6. Create a table
You can also insert a table in a Google Doc to share with learners, which is especially helpful in math or science. Here are some ways to use tables:
- Insert a table and fill it out with data.
- Insert a table with some of the cells filled out by including data, text or images. Then ask learners to fill out the rest of the boxes.
- Add a table as a graphic organizer for learners to complete as they read.
- Ask learners to create their own table.
7. Identify and highlight
Another way learners can interact with text in a Google Doc is by highlighting in different colors. You can include text in a Google Doc and instructions for learners about what to identify and highlight. Some examples include:
- Highlight topic sentences in one color and supporting evidence in another color
- Highlight adverbs
- Highlight the main argument
- Highlight cause and effect in different colors
- Highlight the character’s motivation
8. Use voice typing
Some learners may need to use voice typing due to a 504 plan or IEP. Or some learners may benefit from brainstorming by recording their voice first before typing a draft. Google Docs includes this feature. As long as a learner’s device has a microphone, they can take advantage of the voice typing feature.
Here are the steps:
- Select Tools.
- Select Voice typing.
- Select your language.
- Click on the microphone icon.
- Start speaking.
9. Practice social and emotional learning
You can also use Google Docs for social and emotional learning, as suggested by Kasey Bell of Shake Up Learning. In the Insert menu at the top of Google Docs, select Dropdown.
This allows you to create any kind of drop-down menu in your Google Doc. In this case, you can add a range of emojis or words related to feelings. Ask learners to select their current feeling as a way to check in and practice self-awareness.
10. Give feedback on formative assessments
Of course, once you share Google Docs activities with learners, you need to provide formative feedback. This ensures that your learners are clear about the learning goals, understand if they’re on the right track and can get support when they need it. It can be challenging, though, to follow along with your learners’ progress when you have tons of Google Docs in your Drive.
Hāpara Teacher Dashboard is a one-stop hub that shows you all the recent Google files your learners have been working on. Each learner has a Student Tile on your Teacher Dashboard. From there you can see which Google Docs (and Slides or Drawings) they’ve modified recently. Then with just one click, you can open a file and leave a comment with formative feedback. No more searching for learners’ files!
Bonus: Use Google Slides for digital storytelling
There are many ways to use Google applications in your classroom. In addition to Google Docs, Google Slides can make assessments engaging and motivate learners.
For instance, learners can write a story in a Google Doc individually or in a group. Or they can use Google Slides for digital storytelling. This is a fun activity for summer enrichment, the beginning of the school year or any time of the year.
For example, you may want learners to practice their narrative writing skills related to theme. Provide them with a choice of themes, or support student voice by asking them for theme suggestions.
Learners can then create a character, and on the first slide, add a picture representing the character. In the notes section, they can also describe character traits. In the next slide, learners can develop a plot diagram for their narrative. Then in the slides that follow, they can build their digital story, adding text, sound, images or video.
This is a great way to tap into student agency because learners are able to choose what interests them. You can also add the activity steps to Hāpara Workspace, create differentiated tasks for groups and ask learners to upload their Google Slides digital story there.
Learn how to use Google Docs and Slides
Now that you have engaging ways to implement Google Docs for learners, you may need help getting started. Luckily there are simple step-by-step training guides available online. Try these for beginner and more intermediate tips: