Nathan Hale science teachers Matt Hinkley and Karl Englert are always searching for useful technology tools for their classrooms. One of their favorites is Google Tools for Educators. Google Docs is one component of the Google Tools suite (Sites, Calendar, RSS Reader, Picasa Photos, Maps and more). Specifically, Google Docs contains a word processor, presentation, and spreadsheet application. All 3 of these are stand-a-lone applications but also integrate well with Microsoft Office. Also in Google Docs is Forms, an easy-to-use survey tool. In addition, they use Google Calendar. All of these are available with a free Google account.

Here are a few descriptions of how these teachers are using Google Docs in their classrooms…

Google Tools: Google Forms and Spreadsheet:

1) During a 12th grade Environmental Science lab on organisms, Mr. Hinkley created a Google Form (a survey that puts the data in a spreadsheet and creates a graph) for students to collect and record the number of organisms in agricultural and natural areas they were studying. Students entered their lab data into the survey. Mr. Hinkley used the graphing feature in Forms to share the “collective” results with the class from his presentation station. As the students continue to add data Hinkley was able to update the graph to reflect the changes.

2) Mr. Englert uses Google Forms for students to complete an online Current Event assignment. Englert inputs the information and selects the type of questions required (multiple choice, open response, etc.). Once the assignment is ready, he embeds the Form/Survey (see picture below) on his Source class page for student access. As the students complete and submit their assignments, this work is compiled in a spreadsheet.

Click to view the sample images.

Google Tools: Google Documents (Word Processor):

1) Both Hinkely and Englert use Google Documents for students to collaborate on research projects. While working at their homes, at school, or in a library, students can work in collaborative groups to write and edit projects, like a “virtual meeting.” Using their telephones and or the build-in chat, students are able to have multiple people working on the same document at the same time. Also, because the students share their documents with Mr. Hinkley he is able monitor the progress of their work.

Google Tools: Google Calendar:

1) Karl Englert embeds a Google Calendar on his Source Class page to post assignments details, quizzes, tests, and other important class dates .

Notes:

1) Click here for more information about Google Tools for Educators.

2) Once students create a Google Account at home they can work on Google Docs from home or at school on student computers.

3) The instructions for finding and embedding the HTML code is on the Google Docs site.

Students do not naturally make the best choices about what web sites to use and how to process the information they find. Instead, they need guidance from their teachers about what sites to use and how to organize the information they gather.

There are many web sites that offer advice about what questions students should consider about the web sites they use. In short, they suggest having students look for evidence that the web site has a credible and objective author as well as up to date and accurate content.

I also recommend providing students with a template to record notes and citation information as they browse web sites. This Word document has sections for students to record citation information and thoughts about the reliability of the site, and a place to copy and paste text and images from the web site.

Recommended Links for Evaluating Web Sites

• Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply & Questions to Ask (from UC Berkeley)
• Evaluation Criteria: authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and coverage (from New Mexico State University Library)
• Kathy Schrock’s critical evaluation surveys (in pdf and Word formats)

Related File

• On-Line Research Notes Template

Related Posts

• Moving at the Speed of Creativity Podcast: Reflections from Hawaii on our Information Landscape
• Using Word as a Research Tool (IT Blog: October 22, 2006)

Create a word document that integrates links to websites you have already previewed for easy access by students. You can also create your own Internet Scavenger Hunt.

• Scavenger Hunt Example (.doc)
  
• About Using Word as a Research Tool (.pdf)

Related Files

• Word Diagrams (pdf)