Google Docs for Teacher Professional Development: Engaging Students in Collaborative Learning Radiatan Mardiah, Melati
Universitas Jambi
Abstract
Google docs is widely used in teaching learning process for developing writing skills. However, in this study Google docs was designed to engage students in collaborative learning of Teacher Professional Development (TPD) course. The participants of this descriptive qualitative study were 22 EFL students registered in TPD course in a public university in Jambi, Indonesia. The data were collected through learning artefacts in Google docs and in university learning management system (e-LMS), observation notes, and informal classroom discussion. The findings revealed that almost all of the students actively engaged in the collaborative activities and help them to understand the concepts of TPD comprehensively. The students read some relevant sources, synthesize the ideas and TPD concepts, write them in the Google docs, presenting the ideas in real-time through interactive board, get question and feedback from peer and teacher, and wrap up by producing mind map on the topic in the e-LMS. The activities not only engaged the students in the learning process but also help them to be more self-regulated. The study suggests teacher to integrate technology such as Google docs and e-LMS to support pedagogical practices.
Keywords: Collaborative Learning. Engagement- Google Docs- Teacher Professional Development
