How To . . .
Start:
We use several of the Google Apps. It really depends on what you are creating.
- Google Docs: for more text-heavy templates
- can insert a Google Drawing for interactivity
- page color/layout can be changed
- inserting tables is a great way to separate "chunks" of info
- Google Slides: for more detailed or multi-page templates
- can change the size/layout
- can change the "theme" &/or color of entire slide deck
- can insert an image as the background to "freeze" it (less likely to be accidentally deleted/moved) GREAT for the little ones!
- Google Sheets: for data heavy pieces
- pixel art is a fabulous creative activity!
- Google Drawing: if it will be limited to one "page"
- can change the background color
- can put an image as the bottom layer, but not as a "frozen" image
- Google Forms: for collection of information/data
- can be "pretty" by changing the theme & font
- various question types
- videos and images can be incorporated
But there is NO right or wrong!
THEN:
Plan your background ... and your layout ... and a few other key design options.
Change the Page Size
Customize to fit your project.
Inserting Text
Word Art or Text Box?
Change the Background
Change the color & insert an image as the background.
Inserting an Image
Images
Cropping
Eliminate extra & change the shape of your image.
Laying/Ordering
Layering is a crucial step to ensure everything can be seen.
Share:
Using Google Classroom/Schoology/another LMS, post a link to your template and direct students to the location.
You can also directly share your template.
- Make sure your share settings are set to "Anyone with the Link Can View".
- Change the URL ending:
- to force a copy --> change "/edit" to "/copy"
OR
- to allow others to see your work first --> change "/edit" to "/template/preview"
Share to Google Classroom
Create an assignment (even if it's not for a grade) to make a copy for each student.
Share to Schoology
Use the Drive integration to add your template to an assignment & make a copy for each student.
Share to Social Media
Share your template out to other educators.
Share to Colleagues/Smaller Groups
Share with those closer to you, or even just smaller groups (including students). Changing the URL ending is great way to share!
Watch:
Sit back and watch students go to work! Allow, even encourage, students to help each other learn & work with the tools in Slides/Drawings. If they can teach each other, you might learn something, too!