Google Docs is completely free and students can access it with their Gmail account. Google Docs is a word processing tool that lets users work online (or offline) on any device they are logged into. This makes it a great choice for schools where students have access to devices but not the same device everyday. Students can access their documents via web browser on any laptop computer or via tablets applications.
Google Docs lets students create documents similar to Microsoft Word. They can type and format their text by changing the font, size and alignment. Students can add tables to organize information and import images. Creators can easily hyperlink text. Users can copy and paste a link into a document or they can highlight a keyword in the text and Google will search for potential links, letting students preview the link before they insert it into their document.
Google Docs is also a great platform for collaboration. Students can share access to a document with classmates and work on the same document at the same time. They can leave comments on their peers’ work and contribute to the same document. This is a great option in one-to-one classrooms where students each have their own device. It is also an easy way to facilitate group work beyond the classroom.
Google Docs are easy-to-use and fairly intuitive. It takes the great features of word processing tools, and extras like simple sharing and the ability to collaborate. If you are looking for students to come together to write a research report or make a plan for a presentation, Google Docs are a great choice.
It’s benefits are multifarious; like finding solution to a Maths problem that is proving intractable, sharing new ideas with your group members about your group project at 9pm Tuesday night, or wanting your friend to preview your essay before the next day’s submission. You never have to do it alone ever again, Google Docs to the rescue!
