Loved working with Google Docs. It's just like using excel or Microsoft Office without buying the program (ok, I know I shouldn't tell you that - but it is true). What I personally like about the program is that several folks can be working on a document simultaneously. No more do I have to wait for someone to open their email, revise, and email it back, only to send it on to the next person. If you are working with a group of five or six, this aspect of collaboration takes two forevers to get the work completed. And, have you ever tried to schedule a common meeting time between all these folks? That alone takes 15-20 minutes out of every meeting time and still someone's schedule conflicts.
One of the most important things we do with students is collaborative learning. It is a necessary tool to facilitate instruction. Hence, one can work in groups without actually being in a group. It doesn't take the place of dialogue, but it does facilitate the work of groups. The only issue I can see is how do you know who has completed the major portion of the work. Is it true collaboration, or does one person who is grade retentive doing most of it while others slide? There is always those that do more than others. However, students need to learn the skills of collaborative work and holding all parties accountable for their portion. Like all skills, this takes practice. And, yes, they do need email addresses and the question of equity does come to mind. But, if they don't have access at home we all know the local libraries do and email addresses are still free on multiple sites. Students really can't use that as an excuse or a barrier if they WANT to participate. Where there is a will, there is a way :-)
One of the most important things we do with students is collaborative learning. It is a necessary tool to facilitate instruction. Hence, one can work in groups without actually being in a group. It doesn't take the place of dialogue, but it does facilitate the work of groups. The only issue I can see is how do you know who has completed the major portion of the work. Is it true collaboration, or does one person who is grade retentive doing most of it while others slide? There is always those that do more than others. However, students need to learn the skills of collaborative work and holding all parties accountable for their portion. Like all skills, this takes practice. And, yes, they do need email addresses and the question of equity does come to mind. But, if they don't have access at home we all know the local libraries do and email addresses are still free on multiple sites. Students really can't use that as an excuse or a barrier if they WANT to participate. Where there is a will, there is a way :-)
1 comment:
I agree - this is a great collaborative tool for students and teachers. Create, communicate, collaborate - those are the skills we want our students to have.
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