Digital interactive notebooks are a great way for students to keep all class content in one spot using Google Slides. This makes reviewing content for tests extremely easy for kids when it is kept all in one spot. Google Slides allows the storage of videos, articles, slides, websites and so much more to be kept and contained in one area. Students can write the reflection for a video, right next to the video itself, all in one slide. Digital interactive notebooks also gives students the soft skills of becoming proficient in Google products and appropriate academic use of technology. I have found that teachers use it in different ways, some use one for a whole semester while others use it for a unit.
What the Experts Say
Edutopia.org wrote a great article titled "5 Tips For Using Interactive Notebooks in High School" that can also assist teachers just starting out. The article is speaking about traditional interactive notebooks, however, it is very relatable to digital as well. In short the five tips are:
1) Give students choice as often as possible.
2) Keep in mind different learning styles when planning activities.
3) Make questions and activities rigorous and useful.
4) Have a few systems in place to keep on top of it all.
5) Always have the long game in mind
Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller, just posted on this topic and his blog post is great! Here is the link to read what he has to say.
Ditch That Textbook: Interactive Notebooks
Examples, Free Resources & Templates
Kathy Hoover from Kofa High School uses a student tracker as her interactive notebook. Students attached their notes and assignments to specific objectives in the unit. This allows students to take ownership in their learning as well as being able to keep track of their assignments and study materials when it comes to the end of the unit test.
Teacher Version Unit Tracker
Student Version Unit Tracker
Below are example images of two ways to use a digital interactive notebook for vocabulary and video note taking. If you click on the links below you will find TONS of templates already created ready to go.
Example One: Vocabulary
Example Two: Video Note Taking
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| The "Home" button allows students quick access back to the table of contents |
Free Resources & Templates
Digital Interactive Notebook Example 1
Digital Interactive Notebook Example 2
Digital Interactive Notebook Training
Unit Digital Interactive Notebook Example 1
Unit Digital Interactive Notebook Example 2
Please feel free to email me at mellegood@yumaunion.org with any questions about digital interactive notebooks!
