Google Docs is truly one of my favorite tools for teaching and learning because of the features it offers to support research, writing and collaboration in the 24/7 classroom. Here are some things to try with Google Docs as you make plans to use a little more tech and embrace change this school year.
Google Docs for Research
In addition to helping students efficiently find information, the Research Tool can help students engage in real world writing by streamlining the process of creating hyperlinks and appropriately formatting citations. All this can be done with the click of a button found directly under each source in the Research Toolbar. The push button features provide teachers with the opportunity to introduce important digital citizenship skills to students as part of the research process in a way that is efficient, timely and manageable.
Google Docs for Collaborative Writing
“Today’s young people are using a range of digital tools to compose and create in new and exciting ways. It is a game-changing moment for teachers of writing. The very notion of what it means to write is shifting, and educators are faced with adapting their teaching practices to integrate new technologies while redefining writing and learning for the 21st century.”
Google Docs provide teachers with a great starting point for helping students develop 21st century writing skills because they are collaborative, available 24/7, and stored in the cloud. The tool is well-suited for facilitating digital writing workshops that combine peer editing with cooperative grouping and small group fine-tuned writing instruction. Here are some of the powerful writing features:
Sharing and Commenting
Sharing and commenting options provide students with opportunities to receive immediate feedback on their writing from teachers and peers in the 24/7 classroom. Student can write, edit, revise, collaborate and share one copy of a live document, providing them with the resources and opportunities to significantly improve their writing. Students can collaborate in real time, creating opportunities for virtual mini-conferences. Of course, students are more likely to revisit their work if they know someone else will be commenting on it and they are more likely to edit their writing if they have the opportunity to publish it for an audience.
Integrated Writing & Reference Tools
Revision History
Final Thoughts
Google Docs for Teaching and Learning
Cool Tools for 21st Century Learners 
Thank you for this. Templates seem like a great idea. I hope to be able to try all three of these ideas this year.
I love these easy to implement ideas. I've forwarded this to my junior high team. Thanks again for adding information to my wiki page. I would love to invite you virtually to my school to present live next time!Theresa
Thank you for sharing these great ideas! I've sent this to my junior high team. I also want to thank you for adding the ThingLink presentation and info to my wiki. I hope you can present live to my colleagues soon!
Thank you Mrs. Allen. I enjoyed doing the ThingLink presentation virtually for your PD and am truly amazed at the learning event you put together! Would love to present to live to your colleagues. Thanks for the opportunity and keep up the fantastic work!
Here is an additional twist on the dropbox idea. This template have some Apps Scripting that give the ability to send email feedback comments to students right from the spreadsheet.https://drive.google.com/previewtemplate?id=0Ao0sG6-BBfF4dDRwRnZmUlZIZUx6RHV0YlM0VVNhV3c&mode=public
Susan, thank you for the suggestions on different ways to use Google docs. We are rolling out Google Docs in the middle school where I work as a technology coordinator. I especially like the idea of using a Google form to collect homework. Much better than drowning in a sea of email.
James, thank you for the kind words. I am glad you have found some useful suggestions. There are more ideas on my Google Docs page, found at the top of this blog.Best of luck to you as you roll out Google Docs!