My LTT Lesson Plan Using Google Docs in the Classroom

My Lesson Before the Introduction of Technology

My lesson plan involves the students using Google Docs to collaboratively write notes on Chapter 7 of the Pathways textbook. The students have already completed a large project on the Renaissance (the focus of the chapter) and therefore this lesson, in conjunction with other class activities, is designed to enhance their basic knowledge and build upon the research they have already done. So what would this look like before the use of technology….

Prior to using Google Docs within the classroom my lesson would have involved students breaking off into groups. Each of the groups would be given a piece or two of chart paper and would need to write down their section of notes before putting it up around the room. The other students would then be responsible for copying the notes and using them in the assignment. All in all effective, but kind of boring.

The Evolution of My Lesson – Integrating Technology

With the introduction of technology my lesson takes on a new look. Before working with Google Docs my students will need to sign up for a Google account. No one in my class had one when I started this lesson (which I thought was somewhat surprising). When they sign up for a Google account I am going to give them a short period of time to create their own iGoogle page. They will be able to add what they want to their page.

This will hopefully cut down on future disruptions when working on this lesson. My class was so enthralled with iGoogle that they needed roughly 30 minutes to play around with everything. Before the students start to use Google Docs they will first watch an introductory video and a Jing presentation I created. The video introduces them to Google Docs and the presentation shows them how to enable collaboration settings and share their document. Ahttp:// A

Students will be required to share their document with their partner and with the teacher. The students will have one to two classes (classes are 80 minutes) in order to complete their notes on Chapter 7 in the Pathways book. As they have added me as a collaborator I can check over their notes after they are completed and direct the students to add more if needed.

Once they have finished taking their notes on Google Docs the students will then use those notes to create an effective mind map that encompasses the whole chapter. Ideally the students would also create their mind map on the computer using Inspiration (installed on our school computers). If the computers are not readily available the students will complete their mind maps on paper.

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