Unique Uses for Google Slides to Enhance Your Virtual Teaching
Aug 18, 2020
In this week's episode of A Step Forward, we delve into the often-overlooked features of Google Slides and how they can transform your virtual teaching. If you're an orientation and mobility (O&M) specialist or an educator looking to enhance your online classes, these tips will help you create more engaging and interactive lessons for your students.
Discovering Hidden Features of Google Slides
There are endless resources online that make virtual teaching much more efficient, and I’m sure most of you have heard of Google Slides. However, it has a lot of mind-blowing features that aren't widely known. These features can significantly enhance your teaching experience:
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Interactive Learning: Design slides with interactive elements like buttons and links that guide students through lessons. This can turn a simple presentation into an engaging, interactive learning experience.
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Remote Control with Zoom: By using Zoom's remote control feature, you can allow students to navigate through slides themselves. This encourages active participation and keeps them engaged during virtual classes.
Creating Digital Postcards
Add a personal touch to your teaching by sending digital postcards to students:
- Design and Personalize: Use Google Slides to design postcards that can be printed or sent digitally. Including a QR code on the postcard can link students to personalized messages, activities, or additional resources.
Transforming Google Slides into a Website
Google Slides can also serve as a simple, yet effective website for your class:
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Central Hub for Information: Create a slide deck that acts as a website, with slides serving as pages for class updates, resources, and contact information. This makes it easy for students and parents to access important information in one place.
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Student Portfolios: Develop individual slides for each student to showcase their progress and achievements. This can be a valuable tool for both student motivation and parent communication.
Enhancing Accessibility and Collaboration
Using Google Slides also offers benefits in terms of accessibility and collaboration:
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Accessibility Features: Ensure your slides are accessible by incorporating high-contrast visuals and text overlays. This makes your content more inclusive and easier for all students to understand.
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Collaborative Opportunities: These tips not only enhance student engagement but also open up opportunities for collaboration with parents. By sharing personalized content and updates, you can create a more connected and supportive learning environment.
Exciting Updates and Events
In addition to these Google Slides tips, this episode also provides updates on upcoming events like the Assistive Technology and Trends Online Conference and the International O&M Online Symposium. There’s much to look forward to, so make sure to tune in for all the latest news!
By exploring these innovative ways to use Google Slides, you can make your virtual teaching more engaging, interactive, and accessible, providing a richer learning experience for your students.
