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.

Changing the Page Size.webm

Change the Page Size

Customize to fit your project.

word art v. text boxes.webm

Inserting Text

Word Art or Text Box?

Change the Background.webm

Change the Background

Change the color & insert an image as the background.

Inserting an Image.webm

Inserting an Image

Images

cropping images.webm

Cropping

Eliminate extra & change the shape of your image.

Layering/Ordering.webm

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 on Google Classroom.webm

Share to Google Classroom

Create an assignment (even if it's not for a grade) to make a copy for each student.

Add Templates to Schoology.webm

Share to Schoology

Use the Drive integration to add your template to an assignment & make a copy for each student.

Sharing on Social Media.webm

Share to Social Media

Share your template out to other educators.

Share Template Directly.webm

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!