I created a google doc that I would use in class as a tool to have students write and share information during a unit on food and restaurants. I would have 10 students or perhaps a whole class share the document so that they could read about other restaurants. They would obviously share it with me also.
I would probably use this as a formative assessment - students would discuss what they wrote in class. At the end of the unit I would do something similar as a summative assessment.
https://docs.google.com/a/moundsviewschools.org/document/d/19XNzV50xS1rotYfE2snxwYHwnMM4sKghv_SrCcUOlow/edit?usp=sharing
I like the idea of using this as a tool for students to share work. I guess they could do the same thing on paper... but it is nice that they can comment on each other's work. I would probably add a piece that they have to make a comment on at least 2. As with all of these tools they are nice and some very fancy - but I am not sure if this makes my job easier. The positive is that they are easily shared and all students have google accounts so that is nice. The negative is - do you do this is class or as an assignment? If it is an assignment there are always some kids that do not complete it, but in class seems like you might be wasting time having them write.
I wanted to participate in this but Casa Mingo in Madrid is the only restaurant I have eaten at in the last 2 years...
ReplyDeleteObviously, I'm kidding. I appreciate your honestly in the last paragraph. In the end, I guess we are all just adding to our tool boxes. If we deem these tools worthy, great. If not, and we are still doing our jobs to the best of our abilities, I think that is great, too.
You pose some thoughtful pros and cons. I struggle with this too but have found the collaborative feature of docs an asset with students as well as staff. I've been able to cut down on my use of paper and handouts with docs. I also have less drama with kids saving stuff to flashdrives and not being able to open different versions of Word at school to print.
ReplyDeleteLike yourself, believe it or not with my love of tech, I do struggle with whether some tech tools are worth it in class. The time it takes to teach students how to use the tech may not be worth it. This kind of evaluation is important and no one should ever feel like tech should be used for tech sake.
ReplyDeleteI also struggle with how to use class time. I really try to reserve class time to use in practicing speaking and listening as that is the only place they can practice that and we have so little time to teach a language. So I really want them to practice the reading and writing outside of class. I have used these in my hybrid AP class for groups to collaborate on presentations. And I like your use of them as a place to collect comments on restaurants. You could do the same with movies or books. Kind of like a forum, but in a different and maybe easier to use format.
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