Video - How to Use Google Docs and Slides for Collaborative Work?

Watch the video How to Use Google Docs and Slides for Collaborative Work?

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Transcript

	In the context of online education, collaboration is commonly associated with forums and group projects. However, the tools that support these interactions are often neglected. Each tool provides a unique form of collaboration along with its own set of challenges and possibilities. If we fail to select and utilize these tools wisely, the collaborative process can become frustrating. This lesson explores the most common tools for collaborative communication, illustrating how to use them effectively and align them with the lesson objectives. A thoughtfully chosen tool can enhance collaboration, but only when accompanied by a clear understanding of its pedagogical purpose. Forums are among the most frequently used tools, but they're often overlooked. Without a clear structure, they can turn into message boards, filled with posts that lack context. An effective forum should have a central topic, an introductory question, clear participation guidelines, and active moderation. Students need to understand what is expected of them, how often to comment, how to engage in discussions, and how to conclude their contributions. When a forum becomes a space for idea exchange, learning transforms into a collective endeavor with the teacher acting as a facilitator. Virtual meetings extend beyond the scope of lectures. In smaller groups with defined tasks, Zoom can become a hub for collaboration. Features like Breakout Rooms enable students to split into smaller groups and work simultaneously, much like in a physical classroom. A virtual whiteboard can be used for brainstorming. While the chat function provides a platform for quieter students to express their opinions. However, effective leadership is crucial. Without a clear task and timeline, teams can turn silent. Thus, teachers must serve as both facilitators and technical managers. A shared document is more than just a means of access. It is a space of collective thinking. Tools such as Google Docs, students can collaboratively write, comment on, and develop a text. This process requires guidelines, who is responsible for what, how to indicate additions when to finalize the version. Document versions also allow teachers to track individual contributions without resorting to detective work. This type of collaboration fosters digital literacy and teamwork skills. Tools such as Google Docs and Slides facilitate real-time collaborative work on texts and presentations with options to comment, edit, and monitor contributions. In this section, we demonstrate how to set up a document or presentation, invite collaborators, acknowledge comments, and utilize these tools for active learning. Opening and saving a document or presentation. To begin, open Google Drive. Click "New" and select Google Docs or Google Slides. The file will open in a new tab, rename it immediately to make it easier to locate later. It is important to note that all data are automatically saved in the cloud. Therefore, there is no need for manual saving. Everything you write is saved. Sharing a document and managing access. Document sharing allows for real-time collaboration. Click share and enter the email addresses of your collaborators or generate a link. Select the level of access. Viewer, Commenter, or Editor in most classes. Commenting access works well for peer review assignments and editing. Access is recommended for group work, commenting and collaboration. Click anywhere in the text and select add comment. Comments can be used for suggestions, questions or peer evaluations to address a specific person type add, followed by their name. Once the comment is addressed, mark it as "Resolved". This ensures that all participants can see that no further action is needed. This feature is excellent for group projects, peer reviews, and reflective journals. Revision history and contribution. tracking Google Tools offer a version history option to view all changes made to the document. You can see who added, changed, or deleted content. Color coded edits help track individual work and contributions, which is beneficial for formative assessments. If necessary, you can restore an earlier version of the document. This transparency increases accountability and simplifies the tracking of progress. Tools such as Google Docs and Slides are more than just technological solutions. They're pedagogical tools. They foster collaboration, dialogue, feedback, and reflection, when used thoughtfully. These tools promote collegiality and active learning. Try integrating them into your next assignment and observe how students become co-creators of content.