Breaking the Ice with Google Slides

ProfessorBeyrer · ‎03-25-2018

Sonia Parada from Pasadena City College shared an awesome icebreaker she uses in a face-to-face class and wondered if it could be done online. In person, each student draws an image or series of images that correspond to the syllables in their name. The class then does a gallery walk where everyone tries to guess the names represented, ending with a reveal. Genius!

This is not possible using the Canvas tools since there is not an option to do anonymous discussion replies. I did some testing and using a Google Presentation might work for this activity. Here are the steps:

Create a Google Presentation and share it so anyone with the link can edit it
Share the link along with the activity instructions to students (including admonishing them not to edit their classmates' slides)
At the end of the activity encourage each student adds their name to their slide

The embedded video shows the results of my testing:

laurakgibbs · ‎03-25-2018

Oh, this is so cool! I love this syllable idea.

I am: LAW-RA ha ha. 🙂

image of LAW image of RA

I think I am going to have to do this for my classes!!!!!

ProfessorBeyrer · ‎03-25-2018

GREG seemed like something tough so I think I'll try my full name.

I am: GRE-GO-RY

laurakgibbs · ‎03-25-2018

Ha ha, that is great! Pixabay did its no-hotlinking thing, but I am guessing you had something related to the GRE test, something like that?

I will definitely report back next semester when I try this in my classes. 🙂

ProfessorBeyrer · ‎03-26-2018

Yes, I did a search for "GRE" On Pixabay and right-clicked on the image to select its link. I took the GRE but have never played go and know less than I wish I did about Korean history. I'm nurturing a seed on doing this for an ice breaker in professional development.