Video:Tips for Integrating Google Docs Into the Classroom

Transcript:Tips for Integrating Google Docs Into the Classroom

Hello, I'm Milo De Prieto for About.com and today we are talking about some tips for integrating Google Docs into the classroom.

The Pros and Cons of Google Docs

Since Google Docs is similar to other word processing programs, the learning curve is quick and easy and you can get right into implementation. The pro of Google Docs is that since it exists on the cloud, it is accessible from anywhere with Internet connection and multiple people can participate at once on a project. The con of Google Docs is that you require an Internet connection. There are obviously some great opportunities here for extending learning into the home, but do not assume all students have Internet without discretely finding out beforehand. Communicating with the parents may also be an opportunity to get them involved in the upcoming projects as well.

Create a Google Profile

The first step to using Google docs is to create a Google profile. This does not have to be anything more than an email, but each student may need one. You can create a class email as well that everyone shares. The downside to that is that you may not be able to track who is doing what as easily. This however may not be important.

Teach Social Network Etiquette and Responsibility

This is also an opportunity to teach social network etiquette and responsibility. Students can learn the difference between a professional profile and a personal one. While different generations look at the boundaries differently certain consensus still apply. As a teacher it is essential that you have a professional persona distinct from your personal one online. Google may prompt you to continue with other related services in their network but this is not necessary.

Ideas for Using Google Docs in the Classroom

Here are some ideas for using Google Docs:

• Individual Work: If each student has his or her own account, they can work on assignments online, giving you, the teacher, the opportunity to see the work in progress. Not only does this eliminate the excuse of the “dog ate my homework,” but you can leave comments on documents, giving ideas, corrections, and helpful pointers. In the end, the student's Google doc notebook becomes an easily accessible record of their work on a subject.
• Paired or Group Work: Since students can also work in pairs or teams and any document can be shared with various levels of participation, from read only to ability to edit, you can create group research opportunities.Also note that under the “Share” button each Google document has various settings for privacy, from public to only visible to those who the owner has allowed. Parents can get involved as viewers if you wish.
• Multimedia: Don't let the Doc part of the service let you forget that there are also presentations, drawings, forms, and spread sheets. As a part of a final assignment students can prepare a presentation online that can be shared with other classes and the school. Using a “form” students can create online quizzes for each other. And the various ways of displaying information lends the service to all subjects.

For more education tips and helpful information, check us out at About.com.