Google, the search engine giant, offers some tried and true tools that are extremely useful to the academicians, who don’t often use them. Here are some Google tools to make your classrooms fun:
#1 – Use Google Slides to make PDF ebooks
Students find ebooks super useful, because they not only include text, but also visuals. They include clickable links, which makes the teaching content more fun and interactive. When designed well, students would be motivated to share them with their friends online. Creating an ebook in Google Slides is very easy and can be a fun spin to put on your classroom agenda. Want to learn how to create an ebook? Take a look at this ebook: http://ditchthattextbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/How-to-Create-a-PDF-eBook.pdf.
#2 – Have students create websites
Knowing how to create a website is a very essential (a required) skill in today’s job market. And therefore, you should encourage your students to make websites in order to showcase their work. They can use Google Sites to create websites. It is a very easy tool that any can quickly learn. Learn more about Google sites here: http://sites.google.com/new
#3 – Use Infopins for geography-based classes
Are your students learning something geography-based? For example, do your lessons have to do with locations, history, etc.? Use Google MyMaps where you can drop pins on places that others can see. These are called ‘Info Pins’ with title, description, images and clickable links about a location. Here are some ways to use MyMaps in your classroom: http://ditchthattextbook.com/2016/03/15/20-ways-google-mymaps-can-enhance-lessons-in-any-class/
#4 – Have students create infographics
Infographics are the most consumed types of content online these days. That’s because they blend the best of text and visuals. They are extremely user-friendly and easy to remember. Most importantly, students can easily create them without any technical background in designing. Use Google Drawings to create infographics that make your classroom content sticky! Read on how to make infographics with Google Drawing: http://ditchthattextbook.com/2016/11/28/creating-eye-popping-infographics-with-google-drawings/
#5 – Make your classroom more engaging with Google
Google has to offer many tools that can make your classroom fun and interactive. Here are some tools that lets the students try things that they don’t usually get to do in class: 1) Quick, Draw! – This is a game that allows you to draw with Google’s AI (Artificial Intelligence) as it tries to guess what you are creating. 2) AI Duet – This makes learning piano fun with Google’s AI. 3) Google Trends – You can know about the most searched keywords across the world for any given topic. 4) Google Earth – It shows you what the world looks like (even with a lapse over 20+ years). 5) GeoGuessr – You can guess where you are dropped in Google Maps with the help of the context given.
#6 – Producing stop-motion animations with Google
Moving visuals are always more attractive and appealing then static images. Google Slides lets you create animations for free. Learn how to create stop motion with Google Slides: http://ditchthattextbook.com/2018/02/14/learning-in-motion-easy-stop-motion-animation-with-google-slides/
#7 – Use Flippity to review key concepts
Flippity is an add-on on Google Sheets that makes it easy that helps you with the review of the important course content. The options include: flashcards, bingo games, memory games, MadLibs, quiz show, etc. Learn more here: https://flippity.net/
Other than these tools, you can always use the standard ones like Google Docs, Sheet, Slides, Drive, etc.
Do you use any of these tools for your classroom? What’s been the experience like? Share your thoughts and experiences here.