In this lesson I reviewed, entitled “Google Docs in the Classroom”, Google Docs is being used in a high school English class to create a collaboratively written paper on a text. It is clear that students are engaged, communicating, and focused on finish the task at hand. It is a dynamic and 21st century classroom, but the Technology is only Augmenting a previously existing technique of group work. The lesson is not very “forward” thinking. This case highlights something very important for me. Yes, technology is a key component of a 21st century class, but it does not always need to be center stage. The highlight of this case is clearly Collaboration, which is an essential component of a 21st century class. This lesson uses 3 of the 4 Cs: Collaboration is clearly a very strong component of this lesson, Critical Thinking is necessary to write the paper, and pivot your thinking per the groups discussions, and Communication is also very key for creating a strong collaborative environment. While it is not a very creative lesson, this is clearly a 21st century classroom that can easily be replicated in any secondary English class. In my middle school class, I use this style of a lesson each time we finish a novel. I would give this lesson a 4 out of 5.
5 Comments
Erin
11/8/2015 01:36:33 pm
What great insight. I love the idea of using Google docs in the classroom, and agree with your thought that technology does not always have to be front and center.... I'd be interested to see how I could incorporate some of that into my classroom with my 4th graders! Thanks :)
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Lori
11/8/2015 02:37:08 pm
Thanks for sharing this lesson, and for your insight about the use of Google docs. I agree that technology doesn't have to be at the center of every lesson; in fact, unless the lesson is about technology, it shouldn't be at the center at all! It sounds like the use of Google docs helped the students to share-write more easily (since they can collaborate from anywhere, not just in the classroom). Though it really is only at the bottom rung of the SAMR chart, it's effective. Thanks for sharing this helpful use of technology!
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Kim
11/8/2015 02:39:27 pm
Thanks for sharing! Knowing where our school is headed, in regards to Google docs and the use of Chromebooks, it was really great to see it in action.
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Dina
11/8/2015 04:16:50 pm
Thank you for sharing! Using google docs is a great way for students to work collaboratively to share their ideas. I like the idea of creating a story via google docs but I agree that technology also has its place in the classroom. As educators it is our hope and challenge that we will incorporate it in meaningful ways!
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Roger
11/11/2015 06:11:07 pm
Thanks for sharing this one too. One thing that came up for me is to use Google Docs to collaboratively craft a digital storytelling script, then with chromebooks or laptops, the digital story can be collaboratively created using WeVideo (an online video editing program.
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