Google Docs
Device: Internet capable devices
SAMR Model: Redefinition
App Map Score: Here
Participatory Literacies Score: Here
Description
GoogleDocs is a free resource that students can use to create word processing documents. Students can work independently or collaboratively to complete a writing activity. Teachers can set up a prompt for students to answer, create assignments or assessments, or collaborative projects. Students can log in via a Google e-mail account or students can edit without logging in if the teacher shares it allowing users to edit with the link.
Students can practice their typing and writing skills through GoogleDocs. Students can answer prompts, share their thinking, or demonstrate knowledge anonymously if they are not logged in. Students can sign their names if they are not logged in, or log in to have their changes tracked.
Differentiation
GoogleDocs allow for students to write at their individualized level. Teachers could easily create simple prompts for students to answer or complete. Students could build creative writing skills through free write activities or practice writing words that match a picture. This resource allows for students of all writing and reading levels to interact with a digital word processing resource. GoogleDocs allows for students to complete a task individually or do so with a partner or group. Students can learn through self-assessment and reflection, edit their work, or learn from others.
One of the most attractive components of a digital word processing resource is that students would be able to write or type words phonetically. The goal with young readers and writers is not to spell words how the dictionary spells them, but spell the words how they sound. Students may be at all kinds of different levels surrounding spelling. Some may be able to write the beginning and ending sounds, some may be able to include the middle vowel, and others may be able to write words with digraphs or blends. If a student is not yet ready or able to write their thoughts down, they can use the drawing tool to display their thoughts or knowledge. GoogleDocs allows for teachers to efficiently create learning materials for students of any level and then view and adjust instruction based on student learning.
Comprehension
GoogleDocs help students build comprehension skills through their writing. They are able to take their ideas and put it down in digital writing. Students may be asked comprehension questions on the GoogleDoc and then answer them. Students may retell a story through their writing on a GoogleDoc and then revise as they see necessary when looking it over again.
Teachers can assign activities through GoogleDocs that build on a student's needed area of comprehension skills. Teachers could provide students with beginning, middle, and end sentence stems. One could assign a writing project where students need to write about the main character or write a story from a different character's perspective. Students could insert images from the Internet that apply to their writing.
Possible Downfalls
One possible downfall of GoogleDocs would be the ability for others to change or manipulate a student's response in a shared document. This can be avoided through guided practice of how to type, making sure to not change anyone else's words. This can also be avoided through lessons on 21st century skills and respectful conduct on the Internet.
GoogleDocs may be hard to share with students if there is not a GoogleClassroom site set up or another function that allows for students to simply click a link that would lead to the doc. This can be avoided in some different ways. One way to ensure ease of access and editing would be to create a QR code where students could scan the code. Another would be to share a document via email for those who have email addresses set up and accessible. Teachers could have the documents pre-loaded on the student devices before the lesson starts. Another option would be to have the document on Symbaloo so students just need to click the tile and be brought to the page.
Here is an example of a Google Doc I created where students could answer a prompt by writing their name and sounding out their favorite color.
I would likely create a QR code that would lead to this site so students could easily access it without having to sign in. They could then click the next box on the table and type their answer. This page could also be pre-loaded on a device. Teachers could also share this on a GoogleClassroom or similar site.
This is a GoogleDoc I created where students could practice writing and typing CVC words. Students could create a copy of the document and write their name so others could not edit their work. I could also name it "Joe CVC Words," using each student's name in their own document. That way they could open their own name and document, complete it, and not have anyone else accidentally change their work.
Google. (n.d.). GoogleDocs [Website]. Retrieved from www.docs.google.com