One of our science teachers asked me to come into her class today to help some students who were having trouble turning assignments into Google Classroom. I was happy to go see what I could do to assist.
When I arrived, the teacher had already created an assignment (using the schoolwide numbering protocol – yeah!) and attached a file set to “Make a copy” for each student. She wanted them to type an answer to the question in the file and then turn it in.
The first thing I noticed was that the file was a Word file, not a Google Doc. Since our students use iPads, files have to “hop” between the three apps: Google Classroom, Google Drive and Google Docs to be completed. Some students were using phones and did not have Drive or Docs downloaded, so we solved that problem quickly. I knew that one of the issues the class was having was the Word to Doc conversion. Some had figured out how to convert, edit and submit. Some were struggling.
But my favorite moment in the short time I was there was after explaining how creating the attachment as a Google Doc would make the process more streamlined for the students, the tea
cher said something to the effect of “so this is my problem, I can fix this.” That sounds so minor, but her willingness to admit she needed to learn (and wanted to) was HUGE. While her students were still completing the practice problem, she and I quickly walked through how to create and attach a Google Doc in Google Classroom.
I so appreciate this teacher’s decision to ask for help, her desire to want to improve the experience for her students, and her willingness to learn. What more could you ask for from a dedicated teacher?
Reflections of an Instructional Coach 