In this article, we'll cover how to use the interactive tools (canvas, draw, and write) in the classroom.
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Using the classroom tools makes your lessons interactive and enjoyable for both teacher and student. The student is an active participant using the additional features to participate in the lesson.
Search for and launch the lesson in the lesson library to view the interactive tools
- Canvas: unlimited whiteboard
- Text box: write extra information on the slides
- Pen: draw on the slides
- Magnifier: draw attention to a particular area on the slide
- Full screen mode: when teaching via screen sharing
Click 'Canvas' in the top left to launch the canvas
This launches the canvas for both teacher and student
- Pen tool: draw on the canvas
- Add text: additional resources and notes
- Add image: take a screenshot of extra practice exercises for your student
- Add YouTube video: add video content to help explain a grammar point
- Pan the canvas: the canvas is unlimited; as you move it, it moves for your student too
- Undo/redo: for quick corrections
- Private: check this box if you don't want your student to have access to the canvas outside of the classroom
Click A for text box
- Move and resize the text box as needed
- Change the font and color of the text to add more variety to your lessons
- Changes you make are immediately seen on the student's screen too
- Students can type answers while listening to the audio
Click the pen
- Activates the pen for both student and teacher
- Change the color and size of the script
- Changes are immediately visible on teacher and student screen
Note: In a class with multiple students, doing these exercises verbally is highly effective and encourages active participation. Since it's not possible to see who is typing on the screen, verbal exercises help ensure everyone is engaged and easily identifiable.
Click the magnifier
- Drag the mouse to draw attention to a specific part of the slide
- Click the magnifier again to return to normal size
Gap-fills and Audios
- Click the play button at the top of the screen to play the audio
- The teacher controls the audio to play, reverse, or pause, using the audio controls
- Click inside the gap and type
- Both teacher and student can type in the gaps
Note: If both teacher and student are using headphones the audio will work without an echo.
Context Menu
Right-click on any word to open another level of interaction
- Audio: hear the pronunciation of words or sentences
- Google Translate: translates the word into any language that google translates to
- Image Search: opens a new tab and the student receives a link, in the chat, to the image results
- Dictionary: shows the dictionary definition of the word which will automatically appear on the student's screen as a pop-up window
Disable/Enable Editing: Click Disable Editing to prevent students from changing the Google Translate language, or Enable Editing to allow students to choose their own language for translating.