Using Google Docs as a Tool for Collaborative Writing and Formative Feedback in the Classroom.

Abstract: Undoubtedly, modern technology is being integrated in the classrooms increasingly, with Google Docs being one of many online collaborative tools integrated into EFL-teaching. However, there is little research conducted on using Google Docs as an online collaborative tool in the classroom. This research synthesis aims to collect and review studies which investigate the use of Google Docs in EFL-teaching, in relation to theoretical concepts and the national curriculum for the English subject. The findings confirm that Google Docs creates the opportunity for students to collaborate, produce, and share texts synchronously and provides a detailed insight on student’s progress and contributions for teachers, thus, facilitating customized and immediate formative feedback on progress, and of students’ contributions in group assignments. However, aspects such as the teacher’s role in designing tasks and teaching how to use the online tool must be considered to achieve student effectiveness in collaborative work and to use Google Docs in the most efficient way. To conclude, further research in the field would be fruitful and is needed in order to draw accurate conclusions based on qualitative and quantitative findings.