Google Docs is a great way for several people to be able to write, edit, read and discuss quickly allowing everyone to see all information at the same time. There are a few concerns that I have as well. There doesn't seem to be a way to see who made changes and when they were made. I would also like to be notified as a contributor as to if changes were made or if the document was viewed. Google has so many apps and options that navigating through them all can be tricky. This would certainly be the case for students with disabilities. Once I learned how and where to quickly find where the Google Docs were located, it was much easier to locate again.
As far as using this technology for students, I feel it would be best to use with middle school students or older. I'm not sure that they would be able to write one specific essay in a collaborative manner because it would be confusing for them to organize their thoughts into paragraphs. Google Docs could be a way for students from different classes to post reflections on an idea, which would be similar to using a Blog. I feel that teacher/student collaboration can be the best way to use Google Doc. Students could write their assignment and the teacher could go on and make notes in a different color for them to make changes. Students with learning needs may do well with this. The teacher could have the documents open of several students and be able to make notes as they work.
Overall I have mixed opinions of the effectiveness of using Google Docs. I would need to try out a few different ways to use with students and find the most successful.
I really liked your idea of using google docs as a teacher/student tool. I know that physical disabilities can sometimes make it difficult for students to get to school. This would be a great tool for students to use to get assignments in and then get teacher feedback.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a good point about the age range for this tool. However, I also know that word processing (e..g, Using Microsoft Office) is used at very early ages/grades (even before middle school). Google Docs is essentially no different than a Microsoft office tool, such as a "MS Word". Therefore, I can see that using it either at home or even in the classroom could work (I do think certain rules and pre-teaching would have to take place).
ReplyDeleteRemember, even though it might be a new tool to us as "digital immigrants", our students might already be using similar tools before they ever get to us!
Nice insight.