As you probably know, Google Drive is far more than a place to store files online. It also includes a suite of versatile creation tools, many of which perform the same functions as the ones we use in other spaces. These include Google Docs, a word processing program that behaves similarly to Microsoft Word, Google Slides, a presentation program similar to PowerPoint, and Google Forms, a survey-creation tool similar to Survey Monkey. Although Drive also includes other tools, these three are particularly useful for creating rigorous, academically robust projects. And, it can make YOUR life easier!
Google Doc Ideas
1. Collaborative Story
Each student can be assigned one portion to work on. With Google Docs, they can all work at the same time and see the work of others!
2. Tables and Charts
Being able to organize information visually is an important skill, and students who understand how to build a table in Google Docs will have a skill for presenting all kinds of information in the future. They can be used as a compare and contrast exercise, to display data from an experiment, or even put together a schedule. Yes, you could do these things yourself, print them, and have students fill them out, but why not have students practice creating the tables themselves?
Google Slides Ideas
1. Student Projects or Portfolios
Yes, the students do the work. Our recent blog explains how! Simply create a structure, send it to the class with instructions and they are off the races! (While you get another cup of coffee...)
Ask them to present to their peers or the class while you indulge in that espresso!
2. Student Adventure Stories
Because slides can contain hyperlinks to other slides, students could build a whole story where the reader chooses different options at key points in the story, leading them down completely different paths. The reader would consume the content as a slideshow, clicking on the links themselves as they go through. This could be a pretty massive undertaking, but we all know students who would be totally up for the challenge. (And, maybe give you a chance to have some much-needed water!) Need free teacher lesson plans? Head on over to Teachers Pay Teachers and simply search for free! You can see what Online Teacher Coach has in our Teachers Pay Teachers Store here.
Google Forms Ideas
1. Surveys
Whenever students need to gather data to support an argumentative essay or speech, let them gather data quickly and easily by creating a survey with Google Forms. Links to the survey can be sent out via email, QR codes, or through a post in a learning management system like Edmodo or Google Classroom. Here is a recent blog post on how to easily use QR codes for lesson plans.
2. Quizzes
One great way to learn the material is to create a test or quiz over the content. Did you know that you can set them up to SELF-GRADE! Yep! Just helping you out here!
Also, have students use Google Forms to create their own multiple-choice, True/False, fill-in-the-blank, or open-ended quizzes on the content they are learning. This is like a free lesson plan for teachers!
As always, we want to help you. We get it. You are more than welcome to email us onlineteachercoach@gmail.com to tell us how we can do exactly that! We are happy to serve you! Click here for more info.
Happy teaching and make sure to get another cup of espresso and work in our pj's. :)
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