Google Docs & Voicethread

A couple of ideas on using Google Docs and/or Voicethread to enhance your lessons.

In my AP US History class we do an in class activity called Four Square where students are given a prompt (historically debatable point) and have to choose, after a brief consideration period, whether they Strongly Agree, Agree, Strongly Disagree, or Disagree.  Then, they spend about fifteen minutes compiling their evidence that supports their position and finally debate the prompt. Of course, with this method the students have already worked with the material at hand, possibly in numerous ways, and thus should be able to provide a solid argument with the time allotted.  However, if one were to use Google Docs/Voicethread the same activity could be done more thoroughly and outside the classroom, leaving the classroom time for other things. Simply assign, in what ever way you deem fit, students to one of the "four corners" positions, give them a time frame, and let them debate the prompt using Google Docs/Voicethread. This would allow students to better prepare their argument, flexibility in presentation and rebuttals, as well as flexibility in the format of their argument. As well, students would be able to post quotes, pictures, documents, etc. as evidence to their point. Finally, a summary/conclusion discussion would rap things up very nicely allowing for the teacher to highlight strong points, answer questions, and add to the debate if necessary. This could be done through Google Docs/Voicethread as well or simply in the classroom.

Some other quick ideas:
- Project guidelines/explanations and allowing students to ask questions or give suggestions
- Discussion forum for primary documents, readings, or book
- Allowing student review/editing of papers or essays
- Parent access for communications pieces or specific updates

So there you go. I know these are basic, but maybe they will help spark other ideas!

Teachability