Innovative EdTech: Creating Engaging Choice Boards with Canva and Google Slides

In Episode 17 of Innovative EdTech, Future-Ready Teaching Specialist Tristan Heron takes educators on a practical deep dive into the power of choice boards. This episode focuses on how teachers can give students ownership of their learning through structured choice, while also saving time by leveraging tools many already use — Canva and Google Slides.

Tristan begins by explaining what a choice board is: a visual menu of learning tasks designed to provide students with autonomy, flexibility, and voice in how they engage with content. He outlines six compelling reasons why choice boards are effective in the classroom, including:

• Encouraging student agency – students have a say in how they learn and demonstrate understanding.

• Supporting differentiation – catering to a range of abilities, interests, and learning styles.

• Boosting engagement – choice motivates students to stay involved and invested.

• Fostering creativity and critical thinking – promoting deeper learning and problem-solving.

• Easy adaptability – suitable for any subject, year group, or context.

• Blended and remote learning – highly effective for asynchronous or independent learning tasks.

The episode moves into a hands-on demonstration, where Tristan creates choice boards live using Canva and Google Slides. He showcases how AI tools like ChatGPT can rapidly generate activity ideas, making the process efficient and approachable for even the busiest teachers. Two sample choice boards are built: one for a Year 5/6 unit on Australian animals, landscapes, and culture, and another for a Year 9 Geography class, tailored for high-potential and gifted learners.

Tristan also shares examples of how choice boards can be applied across contexts, from reading response boards to fast finisher menus, maths challenges, and revision activities. His key message is clear: choice boards don’t need to be complicated — even a simple design can transform classroom engagement.

Educators leave the session not just with practical strategies, but also with the confidence that technology can simplify rather than complicate their practice.

To view this episode of Innovative EdTech, click on the video below:

If you’re ready to take your use of educational technology to the next level, now is the time to join The Tech-Ready Teacher Academy. Gain access to practical resources, training, and a supportive community designed to help you confidently use technology in your classroom.

👉 Subscribe today at www.evolveedtech.com/academy