Tech Like a PIRATE. Matt Miller

to recreate an app’s experience (or do anything in the classroom). Whenever possible, use tech that students already know. You won’t have to teach them a new tool and work through the learning curve. If they already know the app, program, or platform, you can get right to the business of learning.

      To simulate the experience of Instagram Stories, I first created a template on Google Slides. Students can open the template, and add images and videos. When they’re done, they can use presentation mode for the slides to create the Instagram Stories experience.

       Want to try it?

      Download the templates for your students and view step-by-step instructions at DitchThatTextbook.com/instagramstories. By the way, PowerPoint can recreate the same experience, and it’s a great option if your students have greater access to Microsoft products.

      The process is pretty simple. You can replicate it in your own classroom or while working with adults in professional development. Just follow these steps:

      1 Choose a digital tool that fits your planned activity well. In this case, I chose Google Slides because I wanted students to add images and video, move items around, and have multiple pages (slides).

      2 Design a template, simulating the app as closely as possible. In this case, I used shapes and text from Google Slides and free icons from the Noun Project (thenounproject.com). I examined each individual part of the Instagram Stories screen on the app and looked for a way to recreate it.

      3 Test the process yourself to make sure students will be able use it as planned.

      4 Assign the template to students. I attached the slides to a Google Classroom assignment and chose “Make a copy for each student” on the attachment. Many learning management systems (Canvas, Schoology, and others) have similar options when working with slide presentations.

      5 Let students create! Have them plan out their Instagram Stories and then start adding images and videos. When they’re finished, they can turn them in, but don’t let the fun end there!

      6 Encourage students share their work. They can show one another their stories on their own devices, share links with classmates, or even present in front of the class using a display or projector.

      What would this look like in class? How could students demonstrate their skills and proficiency with Instagram Stories? Allow your mind to roam! Here are a few ideas:

       Exploring characters from a story you’ve read. How would they react to the story’s events in an Instagram Story?

       Exploring historical figures. How would those figures show what happened in an Instagram Story?

       Replaying a science lab. How could students show various parts of the lab?

       Demonstrating a skill. How could students teach others with photos and video?

       Charting “a day in the life.” How could students share what happens in their daily lives?

       Warming up for the first day/week back to school. How could students get to know one another better?

       Practicing a foreign language. How could students get repetitions in the spoken/written language?

      Many students who use Instagram regularly may already think in Instagram Stories. They see their lives through that lens. They’ll do or see something worth sharing—or anticipate that what’s about to happen—and they’ll think, Photo or video? Selfie or not?