How it works: Google Drive is an online center through which users create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. Daniel, Shin, Harrison, and Aoki (2014) suggest use of Google Drive over other word-processors because of its collaborative properties (p. 38). Students can work on the same document, spreadsheet, or presentation simultaneously on different devices. As they complete a draft (alone or with a group), classmates and teachers can suggest changes directly on the documents themselves. Comments and suggestions send in real-time to allow for immediate changes and conversation.
Supporting English Language Learners: Because English Language Learners are not fluent in the English language, they often struggle with the creation of written assignments. Google Drive addresses this challenge by encouraging students to support each other. Initial writers benefit from improving their work with peer and teacher feedback, often receiving feedback from more editors than through paper editing. In addition, editors learn as they, “Offer support, develop abilities to detect and correct errors, and do so in the same way they interact with each other on a daily basis” (Daniel, Shin, Harrison, & Aoki, 2014, p. 38). Both writers and editors gain writing skills while submitting higher quality work. How it addresses Universal Design for Learning: Although described as a tool for supporting English Language Learners, Google Drive and its components are popular resources for all students. It fosters collaboration (UDL checkpoint 8.3) while creating a safe place to make mistakes, increasing mastery-oriented feedback (UDL checkpoint 8.4). This benefits all students, from struggling writers to students writing at a college level. It also increases motivation for all students to work towards continued improvement. |
This teacher offers suggestions for how to incorporate peer-editing through Google Docs.
Example of Use in Context: In assigning a formal writing assignment like the Position Paper that I modify but use often, I can use Google Drive to structure peer editing groups. As students write, I will encourage or perhaps even require students to edit peers’ writings. They will then adjust their own work so that all students may produce higher quality essays.
Practical Information: Google Drive is a free cloud storage for up to 15GB of files. It is available through browsers and as apps for iOS and Android devices. For more information, see www.google.com/drive/#start. |