link from their slide and submit to Schoology. Alternatively they can use the File menu and "Download as PNG" to submit the picture of their slide as evidence of their work.

Optional Edit Access

The Make Slides Add-on explicitly shares the Slides with each student on your roster (that you pasted onto the spreadsheet). No one else can access. If you would like to ALSO change the sharing permissions of the Google Slides to "Anyone with the link can edit" use the second menu option "Anyone can edit Slides."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Schoology: Make Collaborative Google Slides - Teacher Tech

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Unfortunately, the default when adding Google documents to Schoology is to "Make a copy for each student." I personally try to avoid this like the plague. Using digital tools allows us to rethink what processes we are doing and take advantage of what tech allows us to do DIFFERENTLY.

# data[].attributes.headline
Sticky Note Brainstorming in Google Slides

# data[].attributes.subject
Sticky Note Brainstorming in Google Slides

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Have you ever felt like autumn has arrived and your desk is covered with sticky notes like leaves falling from the trees? You have sticky notes on your monitor, on your computer, on the filing cabinet, on your desk ...

There are stacks of sticky notes. There are stacks of stacks of sticky notes sometimes!

Can you relate?

But there's something magical about using sticky notes ...

They're only big enough for one idea.

You can move them around easily.

They come in SO many colors!

I love using them to brainstorm. I'll write out all of my ideas on them - good or bad - and put them on the wall.

Then I'll start moving them around and organizing ideas. It's much easier to see what's missing and what I have too much of this way.

Pretty soon, the butterflies start to fly in formation, as they say.

Sticky note brainstorming can be used for a lot:

Lesson planning, unit planning, curriculum planning

Organizing events for clubs, sports, drama, etc.

Pre-writing for research reports

Planning out student projects

Writing speeches

Debriefing after a science lab or physics experiment

Here's the problem that I always run into with sticky note brainstorming ...

It's fleeting.

Sometimes, I scatter all my stickies and organize them at a coffee shop and then I have to pick them up when I'm done. I stack them up and all the glorious organizing is gone.

Sometimes, I put them up on a wall at home. But then company comes over. Or my family gets sick of seeing them all over the place.

Sometimes, there's a cat. Or a gust of wind.

Plus, you're limited to the number of sticky notes you have - and the colors available.

I've found a new option ...

Sticky note brainstorming with Google Slides

I use Google Slides for EVERYTHING these days. The slides serve as individual workspaces. You can add text, images, shapes, lines, videos, etc.

It's a blank canvas, and the sky's the limit on what you - and your students - can create with it.

I started brainstorming on a project a few days ago - a follow-up book to Dave Burgess's Teach Like a Pirate called Tech Like a Pirate! (More details on that coming. Subscribe to the email newsletter for updates and opportunities to have YOUR story in the book!)

Wrote one idea on a sticky note and put it on the wall. Then, it hit me ...

Why don't I do this on Google Slides?

It made perfect sense to me:

The sticky notes stay in place. I can open the Google Slides file any time and none of the slides have fallen off the wall or been moved around.

I have unlimited sticky notes - in unlimited colors!

I can add images, videos, icons, arrows, and more to my sticky note board.

In a matter of about five minutes, it was created ...

The Google Slides sticky note template

Here's how I created it:

I added the sticky notes with the shapes (Insert > Shape > Shape ... it's in the center). When you click the sticky note, click the paint bucket icon in the tool bar to change the color of the note.

I added some arrow shapes (Insert > Shape > Arrows) at the top that can be duplicated and added to show flow (if you want).

I changed the color of the background to light gray (use the "Background ..." button on the toolbar) so I could see it clearly.

I resized the whole thing to 17 inches by 10 inches (File > Page setup > choose "Custom"). If the plan isn't to print it, why stick to the regular slide dimensions? I wanted LOTS of space to work.

Some tips for using it:

Leave the originals (sticky notes on the left and right sides and the arrows at the top).

Add any extra shapes, lines, arrows, etc. that you think you'll need. Keep them off the slide in the workspace along the edges. That's a PERFECT holding area until you need them.

Use the duplicate keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + D / Cmd + D for Mac) a LOT. Duplicate stickies, arrows ... even slides by clicking on them and using the shortcut.

Assign it on Google Classroom by creating an assignment, attaching the template and choosing "Make a copy for each student" in the drop-down menu for the attachment.

Why does this work?

The beauty of brainstorming this way is that it's non-confrontational.

Ever stare at a blank document with a blinking cursor? (Does it ever feel like that cursor is laughing at you, mocking you for struggling?) Taking that first step is HARD.

Jotting all of your ideas down on sticky notes isn't hard. Just tell yourself, "All of my ideas don't have to be brilliant or perfect. I'm just getting everything out of my head."

This type of brainstorming is a form of retrieval practice, too. Trying to remember something long-term? Practice by dumping everything you know about it into sticky notes.

Another important point: When you commit NOT to throw ideas away once you've put them on a sticky note, you make an important mental step. You're turning off your filter, freeing up the free flow of ideas. When I criticize every idea that comes to me, I've found that my flow of ideas is severely restricted. Keep 'em coming, even if they're not good!

This isn't the only way ...

Doing this kind of thinking isn't automatically made better with technology.

In fact, when I have to brainstorm, I'll turn to a notebook many times.

I have lots of ways to gather ideas (sketching images, making lists, creating sticky notes, writing on a document, Google Slides sticky notes, etc.). Here's what I've found about finding the perfect way for me:

When I'm familiar with LOTS of options, one will instinctually come to mind when I'm ready to work. I go with my gut and use whatever feels best.

There's plenty of benefit in using your hands, standing on your feet, and capturing ideas physically (not digitally).

Use what works best for you, and give your students options, too.

A cool paper/digital blend!

Brainstorm with paper sticky notes. Then capture them with the Post-It app!

This was an awesome app smash I learned about from Kelli Lane, a tech integration specialist from Illinois. Here's how it works:

1. Write out your ideas on sticky notes.

2. Use the Post-It mobile app. The camera lets you capture those sticky notes in digital form!

3. Drag the digital post it notes around on the screen to organize them.

4. OPTION: Create your sticky notes on Google Slides or Drawings. Capture them with the camera on your Post-It app. Manipulate those notes in the app!

Hear Kelli explain it in her own words in this episode from the Ditch That Textbook podcast!
For notifications of new Ditch That Textbook content and helpful links: Interested in having Matt present at your event or school? Contact him by e-mail! Matt is scheduled to present at the following upcoming events:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Google Slides sticky note brainstorming: Powerful planning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Have you ever felt like autumn has arrived and your desk is covered with sticky notes like leaves falling from the trees? You have sticky notes on your monitor, on your computer, on the filing cabinet, on your desk ... There are stacks of sticky notes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Copy of Additional Tech Tools for Teaching

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Live, collaborative reading annotation to engage students with interactive, customizable lessons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your classroom PDF annotator. Students stay engaged with accessible annotation tools. Teachers save time with streamlined instruction and assessment.

# data[].attributes.body
Have your students participate in chats via twitter. Set up questions ahead of time, you can pair up students who have twitter accounts or maybe even do this via google classroom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Connect your students with other classes nationwide to learn together and discuss a poem by former US Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera. Here's what you need to know to make it happen:

Start time: 8am EST / 7am CST

Moderator: @MelAlterSmith

This will be a slow chat. We will have students active at different times of the day. For the last slow chat my class participated in, I had them join in the chat at the current question, then go back and answer the previous questions. They were also required to schedule tweets using Tweetdeck to answer the rest of the questions posted after class-time. Don't forget to include the #TeachLivingPoets hashtag so we can all see each others' tweets!

The poem for the chat is Juan Felipe Herrera's "Let Me Tell You What a Poem Brings" ( )

Note: Please do not have your students answer questions ahead of time before they are asked by the moderator. They can type out their tweets ahead of time and save them as a draft, or (even better) have them schedule them using Tweetdeck. (For more info on scheduling tweets, go .)

Once in a while, I will have a student who does not want to or is not allowed to create a Twitter account. No problem! They can still do the assignment. Just print out or send them this link to the questions and have them respond on paper.

I will most likely use my whole 50-minute class period on 2/25 for the chat. Students will respond to questions already asked and schedule their future responses while they are in my class. I'm not a big fan of piling on homework, and the benefits of participating in the chat are worth it to me.

To start class, I do a quick run-through of appropriate online etiquette. Then we'll listen to Herrera read the poem a couple times, and get right to the questions. I plan on allowing collaboration and discussion in small groups to craft their responses.

See you in the chat!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Connect your students with other classes nationwide to learn together and discuss a poem by former US Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera. Here's what you need to know to make it happen: When: Tuesday, Feb. 25 Start time: 8am EST / 7am CST Moderator: @MelAlterSmith This will be a slow chat.

# data[].attributes.body
Digital Notebooks for Book Clubs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Different books appeal to different readers. Many students do not become readers until they encounter "the book." It's the book that grabs them and pulls them into the story. Once a person has had an immersive experience with a book, they usually become readers. Unfortunately, most secondary curriculum relies on a one-size-fits-all approach to reading. Instead of creating readers, this approach can alienate students who struggle to access books at a particular reading level or do not care for the genre of the books on their class reading list.

Embracing a book club and literature circle format can allow teachers the opportunity to shift from a whole class experience to a more personalized reading experience. Instead of being assigned a book they must read, students are given a menu of books to choose from and the teacher groups them according to their book selection. Allowing students a degree of agency in terms of the books they select can be a powerful motivator for even the most reluctant readers.

One challenge teachers face when students are reading different texts simultaneously is how to cover the standards if every student is reading a different book. While coaching a teacher in Palm Springs, I developed a digital notebook using Google Slides that teachers can use to facilitate a book club or literature circle unit. Since the books will be different lengths, I separated the digital notebook into four sections instead of by chapter. Each section prompts students to examine the characters, themes, and language of their texts. Even though the books are different, the skills they are developing are the same. So, teachers can provide whole group mini-lessons or small group instruction on the various skills and students can use their individual books to practice and apply those skills.

Here is the template you can copy: bit.ly/HSbookclub

I hope this secondary book club template provides teachers with a path for thinking about how they can develop grade-level skills while allowing students a degree of choice about what they read.

This entry was posted in Learning. Bookmark the permalink.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Use Digital Notebooks to Facilitate Book Clubs and Literature Circles at the Secondary Level

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Different books appeal to different readers. Many students do not become readers until they encounter 'the book.' It's the book that grabs them and pulls them into the story. Once a person has had an immersive experience with a book,

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
See below for detailed directions on how to use this feature, as well as a short 6-minute video that demonstrates all the steps.

Tutorial Video (6 minutes)

Note: See all of my Google Meet help videos here:

And see all of my Google Classroom help videos here:

First go to Google Classroom as normal and open up one of your classes.

Next click on the gear icon in the top right corner to access the settings for that class.

Now scroll down to the General section of the settings.

Here you will find a setting for Google Meet.

Click on the button for "Generate Meet link".

This will now create a unique Google Meet link for your class and for your students.

If you do not want your students to have access to the link yet, you can toggle off the setting for "Visible to students". If you turn on this setting, the Meet link will be accessible on the Stream page and the Classwork page.

You can also click on the down arrow next to the Meet link to "Copy" the link if needed, or to "Reset" the link to a new unique link if needed.

Copying the Meet link is helpful if you want to invite someone to the Meet who is not in your Google Classroom, such as another teacher or a guest speaker.

When done, click the "Save" button at the top of the page to save these changes.

Now when you or your students go to that Classroom, you can access the Meet link at the top of the Stream page, as well as at the top of the Classwork page.

In addition to this being convenient for you and your students, this is also a special Meet that does not allow the students to join before you or rejoin after you end the Meet. If a student clicks the Meet link in Classroom before you have started the Meet, they get an error saying "The meeting code you entered doesn't work".

Once you start the Meet using the link in Classroom, your students will be able to join. At this point you can run the Google Meet as normal, providing a lesson, having a meeting, answering questions, presenting your screen, and more.

However when you are done with the Meet, you need to make sure all of the students leave the Meet before you do. You can simply wait for all of the students to disconnect, or if needed, you can remove a student as follows:

Click on the "People" button in the top right corner of the Meet screen.

Find the students who have not left.

Click on the down arrow to the right of the student.

Click the "Remove" button for that student.

Once all of the students have left the Meet, you can then safely disconnect as well.

If a student tries to rejoin the Meet using the link in Classroom and you are not in the Meet, they will get the same error as when they tried to connect before you had joined.

Please note: There is about a 30 second window of time after you end the Meet that it is still technically active and the students can still rejoin. So if you have any concern that the students may be jumping back on during that small window, you can rejoin after a minute or two to double-check.

And that's how the integration works between Google Classroom and Google Meet. Keep in mind each class gets its own unique Meet link, so you do need to go into the settings at least once for each class to turn this feature on. However, once it is turned on this is an easy way for you and your students to connect for video conferencing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Google Meet is now integrated in Google Classroom!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
See below for detailed directions on how to use this feature, as well as a short 6-minute video that demonstrates all the steps. Tutorial Video (6 minutes) Note: See all of my Google Meet help videos here: And see all of my Google Classroom help videos here: First go to Google Classroom as normal and open up one of your classes.

# data[].attributes.body
Laura Larson delivers a quick and easy tutorial on getting started with Google Docs and turning them into Hyper Docs.

# data[].attributes.body
Screencastify Training

# data[].attributes.body
Presentation delivered 4/13 & 14/2020

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Let’s Take Those Lectures & Turn Them Into Distance Learning Lessons!!

# data[].attributes.body
Up and running in 1 hour!

# data[].attributes.body
Make your own creative headers for Google Classroom!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Google Classroom is coming out with a new interface for the Fall (that is all you get on dates.) In the new interface, students go to the new Classwork page to find assignments. You need to sign up for Beta access if you want to see the Classwork page now before it rolls out in the Fall. If you want to learn more about the new interface consider joining my online workshop alicekeeler.com/goslow

Uh Now What... Classwork

I was doing a training this week with the new interface and the participants joined the class and just sat there... not doing any work. This was what was great about the old interface you join and there is work sitting there for you to do. Now you need someone to point out "hey, click on Classwork." You can add an announcement to let the students know they need to go to the Classwork page but it doesn't stay at the top of the Stream. It gets lost quickly in the Stream... so close to useless to leave an announcement.

While I can not pin an announcement to the top of the Stream, I can make a custom Google Classroom header. I created a header image that has a giant finger pointing at the Classwork page. I added a textbox on the left to direct students to click on Classwork.

Note, do not put the note in the middle or on the right hand side. The class title is in the middle and will block your note. The right side gets cropped off if you resize the window smaller. So make sure your note is on the LEFT.

Template

Click Here to make a copy of the template.

You can find the blank template for the Google Classroom header at alicekeeler.com/gcheader

File Download As

You will want to customize the template to be our own. The finger is a Bitmoji where I searched for "finger" from the Chrome extension. If you want to use your own Bitmoji finger, swap mine out for yours. You can also right click on the background and change the background color. Here are directions if you want to tie dye your own background.

Use the File menu to "Download as" and choose "PNG."

Upload Photo

In Google Classroom in the bottom right of the header banner is an option to "Upload photo." Upload your new banner header.

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2018

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
FREE: Google Classroom Header Template - Teacher Tech

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Google Classroom is coming out with a new interface for the Fall (that is all you get on dates.) In the new interface, students go to the new Classwork page to find assignments. You need to sign up for Beta access if you want to see the Classwork page now before it rolls out in the Fall.

# data[].attributes.body
Carrie Smith (Noyes) explains how to use Font Meme to add cool fonts to Google Slides!

# data[].attributes.body
Creative and Fun Google Slide Templates for FREE!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free Google Slides themes and Powerpoint templates | Slidesgo

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover the best Google Slides themes and PowerPoint templates you can use in your presentations - 100% Free for any use.

# data[].attributes.body
Awesome cheat sheet with reminders on how to do everything in Google Classroom!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Use Google Sheets to create multiple, different, Bingo boards from your own list.

Template

As with all Apps Script coding projects you need to wait a minute for the code to load. Look for the "Bingo" menu to load up next to the Help menu.

Choose setUp and authorize the Add on.

25 Checkboxes

The initial setup is 25 checkboxes. You want a minimum of 25 choices for your Bingo boards.

Add More

Have as many options as you want! This Bingo board generator chooses a random 25 items for each board. Continue to add to your list of items beyond the 25. Adding extra checkboxes is one of the fun things about Google Sheets! It is SO EASY! Highlight the blank cells in column A and use the Insert menu to add checkboxes. PRO TIP: The spacebar will check the checkboxes. Highlight all your unchecked checkboxes and press space.

Instead of inserting the checkboxes manually you can use the Bingo menu to Insert checked checkboxes for the additional rows you have.

Title and Other

In cell C1 replace the word TITLE with the title of your Bingo sheet. In D1, delete the word Other, or replace it with a value that will appear below their name.

Make Bingo Sheets

You will be prompted for how many Bingo sheets you want. A unique board will be automatically generated for each. Note, only items that are checked will be included in the Bingo board. If you do not have 25 checked items the result will be blank boxes.

Print in Portrait

By default, spreadsheets print in landscape. Control P to print and change to "Portrait." Be sure set the print range beyond just the "Current sheet" to print all of the Bingo boards.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use Google Sheets to create multiple, different, Bingo boards from your own list. As with all Apps Script coding projects you need to wait a minute for the code to load. Look for the "Bingo" menu to load up next to the Help menu. Choose setUp and authorize the Add on.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parlay is an AI-powered instructional platform that helps teachers facilitate meaningful, measurable, and inclusive class discussions. Join over a million teachers and students. Start using Parlay for free in your class today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Differentiation is a big buzzword in teaching, but it is often easier said than done.

Let's discover ways to use our favorite Google tools to level the playing field and make differentiation a reality in your classroom.

This student-centered teaching strategy helps us reach all learners.

G Suite tools help teachers and students communicate and manage multiple assignments with ease.

Listen closely for step-by-step instructions, implementation ideas, and some Google tips that will save you time and reap many benefits for you and your students.

I hope this episode inspires you to dig deeper into differentiated instruction, and how to use the tools you have available to support all of the learners in your classroom.

. ..
In This Episode:
[00:28] - Kasey welcomes listeners to the show and reveals today's topic: Digital Differentiation - with G Suite Tools.

[01:17] - This week's shoutout goes to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School in Mandeville, LA. They made it through the Dynamic Learning Workshop just before school let out! Learn more about The Dynamic Learning Workshop here and the online course .

[03:07] - Let's discuss digital differentiation using G Suite and why this is such a hot topic.

[04:56] - Learn what differentiation is and is not.

Differentiation Is

Differentiation Is Not

[08:11] - Kasey mentions three key areas that can be differentiated:

[08:47] - Why differentiate digitally?

1. Provide Flexible Learning Paths

2. Develop Future-Ready Skills

3. Provide an Effective Way to Use Digital Tools FOR Learning (not just an end product)

[09:31] - Kasey breaks down the different Google Tools that teachers can use to support differentiation, including Google Classroom, Google Forms, and Google Slides.

Differentiating Assignments in Google Classroom
Tips for Naming Differentiated Assignments in Google Classroom

Always number and use consistent naming conventions

For differentiated assignments, consider a group or individual identifier in the assignment title. (Ex: Group 4, Special Assignment, Extra Credit, EC Sarah Jones, or come up with your own consistent naming convention.)

Remember the name of the assignment names Drive files.

Tips for Differentiated Assignment Directions in Google Classroom

Get specific with your directions!

The more information that is available in Google Classroom, the fewer excuses students have for not completing the assignment and the fewer interruptions you are likely to have.

Attach a rubric if you have one!

Resource: How to Package Your Digital Assignments

Tips for Group Differentiated Assignments in Google Classroom

Designate a group leader in the assignment.

The group leader is responsible for creating any new files and "turning in."

Consider asking students to submit a reflection at the end of group work to help you get the whole picture of the learning process.

Student Choice Assignment Tips

Number the assignment and detail the choices in the directions and/or in an attached (view only) document. (Note: This is also great way to use digital learning menus and choice boards.)

Attach links to digital tools that may be offered as a choice for completing the assignment. (Example: Using one of the digital tools below, create a digital story retelling, "The Tell-Tale Heart," in your own words.)

Long Term Projects, Modifications, or Enrichment

For long-term projects, special projects like Genius Hour, or for students with special modifications, you may consider creating a separate "Class."

(Note: This is really only worth the time if these groups are long-term, or reused.)

Using G Suite to Create Interactive Choice Boards

[15:43] - G Suite is the perfect companion to create digital choice boards. Learn more in Episode 8, and get the FREE eBook!

Choice Board Templates and Resources

How to Differentiate Questions in Google Forms

[21:16] - Kasey provides an of how to use Google Forms to create a branching assessment or review.

[25:00] - Google Forms can be very complicated. Kasey offers great tips to make your forms successful and effective teaching tools.
Google Forms Branching Tips

Start small, just a few questions.

Map out your branches before you begin.

Utilize the page titles and descriptions to help you organize.

Test it! Then, test it again!

Remember, this type of assessment will not be graded-Assessment FOR Learning!

Your spreadsheet will not be pretty! But that's okay!

Kids are smart! You must facilitate this type of assessment.

Other Ways to Use Branching in Google Forms

When a student answers correctly, they could be taken to a harder question.

When a student answers incorrectly, you could show more specifically where they went wrong with each answer choice (not just review a concept)-like solving a math problem incorrectly.

Student choice: Use this feature to allow students to select from a menu of choices to demonstrate their learning, then upload the file to the form to submit. The spreadsheet would allow you to see what they select and should be working on during class.

Gamify! What if every correct answer revealed a clue or a puzzle piece? Students could collect and work individually or collaboratively to put together.

Put this feature in students' hands and let them create something for their class, or another class to teach a skill, or play a game.

[20:16] - A friend of Kasey's, Sylvia Duckworth , created a Choose Your Own Adventure form for her French class that allowed students to create their own ending to a story!

Differentiate with Google Slides

[30:08] - We can't leave out Google Slides, the Swiss army knife of G Suite! Kasey gives tips on how to use slides to create interactive assignments.

Podcast Question of the Week

[34:35] - Thank you for tuning in! Please subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review on iTunes. (Bonus points if you use the word "y'all" in your review!)

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Questions & Comments

Do you have a question you would like me to answer on the show? I'd love to hear from you!

I also love to hear from students!

Leave me a voicemail and your message could be played on the podcast!

Do You Want to Be on the Podcast?

To learn more about our process for selecting guests, please visit our show page here.

Sponsorship and Other Inquiries

If you have other questions or inquiries about the podcast, please use this contact form.

© Shake Up Learning 2019. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Digital Differentiation with G Suite Tools - SULS016

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Today, we are chatting about one of my favorite topics: Digital Differentiation with G Suite! Differentiation is a big buzzword in teaching, but it is often easier said than done. Let's discover ways to use our favorite Google tools to level the playing field and make differentiation a reality in your classroom.

# data[].attributes.headline
Pre-made Science Graphic Organizer Slides for all Science Practices & Concepts!!!

# data[].attributes.subject
Pre-made Science Graphic Organizer Slides for all Science Practices & Concepts!!!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A large assortment of free graphics including inquiry cards, posters, screening tools and graphic organizers for all the crosscutting concepts and science and engineering practices.

# data[].attributes.body
You can use this same method using your Google Meets LIVE STREAM links!

Meets allows for SUPER EASY Screen Share (no extra software) and you won't need your acount verfied, PLUS no YouTube Blocks

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Are you looking for an easy way to deliver content in ✨ ✨ using Flipgrid while remote learning? Then, you HAVE to check out this YouTube embed trick! Be sure you have a Google + Flipgrid account.

The ability to embed YouTube videos has always been present in Flipgrid. However, this feature will also work with a Live YouTube stream.

Follow these simple steps:

✌️ Open two tabs, one for YouTube and one for Flipgrid
🎨 Create a YouTube Live event in one tab
✂️ Copy the event's URL
💻 Create your topic on Flipgrid in the second tab
🔮 Embed your YouTube's URL by pasting it
💯 Save your topic
🚀 When ready, launch your live stream on YouTube in the first tab
🤩 Deliver your content to students in real time!
Students can respond to your presentation at any point during the LIVE video or after, they just need to tap that green plus. They can also restart your LIVE presentation by clicking into that embedded YouTube video in the Topic!
For a more in depth explanation of this process, be sure to check out The Merrills' blog. Also be sure to follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @TheMerrillsEDU or the hashtag #interACTIVEclass. Thank you to these incredible educators who continue to empower every voice in every way! 🙌🏻

💚 Team Flipgrid

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Recently, a game changing Flipgrid hack was discovered right in front of us all. This feature, unbeknownst to even the developers here at Flipgrid, is a complete game changer and could not come at a more appropriate time.

# data[].attributes.body
ADD your voice to your assignments, paste in emails, or use for feedback in Google Classroom. Watch the video for directions. It is REALLY easy!!!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ADD YOUR VOICE USING VOXER - AMANDA SANDOVAL @HISTORYSANDOVAL CREATE AN ACCOUNT AT VOXER.COM

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Adding Audio Instructions to Google Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Audio Voice Recorder is a free web app that lets you record your voice.

# data[].attributes.headline
Turn a page of a pdf into an online worksheet! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Turn a page of a pdf into an online worksheet! 

# data[].attributes.body
Jamboard’s interactive whiteboard shares directly into Google Classroom or your live meetings with students, and it can be used for free.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Edpuzzle/Screencastify Video on Demand Training

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The missing pieces of remote learning Screencastify is a Chrome Extension that allows you to record the content of your computer screen while giving you the option to narrate what is being displayed. All videos save to your Google Drive, without taking up space valuable space on your personal com...

# data[].attributes.headline
SlidesMania - Weekly Planner for Distance Learning

# data[].attributes.subject
SlidesMania - Weekly Planner for Distance Learning

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A weekly lesson planner with a web app-like design.

A new weekly planner for educators! Using just one file to compile all your resources (videos, audios, images and text) for each day, makes distance learning a bit easier and gives structure to your students.

This one features a calendar on the first slide that you can update by editing the master. It includes 4 activities per day. You can navigate to them within each day.

If you wish to change its colors, go to Slide > Edit Theme and modify its accent colors.

To update the month calendar, go to Slide > Edit theme and modify the table.

I've added an "Archive" tab, where you can add buttons with links to the previous weeks files. Once the week is complete, make a copy of your planner, name it after the week it corresponds to and add a link to it in the Archive.

If you wish to hide the navigation bar in Google Slides when sharing the link:

Go to share, get the link and replace everything from /edit to the end of the URL with /preview?rm=minimal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Web app template. Weekly Planner for remote learning. - SlidesMania

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A weekly lesson planner with a web app-like design for Google Slides or PowerPoint. This one features a calendar on the first slide that you can update by editing the master. It includes 4 activities per day. You can navigate to them within each day.

# data[].attributes.body
Convert in-person discussions to ones online.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Shift from Assigner to Designer with Hyperdocs + Canvas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join us to learn about Hyperdocs and how they can transform your instruction on Canvas. Promote student choice, voice and creation with this digital design m...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Organize your Google Classroom on the Classwork page with Topics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We know that Google Forms give us the ability to easily create quizzes or surveys. We can even create self-grading exams or include video or image in our forms.
But that is just scratching the surface. Google Forms can do SO much more!
How can we use this G Suite app in different and creative ways? And what add-ons are available to enhance Google Forms to make them even more useful to us and our students?

In a recent Twitter chat, moderated by Craig Klement, the #Ditchbook community shared how they are using Google Forms in new, different and exciting ways with their students.

Educators shared ideas like:

Daily check-ins

HyperDocs packaged in Google Forms

Games and races

Favorite Forms add-ons

BreakoutEDU digitals

and SO many more!

Scroll down to find 40 innovative ideas for using Google Forms in your classroom.
Related posts:

Want to get in on the next #DitchBook Twitter chat?

Having trouble? Still unclear on how a Twitter chat works? Feel free to tweet to these #DitchBook ambassadors and they'll help - Karly Moura @karlymoura , Sean Fahey @seanjfahey , Sandy Otto @sandyrotto , Rachel Marker @rachelmarker , Evan Mosier @emosier3 , Mandi Tolen @TTmomTT , Craig Klement @craigklement , Tara Martin @taramartinedu , Krista Harmsworth @zonie71 , Anne Kamper @annekamper , Rayna Freedman @rlfreedm , Lance McClard @drmcclard , Stephanie DeMichele @sdemichele or David Platt @herrplatt!

For notifications of new Ditch That Textbook content and helpful links:

Are you looking for quality, meaningful professional learning that both equips and inspires teachers?

Matt provides in-person and virtual keynotes, workshops and breakout sessions that equip, inspire and encourage teachers to create change in their classrooms. Teachers leave with loads of resources. They participate. They laugh. They see tech use and teaching in a new light. Click the link below to contact us and learn how you can bring Matt to your school or district!

Ready to take your teaching skills -- and student learning -- to another level?

Check out our online courses. ALL under $50!

©2020 Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
40 innovative ideas for using Google Forms in your classroom - Ditch That Textbook

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We know that Google Forms give us the ability to easily create quizzes or surveys. We can even create self-grading exams or include video or image in our forms. But that is just scratching the surface. Google Forms can do SO much more! How can we use this G Suite app in different and creative ways?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Distance Learning Edtech Basics Guide to Get You Started Parent Support for Google HyperDoc Templates Make anything a link Google Classroom Structure Flipgrid for connecting & more Teaching with Screencastify Student- paced lessons with PearDeck Structure for littles EXTRAS Edpuzzle & videos Quiz...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Hi teacher friends! Today, I want to share a strategy I use for tracking student participation in TQE discussions. This idea is basically a "pedagogy smash" with Marisa Thompson's TQE Discussion Method and Jen Roberts's Independent Reading Tracker. I want to thank both of those wonderful teachers for inspiring me with their fresh ideas and hard work!

What is the TQE Discussion Method?

TQE is a student-driven discussion protocol in which students generate their own complex thoughts, questions, and epiphanies based on a text and then discuss them through both small and large group sessions. You can read more about TQE in the following resources:

How do I track student participation?

First, I make a google form with one question in the multiple choice grid form. Shout out to Jen Roberts for this genius idea from Gold Coast CUE TechTober 2018! In the left column, I copy and paste my student list from my online grade book (Google lets you copy and paste from a chart and the form will make individual entries for each student. I used generic names here instead of my actual students) In the right-hand column, I add my standards marks. I started using Some Participation, Significant Participation, or No Participation, but after a great convo with Marisa and Verity at Spring CUE, I switched to: Met/Exceeded Standard, Nearly Met Standard, Did Not Meet Standard, Did not participate, Absent/Excused. This is why we are #BetterTogether.

This form is just for me to fill out every day that we are doing TQE. I usually keep my computer on my desk and fill it out as the discussion progresses, but sometimes I keep paper records and then fill out the form at the end of class. (Note, I make the question required so that I don't accidentally skip any students!)

When I am first setting up the form, I also go ahead and create the spreadsheet. Note: this only has to be done once; the same form and spreadsheet can be used for an entire unit or an entire year.

I also use conditional formatting to make sure that I can read the data easily within the unit. When I use the rules on the right below, every time I fill out the form, students who are meeting the standard will have green boxes, students who are nearing standard will have yellow boxes, students who are not meeting standards will have red boxes, and absent students will have purple boxes.

How do I use the data to improve student outcomes? '

I fill out the form every day that we have a TQE and after a few days, I can start to see trends to guide my student support and intervention. Below is a fictional sample with just a few ideas for interventions I would make based on this data.

I notice that students 14 and 15 were not meeting the standard in early TQEs and then they started meeting the standard on later dates. I would conference with them and ask for some strategies they used to improve and then share those strategies with 1 and 19 privately.

I notice that student 18 is not meeting the standard, but that there were absences in early TQEs so I would check in to make sure the protocol and expectations are clear.

I notice that students 4, 5, 12, and 20 are meeting the standard consistently and I would send home a positive parent communication letting their parents know that classroom discussion and critical thinking about a text is a strong suit.

Tips/Tricks:

Once you make the form, bookmark it for easy access each day. Also, be sure to make a copy for each class.

To keep the spreadsheet clean, leave the question blank.

Turn student names to see trends without as much scrolling.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
TQE Discussion Tracker: Inspired by Marisa Thompson and Jen Roberts!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hi teacher friends! Today, I want to share a strategy I use for tracking student participation in TQE discussions. This idea is basically a "pedagogy smash" with Marisa Thompson's TQE Discussion Method and Jen Roberts's Independent Reading Tracker. I want to thank both of those wonderful teachers for inspiring me with their fresh ideas and hard work!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As a student, I loved visual assignments. I'll never forget my biology teacher passing back my tenth grade plant collection, though, and sarcastically saying, "Here's Betsy's Ode to Crayola." I had beautifully lettered each page with the plant name and information, and I guess she saw no value in that at all.

But I do. Everywhere I go, I see words and visuals combined. Politicians need great speeches AND great logos and signs. Journalists need to be writers and tweeters, yes, but they also need to craft infographics and compelling Instagram feeds. Small businesses better have their sales copy in order, sure, but they're also going to need beautiful ads, memorable stickers, and lovely menus. And don't even get me started on websites - every single one is an inseparable mix of imagery and writing.

That's why I think it's important to help students combine the skills of ELA and the arts. Their lives are highly interconnected with visuals - on snapchat, on Netflix, on every website they visit, at every store and restaurant they go into. They know our world has moved this way. They're more prepared than we sometimes realize to step through this interdisciplinary door.

Last week on the podcast, Laura Deisley talked about how powerful it was when she and the other leaders of Lab Atlanta gave every student a camera and asked them to document their research and work in the city. The results far exceeded their hopes. Students loved adding this visual element to their work.

Now, at a time of distance learning, I think giving students space to process what they're hearing, reading and seeing on paper, using their own combination of words and imagery, is extra powerful. They're constantly taking in stimuli, they need time to make their own meaning out of it. They need a chance to put their eyes off the screen and decide what they have taken away that is of value to them.

Sketchnotes of an article on Sketchnotes at Jetpens.com

In my view, having experimented a ton with both, sketchnotes and one-pagers are basically the same thing, except that you take sketchnotes on the fly and usually mull over one-pagers more after taking in information. Both simply represent what you have seen/heard/read/learned using a variety of easy elements that combine to become powerful.

For distance learning, that means you can mix and match them however you wish. By working on either one, students' abilities with the other should improve. Assign sketchnotes for a quick check-in with what students are taking away from a video, podcast, short reading, or novel section. Assign one-pagers for a more major assessment, where you really want students to think through a text (any kind of text) and show what was most important in retrospect.

Take a look at a few examples of sketchnotes here, below.

My sketchnotes of the film, Most Likely to Succeed

My sketchnotes of the book, In Search of Deeper Learning

You're probably noticing there are a few basic elements that usually show up in a sketchnote. Giving your kids this roundup of ideas can help them begin to learn the form. As you can see in the image below, some basic categories are: lettering, little sketches/illustrations, written information in students' regular handwriting, dividers, arrows, bullets, icons and containers. This is a sketchnote of the elements included in Mike Rohde's fun book, The Sketchnote Handbook.

These elements are also pretty much what go into a one-pager. Both are an effort to link words and images to ideas, and place them in a way that is striking and memorable.

Don't let yourself (or your students) get intimidated by sketchnotes. Just begin. Mike Rohde, the inventor of sketchnotes, famously says "ideas, not art." You're putting down ideas, and the fancy bits and pieces comes along the way if and when you're ready.

David Rickert has a great blog post called " Say NO to Stick Figures" that you can check out if your students really want help with improving their illustrations. I also like the pages below from The Sketchnote Handbook that simply ask you to combine five simple elements - a square, circle, triangle, line and dot - to make really basic tiny pictures you could use to represent things in a sketchnote. Illustrations do not, by any means, need to be 3D and beautifully shaded! Know what I mean?

Start simple with your students. Ask them to create a sketchnote for a video they're watching for class or a podcast they're listening to. Have them snap a photo, then put the photos up on a digital bulletin board ( get four options free here) and let them see how everyone processed what they viewed or listened to. Go from there. Sketchnotes are a great way to check in with students about what they're taking away from, well, just about anything.

Another fun way to use sketchnotes is during a First Chapter Friday activity. If you'd like a fun way to end the week right now, take twenty minutes to read fabulous first chapters of novels out loud to your students on video or audio. You'll be joining a happy community of First Chapter Friday teachers who are encouraging varied independent reading with a fun tradition. Asking kids to sketchnote while they listen helps them stay focused.

Now, one-pagers are just a slightly more formal version of sketchnotes, and they also provide a great chance to get kids taking an active role in their highly screen-based learning right now. You can send out your instructions and have them work with paper and a pencil (or any art materials they might have) at the table at home. The most successful one-pagers usually come with a specific list of required elements, and I like to also match those elements to locations on a template to help ease the anxiety of art-resistant one-pager creators. You can read more about how to structure a successful one-pager assignment right here.

Template-Based One-Pagers

You can get the PDF version of my most popular one-pager set by signing up for my free Friday emails below. You'll hear about new blog posts, podcasts, and curriculum sets, and are free to unsubscribe at any time.

But if you prefer to keep all your assignments in Google Drive right now, that's also totally doable. I've been experimenting, and it's quite easy to create a one-pager template in Google Slides.

Here's what I do:
1. Open a Google Slide. Adjust the page size to be 8.5 X 11 with a blank slide.
2. Design my layout in Powerpoint in vertical layout, which I do for all assignments that I create. (Powerpoint is just so much easier if you want your handouts to have any visual elements at all).
3. Save my powerpoint layouts as "PNG" files. This way, I'm just making each page a picture that I can use later.
4. Upload my "PNG" pictures as the background of my Google slides.
5. Now students can drag in images and insert text boxes, creating a digital one-pager.

While I do think digital one-pagers have fun potential, just remember that if most of your assignments are digital right now, students might really benefit from jumping off screen. Or you can just give them the option and let them do what works best for them.

I hope you're feeling ready to incorporate the rich combination of imagery and words that comes from sketchnotes and one-pagers into your distance learning. I get pretty fired up on this topic, as you can probably tell, so I'm rooting for you from over here!

Questions? Ideas? Share in the comments below. And I hope you decide to participate in this week's CHALLENGE.

I'd love to see the one-pagers and/or sketchnotes that you and your students create! Please post a photo or screenshot on Instagram during May and tag me @nowsparkcreativity so I can come see. If you're not on Instagram yet, this time of distance learning is a perfect time to join the Insta educator community. Authors are doing readings there, cooks and bakers are doing such fun demonstrations, and everyone is sharing ideas to help cheer each other on.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Using Sketchnotes & One-Pagers for Remote Learning - Spark Creativity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As a student, I loved visual assignments. I'll never forget my biology teacher passing back my tenth grade plant collection, though, and sarcastically saying, "Here's Betsy's Ode to Crayola." I had beautifully lettered each page with the plant name and information, and I guess she saw no value in that at all.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Video Hub | Canvas, the Learning Management Platform | Instructure

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Canvas LMS is the competitive advantage for Universities across the globe. With a reliable, easy-to-use platform Canvas has transformed Higher Education. Learn more.

# data[].attributes.headline
30+ Amazing Slide Templates and Graphic Organizers

# data[].attributes.subject
30+ Amazing Slide Templates and Graphic Organizers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Templates are productivity boosters. They can help us get more done in less time.

They're also great lesson design frameworks. They help us craft a path for students to take their thinking -- or for them to guide their creating.

And once a template is created, we can always go back to it again the next year -- or even the next week!

I love making student templates in slide presentation tools like PowerPoint. Making PowerPoint education templates offers us lots of benefits:

Flexibility in design

Blending images, text, lines, shapes, videos and more

Incorporating drag and drop options (more on that later)

An easy place for students to type

An easy place for us to leave feedback (in comments)

Ready to use PowerPoint education templates in your classroom? Jump straight to the section you need using the Quick Navigation below or just keep scrolling!

Quick Navigation: PowerPoint Education Templates

FREE PowerPoint education templates to download

Some people like to make these templates and sell them on Teachers Pay Teachers. Not me. I like to make them FREE to download so you can start using them with your students right away!

Below, you'll find a wide variety of PowerPoint education templates. Students can work on these whether they're using the PowerPoint desktop app or working in PowerPoint Online. Here's what you need to do to use them:
1. Click the link to download a template.
2. Share it with your students.

If you're using Microsoft Teams, attach it to an assignment and choose "Students edit their own copy" in the three dots to the right. Many learning other management systems (Canvas, Schoology, etc.) have similar options.

If you don't have Teams or another LMS, click the "Share" button and get a link to your template to share with your students. They should open the file and go to File > Save a copy to make a copy of their own to work on.

3. Students work on the template, filling in text, adding images, moving things around ... whatever you have asked them to do.

4. Students turn the template back in to you to grade. In Teams or another LMS, they would do this through the assignment you gave them. Without Teams or an LMS, you can have students email it or share it with you.

Tips for using templates:

Zoom out to 50 percent (or, sometimes, even 33 percent). Many of these templates have items in the space around the PowerPoint slide. This will let you see everything. You might use the zoom slider in the bottom right corner of PowerPoint (see below).

To use something around the outside of the PowerPoint slide, duplicate it before putting it on the slide. Use the Ctrl+D keyboard shortcut (Mac: Cmd+D). This leaves the original item to be used again.

If you find someone's template in Google Slides, you can easily convert it over to PowerPoint. Just open the Google Slides template. Go to File > Download as > PowerPoint .pptx.

Here are DOZENS of templates ready for you to download and use:

Graphic organizers

BONUS: SlidesMania templates (+ lessons for each!)

How to make your own templates with PowerPoint

Finding pre- created templates is great! You can use them as-is or even adjust them to fit your needs.

But what if you can't find a pre-created template that's just right?

Maybe it's time to make one.

Creating your own PowerPoint templates might be easier than you think. With a couple of tips and tricks, you can make effective PowerPoint education templates that can engage your students, help them think, and let them practice.

My favorite way: Create a one-slide PowerPoint presentation. The slide acts like a sheet of paper. I have more design flexibility making my templates in PowerPoint than I do in Word.

Step 1: Plan out your template

Dream up what your template will look like. What do you want students to do? What's the goal: guide them through thinking, give them repetitions with content, let them create with what they know?

There's no shame in borrowing ideas. Look around at other activities (i.e. all of the PowerPoint education templates above) to get inspiration. Then, use the ideas that work best for you.

There are LOTS of actions you can have your students do on templates, including:

typing text

taking photos and adding them to the template

dragging arrows or shapes on an image or text

removing a box to display something that's hidden behind it

adding comments to the template for conversation or metacognition

It doesn't hurt to draw a quick sketch on paper of what your template will look like. For me, I like to start creating my template in PowerPoint and adjust it as I go.

EXAMPLE: I want to create a template where students consider the different elements of a story. To get them to think critically about them, I want them to pick the three most important parts of a story to them personally. Then, I want them to describe why they're important to them. Here's how I envision it:

They'll pick the three elements of the story that matter most to them. They'll drag the icon into the box. Then, they'll describe why it's important in a text box.

Once you have an idea for your template, create a new PowerPoint presentation to get started.

Step 2: Create the parts students won't edit.

When you use a traditional photocopied worksheet, the parts on the photocopy are locked into place. Students can't erase them. But they create the framework for the worksheet. What students write -- and where they write it -- has to do what's locked into place on that photocopy.

PowerPoint education templates are similar. We can lock certain parts of our templates into place so students don't accidentally move them around or change them.

(Remember, though ... we don't just want to recreate traditional worksheets. We're making something interactive and engaging that goes to the next level!)

EXAMPLE: In my story elements template, I want to create a title header, some instructions, and a place for them to put the most important elements of a story. So, I designed the template first with only the parts I don't want students to edit.

I used icons from The Noun Project (thenounproject.com) for the books and the ribbons.

The title and the instructions are simple text boxes.

The line tool made the line under the title. I added rectangle shapes next to each of the ribbons.

I added text boxes on top of the ribbons to add the numbers.

I will want to add parts to this template that the students can edit (i.e. text boxes, movable labels, etc.). But that comes later.

Step 3: Make those parts immovable by turning them into a background image.

Once I finish making the parts of the template that students won't edit, I want to lock them in the background so students can't accidentally move them. To do that ...

1. Save the slide as an image file by going to File > Save as.

2. Choose image from the dropdown menu below the file name. (I save my images as .png images.)

3. Choose where you'd like to save the image and modify the file name if you wish.

4. Click "Save".

5. A dialog box will ask you if you want to save all of your slides as images or "just this one" (the one you have selected). I choose "just this one".

Now, you have an image file of the slide -- just the parts you don't want students to modify. Because it's an image, students can't move any of it around.

Next, go back to your slide and delete everything off the page. (I know, it seems strange! Trust me!)

Once it's clear, add your image file as the background of your slide. To do that:

1. Right click and choose "Format background ..." from the menu box.

2. In the sidebar, find "Picture source" and click the "Insert ..." button.

3. Choose "From a file" in the dialog box.

4. Find your file and click "Open".

Now, all of the parts of your template that you don't want students to move are locked in the background image of the PowerPoint slide. (Pretty slick, huh???)

Next, it's time to add the editable parts of your template -- the ones students will do and fill in.

Step 4: Add editable parts of your template.

We can add parts to our template that we want students to work with. This can include a text box for typing, moveable icons or text for them to drag, and even a space where they can add photos they take.

EXAMPLE: I want to add moveable images with the names of the story elements on them. After students choose their three favorite elements and move them into place, they type why they chose what they chose in text boxes below them.

SUPER EASY WAY: Instead of the image/text tiles I have above, just use text boxes. Have students drag the text boxes around.

A BIT FANCIER WAY: To make the tiles, there are lots of free image creation tools out there, including Canva, Adobe Express , Pic Collage, and more. If you want draggable tiles like I have, you can use one of those image creation tools. Make your tiles with images and text. (Again, my icons came from The Noun Project.) Then insert them as images for your students to drag around.

SUPER FANCY WAY: Another option for making those tiles (and the one I used in my example above): PowerPoint! In a new slide, I made all five of my image/text tiles. I used the same process as I did to make my background image (File > Save as > .png file). Then, I added my tiles image to the slide. Right-click the image and use the crop tool to cut the other tiles out. Then, insert the image again and do it again for the rest of the tiles.

In my example, after I had the five draggable elements of a story in place, I added text boxes for students to type their responses.

Other things you can add to your templates:

Draggable arrows: Go to "Insert > Shape" and choose an arrow. Draw in an arrow for students to drag around. Double click it to add text to it!

A space for a student photo: Go to "Insert > Shape" and choose a rectangle. Draw in a big rectangle where a student could insert an image. Students can use the camera app on their Windows device to take a picture. Then, they can insert the image from their camera roll onto the template.

Justify response in the speaker notes: Students can tell you why they did what they did (chose what they chose, wrote what they wrote, etc.) in the speaker notes at the bottom. It's a great place to incorporate thinking about their thinking (i.e. metacognition)!

Hyperlinks: Have students turn their templates interactive with hyperlinks! Any text, image, shape, line, etc. can become clickable by adding a link. Use the Ctrl+K keyboard shortcut.

Comments: Comments can be added to any item on the template. They're like sticky notes where students can add extra thoughts.

Step 5: Share your template with your students.

If you're using Microsoft Teams, attach it to an assignment and choose "Students edit their own copy" in the three dots to the right. Many learning other management systems (Canvas, Schoology, etc.) have similar options.

If you don't have Teams or another LMS, click the "Share" button and get a link to your template to share with your students. They should open the file and go to File > Save a copy to make a copy of their own to work on.

Video: How to make your own draggable templates

The video below will walk you through how this whole process works. Note: It shows creation of the template using Google Slides. However, it's easy to cross this over to PowerPoint using the instructions in this post.

Video: How to make PowerPoint education templates

In this video, Holly Clark of The Infused Classroom and I talk about templates, how to make them, and how they can be used.
How have you used templates in your own class? What are your best tips and tricks? Share them in a comment below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
30+ FREE PowerPoint education templates + how to make them

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PowerPoint education templates create meaningful interactive activities for students. Find free templates and how to make your own.Templates are

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
All of these things are possible in an online course! It is just a matter of knowing what tools you can lean on to facilitate these different types of activities online. Below is a document that details each building block, the objective of that activity, and the technology tools teachers can use to engage students in that type of learning activity online.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Canvas LMS (@CanvasLMS). Canvas isn't just a product. It's an educational revolution. It's a powerful new way to, pardon our optimism, change the world. (@Instructure)

# data[].attributes.headline
Tips and Tools For Making Online Assessments Work

# data[].attributes.subject
Tips and Tools For Making Online Assessments Work

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In the world of distance learning, how do we assess our students fairly? Many schools have changed their grading policies or moved to pass/fail for their subjects. But, if you are opting to give online assessments, what is the best way to approach these tests?

The key lies in determining the material you are assessing, how you would like to present the quiz or test, how the students can showcase their knowledge, and how you're going to grade it. This can be as easy as a Google Form or as complex as creating an entire quiz with multiple levels of answers! Check out our tips and tricks for online assessments, as well as the best platforms to use.

Assessment Requirements

Before you decide the best tool to implement for the assessment, you need to figure out what exactly you need to include. Factors to consider:

How old are the students and how advanced should the application be?

Will you require free-response answers?

Will you require multiple-choice Q&A?

Do you want the tool to grade automatically for you?

Is it necessary to upload multimedia as part of the question set?

Do you want students to print the test and then scan/upload their answer sets?

Online Assessment Tips

When it comes to creating and distributing the tests, there are some tips and tricks to help make the assessment more successful.

Keep in mind the age of the students. The younger they are, the more simple the software. Consider multiple choice over free response. Add images or video to both engage the student and add another frame of reference to the words.

Allow students to take the test offline if they do don't have access to technology.

Give the student a longer time period to take the test in case of issues with technology or Wi-Fi.

If you truly need to time the test (consider a final exam), ensure that the students have ample notice and perhaps give a sample test so they can test the platform and ask any questions ahead of time.

If you are allowing free responses that are automatically graded, make sure to input variations of the answer! Incorporate misspellings, add the answer with and without articles, and more.

Online Assessments Tools & Platforms

We gathered our top ten quiz and test platforms that allow you to format assessments to distribute to your students. Choose the ones that best fit the requirements to your considerations above!

Teachers can capture answers using the web or the app. A perfect tool for a flipped or blended classroom.

Best for: Mobile use on an app.

Construct quizzes in no time. You can choose from 14 question types and the answers can be culled for reports.

Best for: Drop and drag quizzes and polls.

Allows teachers to create standards-aligned assessments quickly. And the best part? A built-in authoring tool to create drag-and-drop, multipart, passages, graphing, and more!

Best for: Multimedia options and graphing.

This Google Drive app allows you to create assessments with free response and multiple choice.

Best for: Younger students as they are already likely familiar with Google Classrooms.

Create interactive tests and quizzes. Also, set up custom scoring and give multiple chances to answer correctly.

Best for: Allowing multiple attempts.

Easily create quizzes that students can answer using their mobile devices. Also includes a bank with 60,000 standards-aligned question items and 300 pre-built assessments.

Best for: Using an existing question set or assessments.

With over 100+ settings and over 100,000 quizzes created, this software can solve nearly all your needs.

Best for: Quiz creation in other languages.

Quizzes are standards-tagged so you can efficiently track mastery data from every question ever answered. They support official state standards such as Common Core, TEKS, and many more.

Best for: Quick feedback and analyzing.

Create a web-based assessment straight from Powerpoint slides!

Best for: Ease of Powerpoint use.

Choose from 22,395 teacher-written assessments across all subjects or create your own!

Best for: Essays and short form.
What are your suggestions for online assessments? Share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group. Plus, 25 of the Best Alternative Assessment Ideas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tips and Tools For Giving Online Assessments to Students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In the world of distance learning, how do we assess our students fairly? Many schools have changed their grading policies or moved to pass/fail for their subjects. But, if you are opting to give online assessments, what is the best way to approach these tests?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I was honored this week to speak with educators in Barcelona. While I know some Spanish, I am not fluent. Wanting to use a Google Form to collect responses from audience members I knew that my Spanish was not sufficient to quickly translate and understand. Google Sheets however makes it easy to translate.

=GOOGLETRANSLATE()

The formula =GOOGLETRANSLATE() will convert text in one language in Google Sheets to another language.

CopyDown Add-on

The copyDown add-on for Google Sheets will automatically copy a formula in a spreadsheet upon Form submission.

Install the copyDown add-on

Create a Google Form. On the Responses tab, select the spreadsheet icon. In a blank column for the first response to the Google Form write the formula =GOOGLETRANSLATE(). Use the Add-on menu in the spreadsheet to select "copyDown." The add-on will automatically detect the formulas you have written in the spreadsheet and allow you to copy that formula to each row dynamically as entries are made to the Google Form.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Google Sheets: Translating Languages - Teacher Tech

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I was honored this week to speak with educators in Barcelona. While I know some Spanish, I am not fluent. Wanting to use a Google Form to collect responses from audience members I knew that my Spanish was not sufficient to quickly translate and understand. Google Sheets however makes it easy to translate.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Technology Teaching Resources with Brittany Washburn

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Do you use interactive notebooks in your classroom?

Interactive notebooks are incredibly beneficial for students because they work on so many different skills.

Improved information retention

Involves multiple learning styles

Helps students organize their thoughts

Proof of learning

Parent/teacher communication

Differentiation

Even with all of the good, there are some downfalls. Are you sick of all the wasted paper and the wasted time waiting for students to cut everything out?

The negatives have nothing to do with the concept of interactive notebooks, rather all of the wasted time and supplies. There has to be a better way!

Do you have access to devices like computers, laptops, or tablets?

Then you will LOVE Digital Interactive Notebooks.

Check out the capability in this demo video. In the video you will see a preview of the Water and Weather Digital Interactive Notebook for 5th grade Test Prep.

By transferring the content to digital interactive notebooks, you get all of the benefits of interactive notebooks with all of the convenience of technology.

Students even get to work on some skills unique to using devices, like mouse and keyboard skills.

This poster is yours for free by filling out the info.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Interactive notebooks are incredibly beneficial for students because they work on so many different skills. Improved information retention Involves multiple learning styles Helps students organize their thoughts Proof of learning Parent/teacher communication Differentiation Even with all of the good, there are some downfalls.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Turn Your iPhone into a Doc Camera for Zoom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Resources: Sign Up for Flipgrid Step By Step for Educators Everything You Need for Students and Parents (includes PDF to send home in English & Spanish) Student Flipgrid Experience: Leave a Message on Our Grid! Ideas for Integration Integrating Flipgrid into Canvas Flipgrid Screen Sticker Templates

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Copy of HYPERSLIDES: CNUSD - PARTICIPANT COPY

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Push Updated Google Slides into an Already Handed out Slide Deck in Google Classroom

# data[].attributes.headline
8 Ideas Designed to Engage Students In Active Learning Online

# data[].attributes.subject
8 Ideas Designed to Engage Students In Active Learning Online

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Record videos and automatically load them into the slide you are on.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to use PowerPoint Live for inclusive and engaging presentations

# data[].attributes.headline
Transform Any Web Page into an Interactive Lesson

# data[].attributes.subject
Transform Any Web Page into an Interactive Lesson

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I frequently use online articles and resources with my students to supplement our curriculum. I want them reading, thinking about, and discussing hot topics that impact their lives; however, engaging students around online articles hasn't always been easy. InsertLearning has developed a Chrome Extension that makes it possible to transform any web page into an interactive lesson.

I decided to build a lesson around an article published by the BBC about social media use and mental health, which is a high-interest topic for my students. I decided to use InsertLearning to add highlights, notes, questions, and discussion prompts to the article.
InsertLearning Functionality
The InsertLearning toolbar lives on the left-hand side of the webpage. You can do the following:

Click the pen icon to highlight sections of the text.

Click the page icon to make an annotative note.

Click the question mark icon to insert a question.

Click on the discussion bubbles icon to insert a discussion prompt for the class.

Ideas for using InsertLearning
Here are some ideas for using these features to engage students.

When students receive their interactive lessons, they can use the highlight and note features to actively read, type responses to the individual questions, and engage with peers in discussions.

One of my favorite features is my ability to see students annotating (highlighting and making notes) in real time. As students annotate the web page, an icon pops up, and I can select a student's name and see their annotations as they work. This makes it possible to work with students in real time on their online active reading skills.
Sharing an Interactive Lesson with Students
Once you have designed an online lesson using a web page you want students to read and interact with, you can share it directly from your teacher dashboard. For teachers using Google Classroom, you can share your interactive assignments via Google Classroom.

This is a great tool for...

Encouraging students to read and engage with more informational texts online.

Teaching students active online reading strategies.

Getting students to think more deeply about online texts.

Developing online reading stamina and critical thinking skills.

Designing an interactive reading station for a station rotation lesson.

Flipping and engaging with an online text.

If you want to try it out, go to the Chrome Store and search for InsertLearning. Click "Add to Chrome" and the purple icon will appear next to your browser window. Then when you find a web page you want to create a lesson around, just click the icon and get started!

The free version allows teachers to design five interactive lessons and share those lessons with an unlimited number of students. If you end up loving it, there are plans for individual teachers or school districts that give teachers the ability to create unlimited lessons.

This entry was posted in Learning. Bookmark the permalink.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
InsertLearning: Transform Any Web Page into an Interactive Lesson

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I frequently use online articles and resources with my students to supplement our curriculum. I want them reading, thinking about, and discussing hot topics that impact their lives; however, engaging students around online articles hasn't always been easy. InsertLearning has

# data[].attributes.headline
Digital Board Game, an interactive template for Google Slides

# data[].attributes.subject
Digital Board Game, an interactive template for Google Slides

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Free PowerPoint template and Google Slides theme.

Digital gameboard template with clickable spaces and cards.

You can use this interactive template for online learning if you are doing some synchronous sessions with your students. But it can also be fun for when schools reopen, and we all go back to "normal".

You put the game rules, so it can be used for any subject. Just write the instructions for your game on the second slide and then add 21 activities. If you don't want to use all the slides, you can add some "Free Passes" to some of the cards.

It comes with 6 pawns, but you can duplicate them if you need more. Also, you can change their fill color.
Keep in mind that for you and your students to be able to move the pawns, this template has to be used in Edit mode.
The colors of the template are given by the Theme Colors, therefore if you want to change them, as usual, go to Slide > Edit Theme, Select Colors, click on Choose a theme color and change accents 1 to 6.

I really wanted to add a die within the template, and the best I came up with was to make a video for you to play and pause. - Not too happy with the black frames it has...I tried my best, though. -

If you don't want to use the "video die", Twitter World came to the rescue and gave me some options!

First option: Have two tabs open in your browser, one with the template and another with this online die. This idea came from Tech Know Math and Sean Fahey Thank you!

And second option: I've added a script created by Alice Keeler you can get a copy of her template with the script on her site: AliceKeeler.Com. Thank you Mandi Tolen for letting me know about this!

You just have to click on Dice and choose how many dice you want to roll; a pop up will open with the number you have rolled.

The first slide has the links to each card. The zone I've marked below in yellow, is where the links are (I did not cover the boxes because the pawns will be moving, so, to avoid deleting links, I just added a little zone on each box). And each activity card slide has an X that has a link to the first slide.

I really hope you and your students enjoy this template! And if you want, you can give me a shout in Twitter and show me how you used it! I'd love to see it!

UPDATE: Now, all cards have a backside that you can see on click to reveal answers! Or to add more info!

If you want a Spanish Version of this template, you can get it here. Thank you Cat for adapting it!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Interactive Board game. Free PowerPoint template & Google Slides theme - SlidesMania

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You can use this interactive template for online learning if you are doing some synchronous sessions with your students. But it can also be fun for when schools reopen, and we all go back to "normal". You put the game rules, so it can be used for any subject.

# data[].attributes.headline
21st Century Version of Ask 3 Before You Ask Me

# data[].attributes.subject
21st Century Version of Ask 3 Before You Ask Me

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The first month of school is exhausting! New students, new routines, and, for many of us, new curriculum. Getting kids acclimated to all the newness spurs a lot (and I mean a lot) of questions. To save my sanity and teach students how to be independent and resourceful, I put a technology spin on the adage, "Ask three before you ask me."

It's not just that I am wild about technology. I also want to model what I do when I have a question. I'm not always in a room surrounded by colleagues when I get stuck or need help, so my 3 are Google, YouTube, and social media.
First, ask Google.
Sure, students need some tips for getting the most out of Google and filtering through the results, but we go over all of that together in the first few weeks. After they get an introduction to the Google search engine and know how to use it effectively, then it should be their first stop.

No luck with Google?
Second stop, search for a YouTube tutorial.
Today's learners are increasingly visual. They love pictures and videos, which makes YouTube a fantastic resource for students. They can search for video tutorials on topics ranging from citing properly to making elaborate rubber band bracelets, which my daughter learned to do by watching a series of videos.

No entertaining tutorials?
Third stop, ask people on social media.
An increasing number of students are already using social media to connect with people, so why not encourage them to tap into their social network to find information on a topic or troubleshoot a problem?

When I've done a Google search and checked out YouTube videos and still cannot figure something out, I ask the Twittersphere. Within minutes I have a half dozen responses with links to online resources or suggestions to connect with specific individuals who might be able to help.

Now, instead of just asking three people who happen to be in the same classroom, students can ask Google, YouTube, and social media. Ultimately, I think teaching this new version of asking three before you ask me will make our students more self-sufficient learners when they leave our classrooms.

This entry was posted in Learning. Bookmark the permalink.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
21st Century Version of Ask 3 Before You Ask Me

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The first month of school is exhausting! New students, new routines, and, for many of us, new curriculum. Getting kids acclimated to all the newness spurs a lot (and I mean a lot) of questions. To save my sanity and teach students

# data[].attributes.headline
10 ways to make good Google Classroom assignments better

# data[].attributes.subject
10 ways to make good Google Classroom assignments better

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you've used Google Classroom for long (or even if you're just beginning to use it), you're likely to see that there's not a lot to it.

Google Classroom was created to help teachers teach and learners learn so that tech stays out of their way to do it. Less tech, more teach.

And Google Classroom delivers. Here's how its workflow basically works:

Teacher creates assignment.

Student completes assignment and turns it in.

Teacher collects assignment and provides feedback.

Teacher assigns a grade and returns the assignment.

Feedback and collaboration happen throughout.

The magic is not in Google Classroom itself. It's in how teachers and students use it and how learning is improved. Clicking the "Assignment" button to create an assignment isn't enough.

For that reason, not all uses of Google Classroom are equal. It can be used poorly, and it can be used to supercharge teaching and learning.

If we understand its features and how they can support solid teaching and learning, we can create better learning experiences.

Here are some ways to Google Classroom's features to make good assignments even better:

1a. Leave great instructions. This is something I've fallen victim to many times. I would create the assignment and give it a title, then get students working on it. But if I failed to write solid instructions, absent students suffered. Students who didn't finish work in class suffered. Students who didn't pay great attention to my verbal directions - or those who were unclear - suffered. It all could have been averted. It's a simple idea, but take the time to write out detailed instructions. Everyone benefits.

1b. Revise your instructions. When something changes with an assignment, update the instructions in Classroom. This helps you - and students - avoid assignments that don't reflect the most recent changes.

2. Make your instructions easy to read. No one likes to read a huge block of text. It's hard on the eyes. Our brains like to look on a page for white space where our eyes can rest. Break up your instruction with double returns. Don't just hit return once; hit it twice to create that line of space. And add bullet points. Classroom doesn't support them (or rich text formatting), but you can create them with hyphens or something else. (Emojis make fun bullet points, and Classroom supports them!) See examples in the image below.

3. Add the right amount of attachments. It's super easy to add attachments to Google Classroom assignments. But we don't want it to become a dumping ground for lots of stuff your students realistically won't use. Don't add them because it feels like you should; add attachments because they serve a purpose.

4. Add a layer of collaboration with attachments where everyone can edit. Some of the best attachments may be files where you don't do much more than create them blank. Create an empty collaborative space for students in a Doc or Slides. Then attach the file to the assignment. Be sure to think ahead about ...

How collaboration enhances the assignment

What students should do in the space

What behavior is appropriate for the space

This shared Google Slides activity I posted about gives a great framework for establishing a space and how students can use it.

5. Add "make a copy" attachments when students need to do individual work. If students need their own personal space to think through an assignment or reflect, making a copy is great. When you attach a file and choose "make a copy", it automatically distributes copies of that file to each students AND adds the students' names to the file name.

A word of caution: This is a great way to distribute digital versions of mindless electronic worksheets. Resist the temptation to do that. Remember that classroom technology is an opportunity to teach differently, to improve what we do. When we use technology to teach the same way we did without it, we're squandering the gift - the opportunity to do something amazing. Keep asking yourself, "How could the technology make the learning experience better?"

6. Be concise. Let's go back to instructions. You can be detailed as well as concise. Students don't need flowery prose in instructions, and many times, they don't need a lecture or a longwinded speech. They need exactly what they need to get started.

7. Create a Frequently Asked Questions section (or document). If you're creating a bigger, longer assignment, students may come to you with the same question multiple times. Instead of answering the same questions over and over again (the bane of the teacher's existence), try a FAQ. Here are a couple of models:

Anticipate questions that students may have and add answers to them in the instructions section (below the directions we talked about above).

Create an "anyone can edit" FAQ document for frequently asked questions. When any student asks a question, type your response (and the question) in the document. Or ask the student to type a summary of your answer in the document for other students! In fact, students can be encouraged to add questions their peers might come across with their own responses.

8. Make friends with "Mark as done". Students can mark an assignment as done without turning in a file (like a document or spreadsheet). This can be useful in many ways ...

Create a Classroom assignment for a physical product (hands-on project, paper assignment) and have students "mark as done" when complete. This opens a channel of communication through private comments and gives you a digital space to leave a grade.

Use an ungraded "mark as done" assignment as a check-in or reminder on a longer assignment. Schedule an assignment called "Check-in: One week left!" for a week before a project is due. Have it publish automatically by clicking "Schedule" (later) instead of "Assign" (now). Students mark it as done when they see it as a reminder.

9. Organize with topics. This can save everyone time in the end and make classwork less painless. Use the topics in the "Classwork" section of Google Classroom to organize items in Classroom. Organize by chapter or unit. Organize by type of work. Create subtopics to further organize that look like this:

Chapter 1: Animals

Chapter 1: Plants

Chapter 1: Other living things

This keeps a topic for a single chapter from becoming bloated and unwieldy.

10. Create a parent corner. I learned about this tip from the incomparable Alice Keeler, one of the world's foremost experts in Google Classroom. She suggests that, in addition to writing instructions for students, we add a "parent corner" geared specifically toward them. Here's how Alice puts it:

Consider when creating assignments to also specifically consider how parents will understand what their child is doing and how they can help support their child in learning. Including a parent corner where you can write a note to the parent to explain the activity and the goals provide parents a clearer window into our classrooms. Without having to decode the assignment from the student perspective, writing a few sentences directly aimed at parents can help them feel included and more clearly understand what their child did that day.

Check out her post about the parent corner here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 ways to make good Google Classroom assignments better - Ditch That Textbook

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you've used Google Classroom for long (or even if you're just beginning to use it), you're likely to see that there's not a lot to it. Google Classroom was created to help teachers teach and learners learn so that tech stays out of their way to do it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Creating a Live Stream with Hangouts Meet