Interactive Google Slide Decks

There are many interactive online learning tools available these days, such as SCORM packages and EdPuzzle. Each have their pros and cons.  But did you know that you can use Google Slides to create an interactive experience, similar to the navigation in a SCORM package?

I’ve been trying out these capabilities with Google Slide decks that are set to presentation/view mode for the learner.  Perhaps it’s best if I first show you what an interactive Google slide deck looks like.  Here is one I created to guide designers at Denver Public Schools (DPS) in choosing the best online platform to deliver professional learning. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10bLyNXbMy2Z4Q8mItZYx8JByfpvEcq1ptZN5kUcCl2c/present

What you should notice right away are the navigational buttons that appear on each slide to take the viewer home or to their previous selection/step.  Each of these buttons are actually text boxes that have links assigned to them.  Intentionally, most slides are also in a question format with multiple choices for thoughtful interaction.  If you look at the url, you’ll also see that this deck is shared in “present” mode.  This gives the viewer an immersive experience without seeing the slide numbers or notes.  I chose this mode instead of “publish” because it allows me to tweak the deck at any time if changes are needed, without affecting the link that was shared to viewers.  Since we use Schoology as our LMS the slide deck link also embeds directly on a course or group page, giving a seamless experience.

If you are going to try this out on your own (which I highly recommend), here are some tips I can share with you:

1. Your first step in creating an interactive slide deck is to map out everything in a flowchart format.  This will allow you to plan for where each slide links to another.
2. Include a “Home” button on each slide so that a viewer can return to the beginning at any time to start over.  
3. Include “back” or “previous step” buttons so that viewers can rewind to the previous slide/step.
4. Consider embedding videos or other media for a multi-sensory experience. You could also add audio narration to your slides by inserting audio files.
5. Although the deck can’t report out like a SCORM package or EdPuzzle, you can include a link to a Google form to collect data and feedback.  And if you embed a video from Youtube that you own, you can get viewing/tracking data.
6. Always include the name of the owner/designer of your slide deck so viewers/learners can follow up with questions and/or comments.

Let me know what you think and if you have any questions.