Student Teaching Journal

I’ve been using Google Docs quite religiously since Sara introduced us to it in ED483. I will share one example of how I have used Google Docs for myself and one example of how I have used it for a group project.

I am creating a portfolio for myself on my Edublog (you can see the beginnings of it on the tabs at the top… and by beginnings, I mean beginnings!) I have a Google Doc with brainstorming ideas of what I want to include in my portfolio. Since my portfolio and my brainstorming document are both accessible on the web, I can work on my portfolio whenever I find the opportunity whether or not I have my own computer.

In ED361, we are in the process of preparing group presentations about different types of disabilities we may come across in our classrooms. The four people in my group all have crazy schedules, so instead of trying to find a meeting time, we decided to work on our project via Google Docs. It’s been working very well so far, but we are going to meet in person at least once as well. On the Google Doc, we have been able to share sources we have found regarding our subject, share ideas and questions for our presentation, and organize everyone’s responsibilities. As part of our research, I interviewed my dad (a middle school teacher) and typed up the interview on Google Docs. I realized that if I had informed my group members of when I would be doing the interview, they could have followed along as I was typing my dad’s answers and had me ask any more questions they may have had!

The more time I have to explore all of the possibilities with Google Docs, the more I will use it. I’ve already come across some ideal uses for Google Docs that I would have used if more people knew about it!

• I am the leader of a student-led group of singers and have to try to coordinate 11 people’s schedules. It would be great to create a spreadsheet of days and times and have people add in their availability.
• I am a notetaker for my psychology lecture and instead of typing notes and sending an attachment every day, I could keep an ongoing Psych Notes Google Doc and share it with my notetakees.

Both of those uses could be applied to my future as a teacher– trying to coordinate drama rehearsals or choir concerts, or posting notes for people who are absent… Another way I could see using it in a choral classroom is using the Survey option. I think reflection on performance is very important. I could create a survey after each performance asking the students to rate the performance and give some feedback on what went well and what didn’t. I’m sure the possibilities are endless.

Filed by emstrazz at 7:07 pm under Uncategorized
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