10 Interactive Google Slides Extensions for Teachers

There is no denying it: Google Slides has become a must-have tool for any classroom today. With the demands of virtual learning, teachers need ways to keep their students engaged without burning themselves out on the computer. We’ve curated a list of 10 Google Chrome extensions for Google Slides that can help.

But Wait, Why Should I Use Google Slides?

Great question! Why must you use another program/app if you’re already using PowerPoint? The answer? You don’t have to, but it makes it much easier.

Google Slides is simple to use and saves automatically. You can create, edit, access, and share your slides from any device. Your presentation stays consistent, no matter what computer (or tablet/mobile device) you or your students use. Plus, your presentation can be a lot more interactive for your students.

Already have your presentation created in PowerPoint? No worries, you can open it in Google Slides and save it as a Google Slides presentation.

So, What’s With the Google SLide Extensions?

Google Slides extensions unlock new levels of interactive engagement and ease your workload. You want your students to remain engaged without overloading your already busy schedule. Extensions can help with both. There are great interactive tools to wow your students. There are also great time-saving tools that make your job a little easier.

Follow these steps to download the extensions you want:

1. Open a saved or new Google Slide.
2. On the menu bar, click “Add-Ons” and then click “Get Add-Ons.”
3. Click on the add-on/extension you want to see a full description. If you don’t see the extension you wish to, type the name in the search and hit Enter.
4. Install the add-on/extension of your choice by clicking “Install.”
5. A pop-up message will appear.
6. If you’re OK with it, click “Continue.”

Follow these steps to use the extensions you want:

1. Open a saved or new Google Slide.
2. On the menu bar, click “Add-Ons.”
3. Click on the extension you want to use.

The Ten Free Google Slides Extensions You’ll Want for Your Classroom

Without further ado, here are ten free Google Slides extensions for Google Slides that will make your virtual teaching more powerful:

Kami

Kami is a PDF and Document Annotation extension. Some PDFs may not be available in a digital format, and Kami is the perfect tool for these PDFs. Students can mark up the PDF using tools in Kami and return it to you with all of the annotations.

PearDeck

PearDeck is a great interactive tool to keep your students engaged. It allows you to add questions to your slide deck that students will be able to answer in real time.

When you share your presentation, you’ll share from PearDeck and direct your students to the website with your session number. They’ll be able to answer the questions as they pop up during your presentation, and you’ll receive their answers in real time!

Slides Toolbox

Slides Toolbox is a time-saving dream. It cuts down on the time you spend creating slides by saving a lot of repetitive actions into a single-click option..

Mote Voice Notes & Feedback

Mote allows you to add voice comments and feedback to shared documents easily. It works in Google Slides, Docs, and Classroom. This will allow you to leave audio messages in the students’ documents.

LucidChart Diagrams

LucidChart is a great way to add interactive/collaborative charts, diagrams, or any visuals to your slide. Students can create their mind maps, Venn diagrams, or other creations and collaborate. The possibilities are endless.

BitMoji

It’s a fun way to add a personal touch to your classroom. You can liven up your slides with your personal avatar. With the extension, you can quickly add BitMoji’s to student work as well!

Slides Randomizer

Do you use your Google Slides for flashcards? This is the perfect way to change things up for your students.

Nearpod

Nearpod is an award-winning tool teachers can use to engage their students in many interactive lessons. Everything from virtual reality to 3D objects and much, much more.

Voice in Voice Typing

This Google extension allows students to dictate any text area on any website. Students can also use it to “type” into their documents. It’s great for any student who struggles with technology.

Fullscreen Interactive Google Slides

The Fullscreen Interactive Google Slides extension presents slides full screen and allows teachers to edit them simultaneously. Essentially, you are looking at edit mode while in the present mode. It’s works well for doing whole group activities with an interactive Google Slides resource.

Are You Ready to Take Remote Classroom to the Next Level?

These ten free Google Slides extensions are only the beginning. View the Google Chrome Market, and you’ll find endless possibilities. Any of these extensions can make your next class a big hit with your students. 

Have you found great Google Slides add-ons/extensions not listed here? We’d love to hear about them.