5 Ideas for Using Google Slides as a Portfolio

I work with many talented teachers, who use technology in creative and innovative ways. With the increased emphasis on Project-Based Learning (PBL) and standards mastery, it is important to help students find creative ways to showcase what they have learned. A portfolio may be a viable option for students to show progress and growth throughout the year. Many teachers turn to website programs (i.e., Google Sites, Weebly, Wix, etc.), Apps like SeeSaw, and web tools like LiveBinders.

Although they are good tools, it can be tricky to navigate privacy agreements and the skillsets of students under the age of 13. One of our teachers has created a portfolio using Google Slides! How might this work in your classroom? Here are some ideas:

1. Create a Google Slide Template for All of Your Students

Create a Google Slide Show template for students, including spaces for their name, goals, likes, dislikes, pieces of work, standards they have mastered, etc. Make it colorful and customizable, but also provide a basic structure too!


2. Show What They Know in Different Ways

The beauty of G Suite is that it provides students with different vehicles for showcasing knowledge. Here are just a few ideas:

• Students can record a video from their device, upload it to Google Drive, and embed it into Google Slides

• Students can take a picture of an image, import it into Google Drawings, and add labels. 

• Share a writing piece from Google Docs with a link

• Showcase the different steps of an experiment by uploading images to your presentation

• Record yourself reading text, upload it to Google Drive, and share the link. Add another recording several weeks or months later to show growth. 

3. Make a Copy of Your Template for Each Student

Placing your Google Slides template on Google Classroom is a good way to manage workflow and create a copy for each student.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to use Classroom. If you would like to force students to make a copy of any Google Doc, Slide, Sheet, etc., just use this simple trick. 

4. Have Students Present Their Portfolios

Have students present their portfolios several times throughout the year, as a way to review content, showcase knowledge, and demonstrate growth. Whether it is sharing with a partner, small group, or in a teacher conference, students need opportunities to share what they have learned.

5. Use it as a Study Guide

The teacher that I had mentioned earlier uses this as a tool to get ready for state testing. It is a great way for students to reflect on what they have learned, see how things fit together and have the confidence that they have mastered a particular concept.


Conclusion:

Do you have any other creative ways of using Google Slides? I'd love to hear them. Please leave a comment below.