Module 3

Module 3 has been like a refresher course on google docs for me.  I have been using google docs for a while with other staff members, students and my own primary school children at home.

Google docs is a great tool for staff.  The sharing and collaborating of programs, resources, assessment tasks and ideas allows educators to work on the same document, at the same time from different places.  This allows instant feedback which can be acted upon immediately, rather than having to wait to get together the next day.

Google docs is a great tool for students.  Group work can be accessed from home by the students.  Students can chat about the task at hand and discuss what to do and how to do it.  Collaboration for the timid student is easier using google docs.  The timid student can make changes and add ideas without feeling intimidated by other students.

It is important for the teacher to have access to the document to be aware of what is happening.  The use of the view history button, allows the teacher to monitor who is doing or has done the work.  It is also important to remember that not all students have access to the internet at home, so ensuring that class time is available to students to work on a task is vital.

I have not used google forms as much as google docs.  I have used it a few times for surveys with both staff and students.  Feedback is instantaneous, well presented and easily understood.