Track Changes in Google Docs

For those who spend any time creating documents online, track changes is a must-have!  For collaborative projects, peer edits and more, track changes lets you see the edits that others make to your document. Then, it lets you decide if you want to accept/reject/continue editing them.  

While Google added this feature last year, they DID NOT call it "track changes" like their MS Word competitors.  Instead, it's called "suggesting".  

Here's how to activate it in Google Docs:

Click on EDITING in the toolbar.  Choose SUGGESTING.  
Be sure to ask those with whom you're collaborating to do the same thing.

When you’ve done this, any changes that are made on the document are recorded out to the right.  Click the check to accept, the x to delete and the horizontal dots for more revision.  

Another great tool available in Google Docs is the SEE REVISION HISTORY tool.  Find it by clicking on FILE and choosing it from the menu.  This feature allows owners of the document to not only track changes, but the ability to restore a previous version.   

This feature is also priceless for teachers who have students working in collaborative groups.  It allows teachers to see who has been working on the document, which in turn helps with accountability.

Socratic Smackdown

I'll be honest, the name of this game grabbed my attention.  Then I read this description and I had to know more; " A versatile discussion-based humanities game to practice argumentation around any text or topic for grades 6 through 12".  I think you will, too.

Socratic Smackdown discussion strategies.

Socratic Smackdown is a game that supports students' developing discussion skills.  It's a fun, printable game that focuses on Common Core Speaking and Listening standards.  Reminiscent of Socratic seminars of old, Socratic Smackdown brings a fresh, engaging approach for teachers and students.  

Students, who are assigned the role of participant or “coach”,  are asked text-based questions delivered verbally by the teacher.  The coach’s role is to listen to the group and complete coaching cards with observations about what the group did well and strategies on which they can improve.  

The game packet is free for download here.  In addition, because so many of us are focused on paperless classrooms,  Google Docs versions of some key pieces can be found below.  When you open them go to FILE/MAKE A COPY to save them to your Google account.

Instant Replay Link

Coach Card

Teacher Checklist

Common Core Rubric