Feedback on the go with Mote for iOS

With students and educators heading back into session, Mote for iOS is ready to create a new approach to teacher feedback. Providing quality feedback on student work is one of the most impactful practices that educators can adopt for the new school year. However, two common barriers to implementing this practice are time and convenience. With the recent release of Mote on iOS, educators can now create audio comments across all Google Workspace for Education apps directly from an iOS device!  This new environment for creating audio feedback and comments creates a whole new pathway for educators to review student work and guide them towards the learning target with personalized, accessible feedback. 

Whether educators are in person, remote or hybrid, there is a meaningful use case for the Mote iOS app across all three settings. In an in person setting, mobile audio comments can be created and added to student work quickly and easily during a prep period, student specials, or while on a duty. In a remote setting, the mobile device allows educators to keep their primary laptop centered on instructional content and video conferencing, while the mobile device acts as an audio feedback creation tool. 

There are a number of varied approaches educators can use to provide audio feedback on student work. Depending on the digital environment for student work, one of the scenarios below should be a helpful addition to your feedback process. 

Note: Upon installing the Mote iOS app, enable the Mote keyboard in the device settings. The app walks through this process when it is opened for the first time. 

Scenario 1: Google Classroom

From the Mote iOS app, educators can leave comments in Google Classroom as private comments on student assignments. Mote for iOS and Google Classroom is a great way for educators to leave timely, meaningful and in depth audio comments on student work directly in Google Classroom. To leave a private audio comment on student work, follow the process below!

1. Open Google Classroom
2. On the Classwork page, tap on an assignment
3. Tap on a student name 
4. Tap in the Add private comment field
5. Tap on the Globe icon (bottom left corner of the keyboard) to record with Mote
6. Record audio
7. Return to Google Classroom (tap top left corner as indicated in the app)
8. Send the audio comment! 

Scenario 2: Google Docs & Slides in Comments

When leaving targeted, specific and contextual feedback on student work, audio in the comment section of student work in a Google Doc or Slides is ideal. Using the Mote iOS app, educators can create a new comment in either Google file and add audio directly in that new comment. Follow the process below to leave an audio in a Google Doc comment.

1. Open the Google Doc or Slides
2. Tap and select text & add a comment
3. Tap in the comment and then select the globe icon (bottom left corner of the keyboard) to record with Mote
4. Record audio
5. Return to the Doc or Slides (tap in top left corner as indicated in the app)
6. Send the audio comment!

Scenario 3: Google Docs & Slides in the Body

It may be helpful to leave an audio comment directly in the body of student work or to even modify an existing assignment template with audio from a mobile device. Educators can quickly add clarification on directions to an existing Google Doc, directly from their mobile device. Follow the steps below to get started!

1. Open the Google Doc or Slides
2. Tap in the Doc or Slide where the comment will be added in the body of the Doc or Slide
3. Tap in the comment and then select the globe icon (bottom left corner of the keyboard) to record with Mote
4. Record audio
5. Return to the Doc or Slides (tap in top left corner as indicated in the app)
6. Repeat as needed

The Mote team is really excited about the new iOS app and the potential for Mote users and educators to begin creating and sharing audio on the go from an iOS device.