If you're anything like me, you might have resisted your students' pleas to use Google Docs for their writing assignments instead of Microsoft Word for way too long. When I was a high school student, we learned how to format our essays using Microsoft Word and only Microsoft Word--no exceptions! I held onto that mindset for a long time, even though my students continually tried to persuade me that Google Docs is far more useful for a number of reasons! Well, I've finally made the switch, and I have to say (although I hate to admit it!), they were right!
On one hand, there are many similarities between the two: the formatting options are fairly user friendly and easy to find on both, and the user is able to change font sizes, styles, and colors; adjust spacing; insert charts; insert images; and perform other simple tasks in both. However, there are a few reasons I prefer Google Docs for classroom use!
1. Students can share their document with other students for peer editing. Gone are the days of "I forgot to print my paper at home" or the printer running out of ink, running out of paper, jamming, or simply not working. All it takes is for a student to share the document with their peer editing partner, and then the other student is able to open the document on his or her device, make edits, and add comments! I love the comments feature because students are able to provide real-time feedback as the writer reviews the comments and edits or revises as needed.
2. Students can share their documents with the teacher. This is beneficial for all students, but even more so for struggling writers. When the student shares his or her document with the teacher, the teacher is able to provide feedback during the writing process and drafting, not just on a given due date for a completed rough draft or final draft. This way, teachers can spot areas where re-teaching or assistance is needed and differentiate writing instruction as needed. The comment feature also comes "in handy" here!
3. Students can collaborate on documents. I have had students co-write stories and add to it synchronously. This would also be a great way for students to contribute to a research essay or project, or to contribute to a document answering a question provided by the teacher.
4. Students can access their documents on any device at any time. Although most teens have access to some form of technology, this is often times in the form of Smart Phones or tablets, rather than an actual computer. The Google Suite of tools is extremely simple to use on a Smart Phone when the free app is downloaded, and as long as the student is logged into his or her account, all progress on documents will automatically save!
Have you found that using Google Docs in the classroom is beneficial? What perks have you seen, or how have you used it?
Hi Morgan!
ReplyDeleteYou make some great points about google docs and I couldn't agree more! Part of why I love when our teachers use Google docs for their students is because of the "edit history" feature, where you can see what was edited and when. That way, if students turn in a first draft, you can give them a few techniques to add into their writing and then you can monitor their edits. It's great!
Annaleah