GAIN - Google Slides

In the same way that Google Documents mirrors Microsoft Word, Google Slides seeks to provide an alternate version of Microsoft's PowerPoint software.  While I am definitely more familiar with the latter, I learned some intriguing new things about Slides through some experimentation.  Here are a few of them:

1. The Search Function

This feature is also included in Documents, but I think it is worth mentioning here, too.  Slides offers a tool that users can utilize to search the entire internet (in a similar vein to Google's search engine) to find quotes, videos, pictures, and more.  So if you're creating a presentation about zoo animals, simply type "zoo animals" into the search bar, and voila... you have hundreds of pictures of pandas, monkeys, and bears to choose from.

This is a much, much better alternative to PowerPoint's offering of ClipArt.  ClipArt's limited selection of images pales in comparison to Slides' search function.  It's a powerful tool that we can use to spice up our presentations.

2. It is Free and Collaborative

Yeah, we know this already.  But seriously, how great is that fact?  You can get a piece of software that is a slightly better version of PowerPoint, but for absolutely nothing.  Anyone can use it.  And, on that note, you can share your presentations with anyone.  So if you have a group project you've assigned to your students, they can all easily make changes to the presentation at their own home computers, without the need to meet up together in person. 

3. It is an Online-Only Resource

One of the few drawbacks to Slides is that you cannot access it without the internet.  So if you're in a jam, and have no wifi hotspot to use, you'll be in trouble if you need to edit your slide at the last second. 

4. It is Easy to Use and Accessible

Slides is user-friendly, and offers a very comprehensive interface that anyone can use.  For those familiar with other presentation creation software like PowerPoint, you will find the interface even more familiar, yet with a couple of extra, powerful tools like the search function with which to work.