Technology Advocate Presentation: Google Docs - from a Higher Education perspective

Web 2.0 presentation – a tool to use: Google Docs

What is…

Google Docs?It is a free web based application that allows

for the composition of documents, spreadsheets, etc to be created, edited, and stored online. Most importantly, it is a great

example of COLLABORATIVE TECHNOLOGYCOLLABORATIVE TECHNOLOGY.

Collaborative Technology

• Collaborative Technology is any virtual application that allows for the interaction of two or more people with the goal of accomplishing a task.

• With the emergence of Web 2.0 modalities, it allows for the coming together of people both synchronously and asynchronously to work in partnership on many ideas and/or projects.

Why Collaborative Technology in Higher Education…the benefits…

“Collaborative and Socially oriented theories of learning is a major trend in higher education…”

(Ishtaiwa & Aburezeq, 2015).

• Collaborative tools improve student achievement and performance.

• Promotes students’ active participation and engagement

• Improves knowledge construction

• Enriches the learning process (Ishtaiwa & Aburezeq, 2015)

CT also…• Improves student interaction

with peers, instructors, and course materials

• Provides and interesting and motivating learning environment

• Provides a flexible platform for thinking, reflection, and discussion

• Allows for students to participate anytime and anywhere

WHY?

Google Docs is…

• A Web 2.0 tool – a term first coined in 2004, “Web 2.0” has come to represent a “social phenomenon embracing an approach to generating and distributing web content…characterized by open communication, decentralization of authority, and freedom to share and re-use…” (Collis & Moonen, 2008).

Why Google Docs?

As a Web 2.0/collaboration technology, Google docs allows for the following:•Communication•Collaboration•Connectedness•Learning Communities•Cloud Computing•Little-to-no-cost

Innovation in Higher Education…

• Web 2.0 tools are already in use by college students without the promotion of them by the higher education institution.

• Students are ready and are making “extensive use Web 2.0 tools…” (Collis and Moonen, 2008)

• Adopting Google Docs institution wide would be a smooth transition for a technologically savvy student population

Innovation in Higher Education cont’d…• Google docs is user-friendly software that

supports the teaching and learning process• Instructors are empowered to create well

designed online activities that will encourage students to participate in the new learning environment

• This tool will allow students to ask for help, comment, discuss, reflect, and propose new ideas and thoughts thus taking advantage of this platform and increasing collaborative behavior.

National Educational Technology Standards…

While the ISTE standards are for the Pk-12 setting, they can be easily transferred to students of the higher education setting;

while the level of education is more advanced the outcomes are universal…

ISTE standard for students that Google Docs can and will support:

• Creativity and Innovation• Research and Information Fluency• Critical Thinking, Problem Solving,

and Decision making• Digital Citzenship• Technology Operations and Concepts

References1. Collis, B; Moonen, J. Web 2.0 tools and processes in higher education:

quality perspectives. Educational Media International. 45, 2, 93-106, June 2008. ISSN: 09523987.

2. Ishtaiwa F, Aburezeq I. Full length article: The impact of Google Docs on student collaboration: A UAE case study. Learning, Culture And Social Interaction [serial online]. December 1, 2015;7:85-96. Available from: ScienceDirect, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 2,

3. Understanding Educational Technology Trends and Issueshttp://online.tarleton.edu/Home_files/EDTC_538/Week_2/Week_27.html

4. Web 2.0 In Higher Educationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlQgKJgeEgg