Today we had a English Writing Day with ninthgraders. We have recently introduced them to the Gmail/Calendar/Docs environment by creating an account for each student. The tasks themselves were posted in a shared document. All they had to do was to create a new document themselves and start writing. They were free to use spellchecker, online dictionaries and other online resources as long as they cited their sources. I know this is possible with Google Footnote, but I haven’t explored it myself yet.
During the test students had problems or questions and they addressed me through the Chat app. This worked seamlessly. Of course, students can also chat with classmates and this can be distracting, but even though it did occur it did not seem to distract, but rather serve as another person to ask.
Taking questions during the test.
The texts they produced were two to three pages long and the benefits are they all are conform, they are available online (by invitation) and students don’t lose their work.
In terms of improvement I will look definitely continue using Google Docs for creative writing workshops, and even bring in the collaborative element which is the greatest asset of Google Docs.
Lot of ideas to be found over at Tom Barrett’s blog, especially this entry.
Wow, Morten this looks really interesting, looking forward to hear more about your experiences on this
BTW, is this your new domain? I’ll subscribe to the rss 
February 12, 2009
It was quite a revelation today actually. The students produced swiftly and responded to me as their teacher during test time without disturbing their classmates.
It will be more interesting now when we start exploring the collaborative aspect in more depth. We’ve taken a few baby steps already, but there are endless possibilities of course in any subject, lest not forget Maths and the Sciences.
This will be my new domain. I’ll work on the design.
Interesting, innovative stuff! I’m looking forward to doing something similar at the Academy at which I’m Director of E-Learning (NCEA).
Can I just point out it’s ‘Tom’ Barrett, not ‘Ted’.
I would point out that it’s ‘lose’ and not ‘loose’ but then you might point out that your English is 7000% better than my Norwegian… 
Hi! This is really great! I haven’t used Google Docs with this purpose yet but I will. And as you said the most amazing experience would be a collaborative work by the whole group for a presentation… Thanks for sharing your experience.
Normally I use our LMS for this kind of thing. I.e. the students write their text in the word processor and hand it in through the LMS. I also answer questions through the LMS IM function. I like the idea of using google.doc for free writing tests though. Reasons for this would be: 1) No need to save and send – only save applies. 2) The possibility of posting the assessment questions in the document, share it , and the students can just get on with their writing. 3) I do think it is very educational for the students to get used to actually using google.docs. I am sure there are more advantages and I am sure going to work hard to figure them out.
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@Doug: Thanks for commenting! Fixed the errors you pointed out – much obliged. Following your blog now – very interesting!
@Giselda: Thansk for commenting! There’s so much potential in collaborating tools like Google Docs, Etherpad and others. Very curious about Google Wave to see if it’s the ‘game changer’ some are predicting. That could lead to some very interesting and innovative ways to teach collaboration in the classroom.
@Marie: Thanks for commenting! Our school has not yet decided on a LMS, which is the reason why we are using Google Docs and its environment to teach students about collaborative tools, digital competence (with opportunities and pitfalls) – and I agree with you – it’s very educational for the students to learn how to use tools such as Docs – and as the tools are developing with Forms and embedded elements possibilities are expanding.
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