Create Engaging Presentations with the Spinner Tool in Google Slides

Create Engaging Presentations with the Spinner Tool in Google Slides

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. How to Make a Spinner in Google Slides
   • 2.1 Using Numbers or Letters
   • 2.2 Using Student Names or Prizes
3. Limitation of Google Slides Spinners
4. The Hack: Creating a Custom Spinner
   • 4.1 Using Wheelofnames.com
   • 4.2 Customizing the Spinner
5. Embedding the Spinner in Google Slides
   • 5.1 Obtaining the Share Link
   • 5.2 Adding the Spinner Image
   • 5.3 Linking the Spinner Image
6. Using the Spinner for Engagement
   • 6.1 Centers and Activities
   • 6.2 Enhancing Student Participation
7. Conclusion

How to Make a Spinner in Google Slides

Are you looking for an engaging way to spice up your presentations or activities in Google Slides? Look no further! In this article, we'll guide you through the process of creating a spinner in Google Slides. Whether you want to use numbers, letters, student names, or prizes, we've got you covered. We'll also address the limitations of Google Slides spinners and introduce a hack that will allow you to customize your spinner and make it more dynamic. So, let's dive in and make your presentations more interactive and exciting!

Introduction

Google Slides is a powerful tool for creating presentations, but did you know that you can also make interactive spinners within Google Slides? By default, the spinner in Google Slides may land on the same option every time you spin it, which can be limiting. However, with a little hack and some creativity, you can create a spinner that will surprise your audience every time.

How to Make a Spinner in Google Slides

2.1 Using Numbers or Letters One of the simplest ways to create a spinner in Google Slides is by using numbers or letters. This can be useful for activities such as selecting random students, picking a number for a math problem, or choosing a letter for vocabulary practice. To create a number or letter spinner, start by accessing the Lucky Little Tool Kit from Lucky Little Learners. Once you have the spinners available, click "Present" and spin the spinner to see it in action.

2.2 Using Student Names or Prizes Another option for creating a spinner in Google Slides is by using student names or prizes. This can be a fun way to randomly select a student for a classroom activity or choose a prize for a contest. To create a custom spinner using student names or prizes, you can use websites like Wheelofnames.com. Simply input the names or prizes you want to include, shuffle them, and customize the appearance of the spinner. Once you're satisfied with the settings, click "OK" and obtain the share link.

Limitation of Google Slides Spinners

While Google Slides spinners can add an element of randomness to your presentations or activities, they have a limitation. The default spinner in Google Slides lacks the ability to adjust where the spinner stops, resulting in the same selection every time it's spun. This can reduce the excitement and engagement among your audience. However, don't worry! We have a solution that will allow you to create a custom spinner that lands on different options every time.

The Hack: Creating a Custom Spinner

To overcome the limitation of Google Slides spinners, we'll introduce a hack that involves creating a custom spinner using external tools. One such tool is Wheelofnames.com, which provides numerous customization options and allows for a truly dynamic spinner experience.

4.1 Using Wheelofnames.com To create your own custom spinner, visit Wheelofnames.com and click "New" to start from scratch. You can then input the options you want to include, whether it be numbers, letters, student names, or prizes. Additionally, you can add images to each option to make the spinner more visually appealing.

4.2 Customizing the Spinner After inputting the options, you can customize the spinner further by shuffling the options, selecting different colors, and even adding a ticking sound or background music. Wheelofnames.com allows for extensive customization, ensuring that your spinner aligns with the theme or purpose of your presentation or activity.

Embedding the Spinner in Google Slides

Once you've created your custom spinner using Wheelofnames.com, you'll need to embed it in your Google Slides presentation to fully utilize its interactive capabilities.

5.1 Obtaining the Share Link To obtain the share link for your custom spinner, click "Continue" on Wheelofnames.com. Copy the link provided, as you'll need it to integrate the spinner into your Google Slides.

5.2 Adding the Spinner Image To add the spinner image to your Google Slides, save the spinner image from Wheelofnames.com to your computer. In your Google Slides presentation, navigate to the slide where you want the spinner to appear and drag the saved image onto the slide. Adjust the image size and position according to your preferences.

5.3 Linking the Spinner Image Once the spinner image is in place, select it and click on the "Link" button in the toolbar. Paste the share link obtained from Wheelofnames.com and click "Apply." Now, when students or audience members click on the spinner image during the presentation, it will open the custom spinner in a new window.

Using the Spinner for Engagement

Now that you have your custom spinner embedded in your Google Slides presentation, let's explore ways to leverage its interactive features and enhance engagement.

6.1 Centers and Activities The spinner can be a valuable tool for creating engaging activities in centers or classroom settings. Use it to select random students for participation, allocate tasks, or assign topics for small group discussions. The element of surprise and randomness will add excitement and encourage active participation among your students.

6.2 Enhancing Student Participation Beyond centers and activities, the spinner can be utilized to enhance student participation in various contexts. Whether you're conducting a quiz, polling students for opinions, or assigning tasks in a collaborative project, the spinner can inject an element of unpredictability and keep students engaged throughout the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating spinners in Google Slides provides a fun and interactive way to engage your audience and add an element of surprise to your presentations or activities. By using external tools like Wheelofnames.com, you can customize your spinner and ensure that each spin delivers a different outcome. So why stick to static presentations when you can spin your way to dynamic and engaging content? Give it a try and watch the excitement unfold!