Today, we looked at and used Google docs. There is some things I really liked about this tool. I like that you could make changes to the doc and automatically it is saved. What is cool is that your doc can be access by anyone. They don't even need to have Google doc because you could send them the link. Another aspect I like is that you can make your doc be only for view or have the option to have others to edit. In my classroom I would like to use Google docs as a tool for my students to plan group projects or communicate with each other if they need to. I could also use it for my students to give feedback to me and if they need more explanation on a particular topic or assignment. I could also give feedback to the students on an assignment. It is good because I will always be able to monitor discussions that take place. I could also use docs as a place to upload docs I think my students should look at and reflect on. Using Google Docs in this manner would probably be good in grades three and higher. If I were to use it in younger elementary grades I would not have my students making or working on docs rather I would use it. For example I could make a monthly newsletter through docs and post it on my website or blog. I do say one of my favorite aspects of the docs was the organization aspect. I LOVE THE FOLDER/COLOR CODING TOOL. Seriously, it is amazing! I HATE CLUTTER, and this is perfect way to avoid it. It organizes my docs and makes them easily accessible.
As for Google Apps or other apps available online it is amazing the vast amount of tools you can find and use. I think as a teacher these apps would be very helpful! I really liked having everyone share their applications they found. There was so many I had never heard of before. I learned of several that I definitely want to explore and use now! It is truly amazing how simple things can be done, even just a decade ago some of the applications would of never even been thought of. It just shows how fast our world and technology changes and grows. :-0
Jen, I think Google docs are great too! It's a great, and very easy, way to give feedback on papers or projects. The color coding actually makes things more confusing for me, I'm ok with just folders.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the color coding too! Organization makes my life easier and that makes me happy :) I can definitely see myself using google docs in the classroom and maybe once we are both teachers we can use this tool to collaborate on a project together :)
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