How to use Google Docs for a Simple Yet Engaging Speaking Activity

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In the ever-evolving landscape of education technology, it's easy to get swept up in the wave of complex tools and applications. However, sometimes, simplicity is the key to unlocking a world of creativity and engagement in the classroom. In this blog post, we explore a straightforward yet effective activity using Google Docs, transforming it from a passive storage tool to an active hub for language practice.

Let's imagine that you've just wrapped up a lesson on the past simple, and now you're eager to see your students apply their knowledge in a fun and interactive way. Enter Google Drive, a familiar platform for many educators but often underutilized for more than document storage.

1. Instruct your students to form pairs, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages peer learning.

2. Share the link to a Google document.

3. Challenge your students to memorize the script together, providing an opportunity to reinforce their understanding of past simple in context.

4. Direct them to the designated folder titled "Your Videos" within the shared Google Drive. Each pair will record a video of their enacted script, showcasing not only their language skills but also their creativity.

5. As the videos start pouring in, plan a class session dedicated to watching these mini-performances. Encourage a positive and supportive atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the students.

With this uncomplicated yet impactful activity, Google Drive transforms into a dynamic space for collaborative learning and speaking practice. So, why complicate when simplicity can lead to engaging and memorable classroom experiences?

What do you think?

Comments

  1. Belén S.M.November 20, 2023 at 7:14 PM

    Hi, Bertha!
    I have browsed your blog and I love your activities so much! They’re very creative but also seem simple enough so that if a teacher isn’t very familiar with ICT, they could still be able to implement them without too much trouble, which is great.
    In this entry you mention that it’s easy to be swept up in the wave of complex tools and I couldn’t agree more, so it’s nice to see simple tools being used so creatively and efficiently. It demonstrates that teachers don’t need an overflowing amount of different tools to carry out engaging and motivating activities in the classroom.
    Teaching can be a very overpowering job sometimes, so figuring out which tools to use, how to use them, planning an activity, and then creating the materials, adds another level of stress on top of it. Which is why I love your approach to these activities. They are still extremely well executed, and students don’t need such over-the-top activities to be engaged anyway, as much as we may think it sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ms. BerthaNovember 20, 2023 at 10:38 PM

      Hello Belén!

      Thank you very much for your comment, I really appreciate it!
      Sometimes in class "the easier the better", and I think sometimes we don't treat ICT Tools as a "tool" but as an "educative aim".

      Best wishes,
      Berta

      Delete
  2. MarinaNovember 25, 2023 at 6:54 AM

    Hi Bertha!
    I really like your contribution with this post. As I can´t agree more with the use of simple digital tools such as google drive or google docs. "The easier the better" as you said in the comments.

    I like the way you put up all the steps to make the post more understandable. For sure, I will try to put into practice your idea.

    Thanks a lot!. All the best,
    Marina.

    ReplyDelete

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