When I first heard about Google Docs, I must admit I thought it was just a downloadable application to save users the cost of buying software. Upon further investigation, I can see the benefits in storing and accessing documents that could require editing by multiple users.
In an education context, Google Docs has potential for students to access their own work from any computer, and make it easier for collaboration with other students to occur as a working document is enhanced from different user points. There must be cost benefits in saving server space in schools as documents are not duplicated by being saved in a plethora of folders and drives, with most being completely forgotten or lost.
From my own point of view, it would be handy to view the work of students as they construct an assessment task, rather than wait for a nasty surprise when they hand in a rushed first draft. Will it lead to better quality of student work? Maybe, but the premise for this is always hard work and organisation, rather than efficient applications on their computer. As they say, Google Docs can bring the horse to the well, but it is up the horse (if it studies Geography) to work out why there is no water in it and then consider the climatic conditions that have threatened ecological sustainability of all horses. Horses studying Maths would simply work out the circumference of the well, while PDHPE horses would use the beep test as it runs around the well to see whether it has sufficient fitness to withstand dehydration or even death. My point is, that Google Docs, on its own, will not make students think.
In an education context, Google Docs has potential for students to access their own work from any computer, and make it easier for collaboration with other students to occur as a working document is enhanced from different user points. There must be cost benefits in saving server space in schools as documents are not duplicated by being saved in a plethora of folders and drives, with most being completely forgotten or lost.
From my own point of view, it would be handy to view the work of students as they construct an assessment task, rather than wait for a nasty surprise when they hand in a rushed first draft. Will it lead to better quality of student work? Maybe, but the premise for this is always hard work and organisation, rather than efficient applications on their computer. As they say, Google Docs can bring the horse to the well, but it is up the horse (if it studies Geography) to work out why there is no water in it and then consider the climatic conditions that have threatened ecological sustainability of all horses. Horses studying Maths would simply work out the circumference of the well, while PDHPE horses would use the beep test as it runs around the well to see whether it has sufficient fitness to withstand dehydration or even death. My point is, that Google Docs, on its own, will not make students think.
This is a picture of my friend, Disco. He is getting onto the trampoline to practice his double pike turn with a twist. He has never used Google Docs and you can see the regret in his eyes.
Grant,
ReplyDeleteyour way of making a point is fantastic. I'm not so sure about the students but I do know web 2 has allowed your creative side to come out. You are a funny, funny, man!
Sally.