Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Response to Using Google Docs To Support Project-Based Learning


I personally have never used Google Docs.  From reading this article, it seems like Google Docs can be a great resource in the classroom.  I feel as though it is very similar to Microsoft Word, except it has a few more advanced features.  In addition, it also had several annoyances.  However, according to the survey, most students preferred Google Docs and would use it again.  My favorite part about Google Docs was that multiple people could work on one group project.  I find this extremely convenient and useful, especially to people who are communicating internationally.  Google Docs is a world-wide phenomenon, therefor people overseas can work with Google Docs in the same formatting as people else where.   Google Docs makes collaboration and communication easier for users.  I like the idea of this technology and I believe it should be used in the classroom.  While completing my fieldwork at P.S. 107, I was able to witness a 4th grade ICT class using Google Docs.  P.S. 107 was fortunate enough to have the support, funding, and training to provide every classroom with MacBooks, iPads, and knowledge of Google Docs.  Class 4-307 would use Google Docs for all of their writing pieces and group projects.  They would also use Google for means of communication: teachers with students, students with students, and teachers with parents.  They would discuss upcoming assignments with students, upcoming trips and events with parents, groups project would use this for communication, and teachers would provide students with their progress.  Students were able to collaborate their work with their teachers and other students in the class.  I like the idea of this type of technology being used in the classroom.  Students get to use technology while learning and being responsible digitally.  Students also get experience with using Google Docs, which is also highly used in the workforce.  In this particular situation, Google Docs was highly effective for the student’s learning.  

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