Google Docs as a Tool for Class Discussions

Google Docs is a great tool to allow multiple students to work on the same shared document. Students can share their thoughts through text, photo collages, word clouds, and drawings in individual breakout rooms and come then come together as a class on a single shared document. For more information, see Utilizing Breakout Rooms and Online Tools for Student Engagement

Setting up your Google Doc

Setting up Breakout room sections:

Create a page for each desired breakout room
Individually highlight each Breakout Room tittle, change ‘normal text’ to ‘Heading 1’
Tabs should automatically formulate on the left side of the document.

Students should be able to navigate through tabs on left like so:

Different Functions Available with Google Docs

Basic Text:

Drawing Function:

To create:
- go to “Insert” – “Drawing” – “+ New” – In upper bar, change “Line” to Scribble”–draw your masterpiece – press “Save and close” to insert into the document

Drawing Function for Word Cloud:

To create:
- go to “Insert” – “Drawing” – “+ New” – Click on text box icon upper bar to add text– drag text to desired location–Change “Line” to Scribble” to draw desired graphic elements– press “Save and close” to insert into document

Image collage

To create:
- Go to “Insert” – “Drawing” – “+ New” – In upper bar, press image icon– Upload image from your device, URL, or Google drive – In upper bar, click the cursor tool and drag image to desired location–repeat process with all images– Press “Save and close” to insert into document

Setting up your Google Doc

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