5 kids with technology on grassy lawn
Grade 3

Sharing Google Documents

Global Collaborator
computers around globe networked

Overview​

Google Drive is a web based application that incorporates a system of file sharing. Word processing documents, spreadsheets, and slideshow presentations can be shared and edited with users whether they have a Google account or not. Document owners set the level of access for regulating permission for others to view, comment and/ or edit documents that are shared.

Students will learn how to use the share feature with others. This is a great way for students to collaborate with each other on projects.  

Students will:

  • Understand the difference between the document share settings that are available.  
  • Be able to share settings; private, can edit, can comment, and can view.
  • Be able use share settings to work on a document collaboratively.
  • Understand the definition and importance of collaboration.

Vocabulary Words:

  1. Document: A document is a computer file containing information input by a computer user and usually created with an application.
  2. Spreadsheet:  A spreadsheet is a computer program that allows the entry, calculation, and storage of data in columns and rows.

  3. Collaboration: To work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor.

To prepare for this activity:

Note: Students who have Google accounts can share documents with non-Google users for collaborative opportunities.

  • See the Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students website in the Teacher Resources. 

  • Read and Write for Google Chrome can be used to help students with reading deficiencies as they navigate Google Drive.

Directions for this activity:

  1. The teacher projects a computer screen to model for students. Demonstrate how to navigate to your Google Drive.
  2. The teacher explains the different types of documents that are available for use (word processing, forms, and spreadsheets).
  3. The teacher discusses the share feature and settings available. Show the video tutorial about sharing documents. 
  4. Allow students time to create a test document and require students to share the document with specified students as if preparing to work on a collaborative document.
  5. Have a discussion with students about collaboration. Share one or more of the following collaboration videos to promote student engagement.  
    1. Good Collaboration
    2. Education-Collaboration
    3. Madagascar Penguins-Teamwork

Different options for assessing the students:

  • Observations
  • Check for understanding
  • Students summarize their learning using the 3-2-1 summary chart. 
  • Students create a screenshot of their share dialogue box that displays the share settings and people the document has been share with.  

MITECS: Michigan adopted the "ISTE Standards for Students" called MITECS (Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students) in 2018.

Global Collaborator
7a. Students use digital tools to connect with learners from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, engaging with them in ways that broaden mutual understanding and learning.
7b. Students use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community members, to examine issues and problems from multiple viewpoints.
7c. Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal.

Device: PC, Chromebook, Mac, iPad

Browser: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, ALL

Apps. Extensions, Add-ons:
Possible Chrome extensions that could be used with this task are: Read and Write for Google Chrome, Screencastify, and Kami.

Websites:
3-2-1 Summary Chart

Education-Collaboration

Good Collaboration

Google Drive: Sharing and Collaborating

How to use Google Drive Tutorial - Detailed Tutorial

Madagascar Penguins-Teamwork

CONTENT AREA RESOURCES

Students publish writing pieces and share documents with others for peer editing purposes. Share peer editing tutorial. This feature also allows for Round Robin Writing.

Use Google sheets to work collaboratively. Brainstorm units of measure for weight, length, volume, etc. Display data on a teacher created Google sheet that has been shared with the entire class.  

Students can collaborate to create a Google Slide presentation or document to represent any content area information.

Students can collaborate to create a Google Slide presentation or document to represent any content area information.

Report a bad link, inappropriate content or out-of-date content. 

Credits
This task card was created by Lisa Fenn, Lakeview Public Schools, February 2018. Updated October 2023. 


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