As a teacher, I create videos to show the process of solving math problems all the time. Rather than referencing an image of completed notes, my students watch me model the process or play a video to experience the problem solving start to finish.

Students Create Line Draw Animated Notes

What if our students did the same? What if they captured their notes in Keynote and used Line Draw to animate the process? Their static notes would still exist on each slide, but this would enable the students to see how the problem was solved anytime they would refer back to their notes. They could see what came first, what happened next, and follow the process like a story. This would emphasize the process of problem solving.

How to Create Animated Notes

Students could begin with a new Keynote file or work from a template provided to them by their teacher. Using their Apple Pencil, the students could add, edit, and resize their notes while they highlight portions with color and annotations. After they finish making notes on the slide, they could select the drawing and animate it with Line Draw. After adjusting the duration and animation order, they could export their notes all at once or one slide at a time as a Movie and save them in an album in Photos. 

Keynote notes in Light Table view

Challenge: Notes are Often One-and Done

Very often, students take notes in math class and never refer to them after that day. If they used Line Draw to animate their notes and their teacher provided an opportunity to use them strategically, I wonder if the students would build this executive functioning skill of referencing materials to support their math practice.

Straight Lines with Keynotes on iPad

Wondering how I was able to sketch straight lines with Keynote on iPad? I use an actual ruler, on top of my iPad as a straight edge with my Apple Pencil.

iPad with ruler and Apple Pencil

Read more about how to add and edit drawings in Keynote on iPad.

The process of solving problems in math class can be tough to capture in a static image. What ideas do you have to innovate the note taking process in math class? Share in the comments below.