Google Slides as more than just a presentation

Google Slides is sometimes called the Google version of Powerpoint, but if you have used both these tools in the classroom, you know that while the basic idea may be the same, their overall uses are drastically different.

Microsoft Powerpoint	Google Slides
Allows for creation of a slideshow presentation with transitions, sounds, animations, etc. Allows for insertion of sounds, video, hyperlinks and autoplay Only available to create with a PC running Microsoft Office Has a more robust set of options for advanced users When work collaboratively, only the original can be created on ONE computer at a time	Allows for creation of a slideshow presentation with transitions, animations, videos, autoplay, etc. Can be shared via a link Saves changes automatically Can be worked on collaboratively by several teachers or students Allows for viewing and conversion of Powerpoints to Google Slides (but this can be a nightmare! - it’s not a perfect conversion) Premade templates can be found at Slides Carnival

While we do not want to re-create the wheel, it can be frustrating to spend the time converting old Powerpoints to Google Slides, only to have to fix every slide.  Consider other options, such as pre-made game templates - I like this Jeopardy one, to save you time.

Google Slides can also be used in several collaborative ways that Powerpoint cannot.  Encourage your students to use Google Slides to show what they have learned, but also along with another web 2.0 tool, such as Movenote.

Still struggling for ideas?  Consider these:

1. Use Google Slides as a review for an upcoming quiz or test
2. Have students create a comic strip to review a concept
3. Link to a Google Form at the end of a slideshow to check for understanding
4. Let students go through the slideshow individually on a device and insert a YouTube video directly into the slideshow for students to watch and reflect on what they learned
5. Create a slideshow full of links to encourage them to explore more

If you want to get started, but want a helping hand, talk to your building librarian!