Google+Apps+in+the+Classroom

//An obvious use of Google Docs is for students to draft compositions, reports, and essays. Google Docs have many benefits: similar features to (and files compatible with) other popular word processing software programs, but users are not required to have word-processing software on home computers in order to access their files. They also needn’t remember to bring a thumb drive to transfer data. Google Docs can be shared with other users, either to view or edit, which permits peer-to-peer editing or collaboration on projects. Since files are updated automatically several times a minute, everyone is able to view the most recent version. However, previous versions are retained, so the author can easily revert back to a prior draft. Completed projects are easily shared with peers or published for parents or the public, which can improve student motivation to produce quality work.

Here’s a typical process: Teacher shares a document with all the students describing the project requirements. Typically, the teacher will include a sample document for students to refer back to. Students then log on to their accounts, create a doc, and share this first draft with the teacher. Google Docs allows the teacher to track what changes have been made, as well as when and by whom, throughout the entire process. The teacher can mark up a document by highlighting errors to be reviewed and corrected, and by inserting comments beside the text just as they would with a red pen. Each comment is tagged and dated, so the author knows who made it, which is helpful when seeking feedback from multiple sources. The final paper is the version shared with the teacher on the due date, but the paper remains available for subsequent refinements. For more on Google Docs and the writing process, see

Here's a sample draft of writing project, in process. Note how teacher can add comments specific to sections of the text.//

//When managing multiple classes' worth of student projects, it can be helpful to organize docs into folders by class section, and subfolders by assignment. Here's a sample index page from a Google Docs account, showing basic features, including organized folders.

Want to see some examples of student projects? Click on links below.//
 * //Devante's Google Presentation on Persuasive Techniques in the Media//
 * Zakiah's Google Doc, Poetry Analysis
 * Vocabulary Unit Review Presentation example slide