Collaborative Paragraph Writing via GoogleDocs

Yeliz Akel

What is GoogleDocs?

Google Docs is a free online program that allows multiple users to edit the same document at the same time. 

Where in the course did I use it?

Eng 101 - English for Academic Purposes 1

Unit 1 – Paragraph Writing

            - How to develop a (expository) paragraph

            - Unity & Coherence

Why such a task?

Diagnosing students’ writing performance

22-25 students

Limited time

Learner Autonomy

Making use of peer feedback

A fresh twist to a writing task

Why GoogleDocs?

Impressive J

Engaging

Accessible

Shareable

Editable

Reader-friendly

Storable

Love of technology J

The Task

Pairs write an expository paragraph (150-200 words)

Topic sentences provided by the instructor.

            a. Make an outline in class

            b. Start writing in class (if time allows)

            c. Complete at home. (GoogleChat: communicate   while viewing the document)

            d. Give feedback to 2 paragraphs.

What else with Google Docs

1.      Brainstorming (groups work on a single document collaboratively)

2.      Analyzing a piece of writing

Whole class is given one piece of writing

Each group highlights a different group of mistakes in the text in different colors

3.      Story completion

           Students complete a story outside class and when they want (not when you want them to),                  starting from where their peers left.

How to create a GoogleDoc

Google account

Google Drive

New

            - Google Docs

                       - Create your task

                                   - Share (options are important)

                                              

Possible downsides

Not sure whether the task was collaborative!

             J Check students performance with their peers.

Students may not want to bring their laptops to class.

            J If so, make sure the activity is really meaningful in terms of its objectives and outcomes.

Classroom facilities!?