Technology offers ever-new ways to share information. Kelly remembers the first time she made a PowerPoint presentation, as an undergraduate student -- in 2004, the professor was impressed at the format itself. Now digital slideshows are incredibly common, created through PowerPoint, Google Slides, LibreOffice Impress, and other software.

After our previous exploration of format, we hope you feel more equipped to help students think through choosing the right tool to use to create it. Some people enjoy trying every new tech tool that emerges, while others would rather stick to what they already know. From our perspective, it is generally less important which tool you use and more important that you provide the time and support that students need to learn how to use the tool. There are many opportunities to highlight transferable skills: if students have used PowerPoint, they will have a solid base for using other presentation tools, even if the navigation menu looks different.

Line drawing of a teacher holding a book in front of a chalkboard Some general tips:

Create choice where possible. There may be real constraints on the tools available to use -- for example, Chromebook districts are likely tied to Google suite tools. You may consider whether there are benefits to allowing students choice about the format they use, or other aspects of their assignment.
If you're asking students to use a specific tool that is new to them, build in time to help them to learn to use it. Stressing out about the tech can be a distraction from what matters most: the content and the output.
Point out the affordances of tools that you use. Google Docs was a gamechanger in enabling real-time collaborative writing. However, sometimes we use tools because we already have a subscription or because they're free, even if another tool might be more ideal -- if you have ever been required to use a tool at work because the organization already had a license, you know what we mean.
Help students make connections. Many of them will be expected to use word processing or other tools in college or the work place. Collaborative tools used in class assignments may also help them coordinate clubs or other recreational activities. While Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel have their own particularities, learning to use spreadsheets can be useful for personal finances, quantitative data manipulation, and keeping track of who attended an event.
Reiterate the information task. With snazzy new tools, it can sometimes be easy to get carried away with flashy aspects at the cost of the task at hand. While we have probably all fussed over getting the typeface just right on something, support students in keeping their eye on the intended outcome of communicating what they have researched and learned.

The following links include tools you might consider using for various types of activities. We have selected a handful of free tools that have been awarded as Best Digital Tools for Teaching and Learning by the American Association of School Librarians in recent years. As you review them, consider how you might incorporate these tools into your class, and what you would want your students to understand about them.

Adobe Express can be used to create presentations, videos, and other content. It also includes generative AI features, such as image creation.
Book Creator can be used to create books, journals, and other content.
SlidesMania offers free templates for PowerPoint and Google Slides presentations.
EarSketch can be used to learn coding and create music.

You might try picking a few of the above tools to explore together with other teachers -- while students may enjoy learning new tools each year or in each class, there are benefits to choosing some tools for continuity and deeper mastery over time.