Unit 1: Google Slides Extensions
During this unit you will be exposed to extensions aimed at heightening student engagement when used alongside Google Slides. The extensions will include PearDeck.
Digital Journal
Prior to learning about some useful Google Slides Extensions, how do you ensure student engagement in your online classroom? What do you do in order to make sure the slides you present to them are really being viewed and understood?
Access the digital journal here.
Self-Check
Before proceeding, ensure you understand how to use the basics of Google Slides. This includes
- Creating a slide
- Finding the "Add-Ons" button
- Adding text
- Including images
If you need a refresher, this video provides an in depth review of the basics
Using PearDeck alongside Google Slides
PearDeck is a chance to encourage student engagement in your everyday lessons and allows you as the teacher to see who is with you and who may be struggling by using six questions types that can be embedded into slides.
This add-on can be used live during a synchronous course or in an asynchronous setting where students complete work on their own time. You use your own slides; nothing new has to be created!
In this manner, equalization is fulfilled in the online classroom because every student has the opportunity to answer questions and educators see the responses immediately. Following this, student data is automatically updated to a Google Sheet so educators can assess student understanding and consequently inform planning.
The question types include:
- Text
- Choice
- Number
- Website
- Draw
- Draggable
Furthermore, PearDeck allows you to see every student response in the moment. When students respond, you immediately see what they wrote. As the teacher, you may choose to project their work; student names will never show up on your board, they remain anonymous! Should a student write something showing you they don't understand, you can respond directly to them and help out.
Pedagogical Thinking & Design
Try PearDeck
Use the extension we reviewed with any slide you have already used with your students! You MUST use at least four out of the six question types. Email me with the slide and an explanation for each question type you inserted. How will this improve engagement in your classroom?
Proceed to Next Unit
We use Google Docs frequently with our students, find out how we can implement Google Extensions there.
Find out more in Unit 2: Google Docs Extensions