GAIN

Chapter 4:  Documents

1.  As compared with Microsoft Word, Google Docs provides a vast array of features which allow for better accessibility.  Through utilizing this program, I personally found Google Docs helpful in collaboration with my peers.  As stated in Google Apps Meets Common Core, Graham notes that a document stored on the cloud through Google Drive can be accessed and edited by up to 50 people anywhere in the world at one time.  Along with this, individuals can access one document on multiple devices as long as internet is available.  I have utilized the aforementioned features through taking class notes with my peers as well as compiling research for group projects.  This of course allows individuals to have successful collaboration in the realm of education.  Another spec mentioned in the textbook is the ability to have unlimited storage space for documents.  By storing documents on the cloud, one does not need worry about running out of space to store documents for it is not stored on a hard drive.  As a future educator, I for see myself utilizing this program in order to work on my documents on multiple devices, collaborate with fellow educators, and allow students to compile their personal work so that they can enjoy the features in which a traditional word processor would have limitations.        
     Although Google Docs is an excellent tool to use for collaborative efforts, it does have its drawbacks.  Working with elementary school students, the teacher must realize an internet connection is not always guaranteed at the child's home.  This could cause problems with homework assignments that cannot be accessed on the server due to the lack of internet.  The only way to bridge this gap is if the school has resources to provide students with a cellular device (such as a tablet) to take home in order to work on assignments (this would also apply to students who do not have any computer at home).  If this is not feasible,  this program may not be the most efficient for all student work.  

2.  The Common Core State Standards are directly tied to utilizing Google Docs through utilizing technology, meeting all steps in the writing process, and including ranges of tasks for student writing.  Through the features of Google Docs, students meet the standards while engaging in successful learning.
     Focusing on utilizing technology to produce and publish writing, students may utilize Google Docs to collaborate with peers and engage in the writing process in a meaningful experience.  The state standards hope to encourage students to utilize technology available; therefore, the teacher must provide learning opportunities to address this aspect of learning.  One example of student mastery of this standard would include collaborative note taking when working within groups for certain projects.  Students would be able to have equal access to utilizing technology via Google Docs while collaborating to gain perspective and knowledge.
     The second key benchmark to meet is to engage in all steps of the writing process.  Students develop experience in prewriting, writing, editing, revising, and publishing.  The technological aspects of this program allow ease in each area of writing, meeting the standard.  Access to the cloud allows students to simply share their final product with classmates for collaboration on this assignment as well.
     Through varying the tasks the teacher instructs students to perform, the Common Core State Standard is met.  This can be achieved through varying time allotments for writing, due dates on assignments, and ongoing projects, all of which can be accessed at any time by the teacher and students.

3.   Last week, I utilized Google Docs with two of my classmates in order to put together a set of task cards for a project on littleBits.  The features provided by Google Docs allowed my group to complete a project without having to meet outside of class and instead work on our own portion of the assignment at our convenience.  The chat features also proved to be helpful in assisting us with communication throughout the process.  Overall, Google Docs is a wonderful tool which I plan to use in my own classroom.