Embedded Task 5: Google Docs

The technology I am highlighting this week is Google Docs. I am lucky enough to have used this application previously during a group assignment in the first year of Uni. Sadly our marks did not reflect the wondrous usability of the program. This technology is breaming with functions which all revolve around simultaneous multiple authors. Google Docs doesn't feature ground breaking programs. It contains spreadsheets, word docs, graphs and the like. Where Google Docs does excel is in its ability to have multiple authors access the documents or spreadsheets simultaneously, creating an instant, dynamic, evolving piece of ‘mutating’ knowledge. There are privacy settings which allow you to keep the ‘Doc’ entirely confidential, where only you can view it. The other two options include allowing anybody with a link to be able to view the information or an all accessible ‘public’ status which means there is no restrictions and anyone who chooses can view it. The space is customisable, but only to a point, you are not free to drag or rearrange the interface completely but google does supply you with a few customisable options from the dropdowns. There are not too many technical considerations regarding this program, all that is needed is an internet connection and a passion for collaboration. There are levels of use in Google Docs so to use its basic functions like editing documents would be a beginner level of experience. Setting up surveys, document storage and Maths tests may require a deeper computer literacy but will be easily nurtured within Googles interface.

Learning outcomes supported by Google Docs and comparable tools is increased technological knowledge and manipulation skills. Focusing on collaboration and higher order thinking. Having students working in small groups, or entire classes, on a task promotes collecting, creating, and collaborating skills. Students could create spelling tests, surveys or even information banks for future students, which themselves are editable. This encourages creating, analysing, applying and understanding.

In my last blogs I had made examples of the use of the technologies toward the area of history, as manual arts is my second minor I decided to dedicate Google Docs to it. I’ve planned a way of using Google Docs as a sort of lesson repository. Where students complete a construction task delivered by me and if they choose to make alterations or modifications to the original design they can draw or film or make a presentation covering the changes and locating it on the ‘shared doc list’ for future teachers or students to view and attempt. This task is meant to encourage students to display most of the building blocks of higher order thinking as well as covering a number of digital pedagogies. The activity offers problem based learning in real-life context as it is the world they live in it also offers learning controlled by the students. It connects to their background knowledge and supports how they learn best.

Below is a link to last years’ assignment. I have changed the setting so you are not allowed to edit, only view  

https://docs.google.com/a/cqumail.com/document/d/1Xmyjv2_dOPlr5YoR7MwfhRAXY10qcx1sKeIR-TiXLJY/edit?usp=sharing