Google Docs

Up until now, the only other word processor I have had experience with is Microsoft Word. I found Google Docs to be very similar and simple. The downside to google docs is that it has far fewer options when it comes to fonts, charts, and other processing templates. It is however great for basic documents and paper writing. There is also a great deal more security when working in google docs because it constantly saves your work and allows you to go back to original documents with ease. Not only this, but it ensure that your work is online SO that if you computer decides to crash like mine did not too long ago, your work is still redeemable! AND, your work is accessible for any computer with internet, allowing you to be free of messing with jump drives, etc. It is also great for sharing and collaborating on group documents. I am a fan!!!

After getting a feel for google docs myself, I took a long at several of the lesson plans involving google docs. The first lesson I looked at was for Elementary English, in which the students were reading a historical novel. While reading, the students each were able to type questions from their reading into google docs which could then be seen by other students and used in class discussion. Google docs was also used for the writing assignments and peer editing. Other tools were also able to be used such as Google Earth and Google Maps which allowed the students to visibly chart the locations mentioned in the novel, making the story seem more alive and real and giving more perspective.
I love how this lesson plan really engages the students with the history of the story, and allows for them to learn from one another using the sharing option. What a great resource this is!

There were many other lesson plans that incorporated Google Docs into just about every school subject! The google docs were able to link with several other google aps, and one lesson plan even walked the students through making their very own websites about the topic given! Overall, the lesson plans give great ideas of how Google Docs can be used to greatly enhance student learning and sharing in every area of education.