Create Interactive Google Slides

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Making Movable Pieces with Text
   • Using Shapes Instead of Text Boxes
   • Labeling and Moving Pieces
   • Assisting Students with Typing
   • Screenshotting and Adding Images
   • Providing Extra Cues
   • Picture-Based Accommodations
3. Grouping Images for Easy Movement
4. Incorporating Transparency for Extra Cue Images
5. Steps for Dragging and Dropping Text and Images
   • Using Text
   • Adding Pictures
   • Screenshotting and Incorporating Images
   • Making Images Backgrounds
6. Conclusion

Making Movable Pieces with Text

In this article, we will explore a quick and easy way to Create movable pieces with text. Whether You are using a Mac or a Windows computer, there are various options available to achieve this. By utilizing shapes instead of text boxes, adding labels, and enabling students to Type directly into these shapes, you can create an engaging learning experience. Let's Delve into the process and discover the possibilities.

Using Shapes Instead of Text Boxes

Instead of using conventional text boxes, incorporating shapes can bring an element of creativity to your movable pieces. By using shapes like circles or squares, students can type directly into them and easily move them around. This provides a more visually appealing experience compared to plain text boxes. Additionally, you have the flexibility to change the background color, borders, and width of these shapes, making them even more customizable.

Labeling and Moving Pieces

One effective way to use movable pieces is by incorporating labels. You can create a Shape for labeling purposes, such as a circle or a square, and then allow students to move and type directly inside these shapes. By pre-setting the font, size, and position, you can guide students while still giving them the freedom to explore and learn. This interactive approach encourages active participation and helps students retain information.

Assisting Students with Typing

Some students may require additional assistance with typing or have difficulty using touch screens. In such cases, you can create separate movable pieces that are only meant to be moved around without being edited. By duplicating the background and adding a movable shape, you provide students with the opportunity to practice dragging and dropping while minimizing the risk of accidental edits. This approach caters to students' individual needs, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.

Screenshotting and Adding Images

To enhance the learning experience, you can incorporate images into your movable pieces. By capturing screenshots of Relevant images or using the snipping tool on Windows devices, you can add visual elements that students can Interact with. For Mac users, the shortcut "Command + Shift + 4" allows you to capture specific parts of the screen. Simply drag the captured image onto your slide to include it as a movable piece. This method enables students to engage with both text and images, making the content more engaging and Memorable.

Providing Extra Cues

For students who require additional cues or Prompts, you can utilize the same concept of shapes and images. By changing the font color to a lighter gray or making the image transparent, you create an extra cue that guides students while still allowing them to actively participate. This approach is particularly beneficial for students with reading difficulties or more significant disabilities, as it provides visual support and reinforcement.

Picture-Based Accommodations

Alternatively, you can cater to students who are unable to Read or have difficulty with text-based tasks by incorporating picture-based accommodations. Instead of using text, simply add relevant pictures as movable pieces. This allows students to grasp the same concepts but with the aid of visual cues. By screenshotting or uploading pictures and resizing them to fit your needs, you can create an inclusive learning experience that accommodates diverse learners.

Grouping Images for Easy Movement

To streamline the movement of multiple pieces together, you can group images. By selecting multiple images and using the "group" function, you can create a single image that can be moved as a whole. This simplifies the process for students, ensuring they can easily manipulate the pieces without accidentally accessing individual images. Grouping is especially useful when you have multiple movable pieces that need to be moved collectively.

Incorporating Transparency for Extra Cue Images

In addition to grouping images, you can make extra cue images stand out by making them transparent. By adjusting the transparency settings of an image, you can create a subtle visual cue that distinguishes it from other elements on the slide. This helps students identify and focus on the specific cues you provide. Simply click on the image, access the format options, and adjust the transparency until you achieve the desired effect.

Steps for Dragging and Dropping Text and Images

To summarize the process of creating movable pieces with text and images, let's break it down into simple steps.

Using Text

1. Replace text boxes with shapes for a visually appealing experience.
2. Customize the shapes by changing the background color, borders, and width to create a personalized look.
3. Add labels by creating shapes and allowing students to move and type within them.
4. Pre-set the font, size, and position to guide students while maintaining their independence.
5. Cater to students who need assistance with typing by creating separate movable pieces that cannot be edited.
6. Utilize the screenshot function (Windows: snipping tool / Mac: "Command + Shift + 4") to capture images or specific parts of the screen.
7. Add the captured images as movable pieces by dragging them onto the slide.

Adding Pictures

1. Accommodate students who struggle with text-based tasks by using picture-based accommodations.
2. Capture or upload relevant pictures and resize them to fit your needs.
3. Incorporate these pictures as movable pieces within the slide.

Screenshotting and Incorporating Images

1. Enhance the learning experience by combining text and images.
2. Capture relevant images using the screenshot function or snipping tool.
3. Add the captured images to the slide by dragging them onto the workspace.
4. Resize and position the images as desired.

Making Images Backgrounds

1. Provide extra cues by creating images with transparency.
2. Adjust the transparency settings of an image to highlight important cues while still allowing interaction.
3. Click on the image, access the format options, and adjust the transparency as needed.
4. Copy the transparent image and add it as the background for a specific movable piece.

By following these steps, you can create engaging and interactive learning materials that cater to different learning styles and abilities.

Conclusion

Creating movable pieces with text and images offers a dynamic and immersive learning experience for students. By utilizing shapes, labels, and image-based accommodations, you can enhance engagement and facilitate active learning. Remember to group images for easy movement and incorporate transparency for extra cue images. Whether you are teaching a complex concept or providing extra support, this approach enables you to tailor your materials to meet the diverse needs of your students. Embrace the possibilities and embrace the power of movable pieces!