Homeschooling with Google Slides

Episode 7: Homeschooling with Google Slides

Google Slides offers all benefits of Google Drive apps like easy collaboration and access anywhere you have wifi. Listen to episode 2 on Google Drive for more info on all the Google Drive apps.

Some features of Google Slides

Google Drive does have fewer features than many of the slideshow programs available, but it should be able to do everything you and your children need it to do. Here are some features I often use:

Import from other slideshow programs like Powerpoint and Keynote
Download in powerpoint format or as a pdf
Create animations
Insert videos
Instert shapes and lines
Create transitions from one slide to the next

Start teaching your children to use it in a simple way when they are in elementary school.

It is easy to figure out how to use Google Slides, but if you would rather your children learn it as part of a course, FundaFunda Academy (the sponsors of this podcast) offers 2 classes that include a module on Google Slides.

They have a 4 module unit study web-based unit study on all the Google drive apps as well as a full year (1 credit) Computer Applications class, both which include a module on Google Slides.

When your children are ready to go further with Google Slides, here are some more ideas.

1. Turn the slides into a video

To do this add the voiceover extension and when you are done choose to “publish on the web”. Now you will have a video to share with others

2. Create graphic-heavy documents

Google Slides is ideal to make simple flyers and posters. First, change the document size (Go to “File” – “Page Setup” – “Custom” and then enter 8.5 X 11 or whatever size you need). When you are done, download the slide as a png, jpg, or vector file.

3. Produce Timelines

Select “Insert diagram” and then “Timeline”

4. Create comic strips

Make a table with the number of rows and columns you want. Then use callout shapes to make your comic strip.

5. Make Infographics

Find icons from places like the Noun Project

6. Write “Choose your own adventure stories”

You can do this really easily by creating links that go from one slide to another. And of course, it is easy to add graphics and videos so all students will enjoy a creative writing project like this. You can also use it instead of a more typical written project in any subject.