Response to Bailey Cundiff’s Extended Analysis Document: Google Docs and Writing Instruction

For this week’s blog post, I read Bailey Cundiff’s Extended Analysis assignment titled, “Google Docs and Writing Instruction.” Google Docs is a free online word processing program that allows multiple users to simultaneously collaborate on a single document. Bailey notes that this feature makes Google Docs more useful than Microsoft Word for writing instruction. Instead of writing being one sided, immediate feedback and instruction is given. This increases students’ sense of collaboration and provides insight into instructors’ methods of editing and revision. Research shows that students who participated in online writing activities with Google Docs demonstrated increased improvement on their final documents.

One important point from Bailey’s research is that researchers acknowledge that the internet is this generation’s defining technology for literacy and learning; as a result, new technologies require new literacies. I feel that teaching styles should shift to embrace this new technology so that students feel like instructors are meeting them halfway. Students want to feel connected to the work they produce and I think this is an excellent way to create that connection.

I also found the section on collaboration to be helpful. Students having the ability to watch their ideas take different forms and be read in different ways is an invaluable experience. Also, rather than having an instructor “preach” at them about what changes need to be made, students are forced to participate in the revision discussion. If there are concerns about voicing an opinion in a face to face conversation, the online revision session should alleviate them. An audience is still present and in the moment, but, there’s a “wall” of technology to help shy students remain engaged.

These two points from Bailey’s research made my thoughts shift to our First-Year Composition students at Texas Tech. After participating in my first tutoring sessions last week, I was excited, and felt like I had a direct impact on students’ work. We worked together on creating thesis statements and I was able to give immediate, constructive feedback. Unfortunately, probably less than 10 percent of the students enrolled in ENGL 1301 show up for in person assistance. To encourage participation and interest, I believe working in a collaborative tool like Google Docs would be best. This way, students who want the immediate feedback but still uncomfortable coming in person can still receive assistance. It would give them the feeling of a “big brother” watching to make sure they stay on course with their writing.

Out of curiosity, I started searching the web to see which universities have started to use Google Docs as a way to work with students on their writing. Here are a couple of places that are currently using Google Docs:

• UCLA: http://wp.ucla.edu/index.php/home/services. The writing center here currently holds in person and online sessions. The online sessions are set up just like the in person sessions and seems to have the same level of interaction. I found it very interesting that the appointments for the online sessions allow the same 50 minutes as the in person session. Also, a draft of your writing assignment is not required to meet online! You can brainstorm together just like you would in person.
•  Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas: http://www.jccc.edu/student-resources/tutors-accessibility/writing-center/online-writing-lab.html: This program is based out of a community college! They appear to have the same set up that as a larger university system (like UCLA). I appreciated that this online writing lab (OWL) provided a set of guidelines and expectations for students. I believe this to be imperative as both the tutor and student should be aware of what is expected during the session.

Overall, I found Bailey’s research to be insightful and very thought provoking. It leads me to wonder if Texas Tech will in the near future adopt online writing collaboration as a way to reach more students. As a current Document Instructor, I know I would be very amenable to helping students this way!