I have used google docs with my students. Mostly students just post what they have done at home so they can print it at school. I have started requiring students to type work they turn. No matter how many times I tell them how to format the documents most don’t do it correctly. I believe google docs might help right the problem. (or maybe I need to be a little less OCD!) Or students can turn papers and lab reports in this way. I hate having to lug around papers to grade; my lab top is so much easier!
As a grade level we are getting ready for our big field trip. I plan to use the google form to gather information from the students on my bus. I am thrilled that it will be going in to a spreadsheet. I love being able to sort and manipulate information.
Partner work is something I tend to avoid unless everything can be done in class. However, if students could build a presentation on google docs it might be possible. All of my students have gmail accounts, so I think it would be very easy for them to collaborate in this manner. It will also help with “its on my partners flash drive and they aren’t here today” issues that tends to always be a problem with partner work on the computer.
I'm with you - Google docs is a staple tool in my classroom. Just yesterday my students divided up the major monuments in Paris and collaborated to answer questions about each one using Google Docs. I like the flexibility to invite those who don't have email addresses or gmail accounts - it is totally up to the creator of the doc. I think field trip planning is a great idea (I might borrow that idea for our Paris trip!).
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