"Google Docs" in language teaching and learning

BILOVÁ, Štěpánka. "Google Docs" in language teaching and learning. In Cizí jazyky v akademickém a profesním vzdělávání. 2016.

Basic information

• Original name: "Google Docs" in language teaching and learning
• Authors: BILOVÁ, Štěpánka (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution).
• Edition: Cizí jazyky v akademickém a profesním vzdělávání, 2016.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Field of Study: 60200 6.2 Languages and Literature
• Country of publisher: Czech Republic
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• RIV identification code: RIV/00216224:14640/16:00093691
• Organization unit: Language Centre
• Keywords in English: English for Specific Purposes; technology in language learning; Google Docs; legal English
• Tags: International impact, Reviewed

Abstract

A shared online environment enabling multiple users to edit documents simultaneously, e.g. wikispaces or Google Docs, has become very popular in classes focused on developing writing skills or in various complex web-based projects such as collaborative writing. This paper offers an overview of tried and tested Google Docs activities which proved to be effective within university ESP courses not specialized in writing. The examples are taken from the context of English for legal purposes; however, they can be easily adapted to other professional, academic or general settings. The activities concern both out-of-the-class and in-class situations, all of them exploit Google Docs as a tool which facilitates fulfilling language tasks, rather than employing Google Docs as the main instrument of enhancing the skills. The paper deals with benefits and possible drawbacks from both the teacher's and students' points of view; it analyzes the performance of students and provides practical tips for integrating Google Docs into classes.