This week for class we used Google Documents to discuss a reading selection. I have used Google Documents in the past, but never quite in the manner where we were supposed to use it like a forum. In the past, I have used Google Documents as a way for the whole group to track the progress of an assignment. It was used where each person had to write a different paragraph and would post it right into the Google Document. I think with the right students this would be useful, but if I was in a younger classroom it would be harder. Students would have to not only know how to use Google Documents, but would also have to get permission from their parents to set up an account.
If the students did have an account, I would use Google Documents for a lot of peer editing. By changing the color of the text that students type, they can make comments or additions right on the document. They can also post their comments in the side of the document so students can see suggestions. Because students can watch what is being typed in real time, it would also be a good medium for students to dictate comments instead of always needing to type them.
Peer editing would be one way to go-- I also want you to think about the collaborative aspects of this tool. The idea is how many students can be working on the same thing somewhat simultaneously, etc. You bring up a good point about the age-- probably having the account in 5th or 6th grade might be appropriate. What do you think?
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