Using Google Docs to record, improve, and increase feedback
Posted by jackdrolet on June 27th, 2008 filed in UncategorizedI’ve just begun using Google Docs in an upper level ESL writing class. I have one document for each student that the two of us share. I ask them to do all their writing assignments in it and I enter my feedback below each one (no printing, no e-mailing attachments). I’ll make another post towards the end of the semester to summarize how things went, but so far so good. Here’s what I like about it:
I feel like I can maintain ownership of my own feedback. I’ve always spent so long making comments on student papers and it may be that half of the time those comments are never even be read. I still can’t force students to read everything, but I can refer back to previous comments on earlier assignments, and identify patterns.
Another advantage to Google Docs is that it’s easy for the teacher to be involved in the entire writing process and not just the final product. The teacher can view the doc before it’s finished, and even check back on earlier versions of the document to get an idea of how the paper was built up. When using the computer lab, the teacher can sit at a desk and pop in and out of different students’ writing and type up comments, in some cases saving a little time by copying and pasting notes that apply to more than one person.
Finally, I hope that it works to facilitate a good working relationship with students. It really allows for a lot of direct and individual communication without putting the onus on the student to schedule an appointment or send a question in an e-mail.
One last perk - the teacher can make a spreadsheet for each student and allow them to view their grades throughout the entire semester.
While a lot of these objectives can be achieved in a variety of other ways, it seems that Google Docs just offers a convenient method for doing so.
11 Responses to “Using Google Docs to record, improve, and increase feedback”
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June 27th, 2008 at 7:56 am
This sounds like a great system!
June 27th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Very interesting approach. I’ve bookmarked it. Thanks.
June 28th, 2008 at 5:32 am
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July 13th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Thanks for sharing this technique with us. It’s a wonderful alternative to sending email attachments and/or commenting on 15 students’ blogs!
July 13th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
This is a fantastic way for students to collaborate and share their ideas. From a practical point of view it looks like you have asked students to create their own log ins? Are there any issues re identity or safety there and if not have you put things in place to address their online safety.
July 13th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Yea, students had to have a Google Account. If they have gmail accounts, and you see that they are editing the doc at the same time as you, you can open up a chat with them.
Also, at first I was having them put all of their writing assignments in one document because I thought it would be the simplest. That got a little disorienting though, so I had them start creating new documents and then sharing those with me. On the last paper I had them reply to my feedback, and then I could go through and easily make little follow up comments.
As for online safety and identity issues, I think it’s pretty good. The only way for others to see the documents is for them to be invited to do so.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Interesting concept that I will have to investigate further.
July 14th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I’ve used google documents is an efficient cache. Ever since I learned about it I’ve used it to store all of my papers at university, and share them with my friends for editing/review/laughs or whatever.
I see how this provides ideal access between a teacher and a student or even just between students.
The only real problem locally is that our schools filter all email sites. An administrative problem with an administrative solution.
Aside from that, I’d want to show students how to revert to early auto-saved versions when collaborating.
July 15th, 2008 at 4:22 am
I found myself wondering if you are in a place where all students have access to computers/internet? Nice system though. Also wondering if there is a way to import audio to the doc and record your feedback… hmmm, though perhaps a different app is a better tool for that.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I use Google Docs to make essays paperless. I have students share with one another for editing, share with me for feedback, and then share with me again for a grade. Grading is easy - just use a different color font and type right in the essay.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
You should try Studeous (www.studeous.com) for teaching on the web. It’s the first LMS that free and hosted, so teachers never pay a cent. Check it out.