Thing #2 - Using Google Docs

DOCUMENT 1 - Using Google Docs for Word Processing

The screenshot below is of a document file that was created using Google Docs. Google Docs is an online word processor that appears to have many of the same features as Microsoft Word. This was my first time using this software and so I experimented with some of the available tools. Among other things the Google Docs software allowed me to check spelling, adjust fonts, insert a table, use a bulleted list, insert pictures, and include hyperlinks. 

Google Docs is a very helpful way for my students to work together in groups on various assignments or projects. Instead of having the students only being able to work on group projects together while at school or by them having to meet together at each other's homes, by using Google Docs they can collaborate on group assignments individually right from their own homes. Furthermore, Google Docs allows me to submit feedback directly to my students within the documents instead of having them email their completed work to me. 


DOCUMENT 2 - Using Google Docs to Design a Presentation

My second Google document is a presentation similar to Microsoft PowerPoint. I shared this document with another student and a friend by giving them permission to view and edit the presentation. A screen shot of the presentation is shown below.

Google Docs will allow me to collaborate together with friends and colleagues on a variety of projects. For example, currently I write a weekly newsletter together with another teacher. She emails her part of the newsletter to me and then I paste her work into the newsletter. Although Google Docs currently does not measure up to the capabilities of Microsoft Publisher, there is potential that it may eventually be able to upload MS Publisher files for review and editing. Word processing, spreadsheet, and presentations, however, are easily edited with the Google Docs software.

The Marzano teaching and learning strategies that are addressed while students work together on projects through the use of Google Docs include the following:
Marzano 9:
2 - Summarizing and Note Taking
6 - Incorporating Cooperative Learning Effectively