Google Docs + Collaborative Writing = Awesome!

My students are learning the first steps to writing a synthesis essay for the AP / IB exams.  For the exams, they have to about 20 minutes to read and analyze the essay prompt, read a short 1-2 page text, analyze an image or chart, listen to an audio text, and brainstorm/outline for their essay.  They then have 40 minutes to write.  Needless to say, it's a difficult task in English, let alone a foreign language.

I decided to use Google Docs with my students.  They were given an essay prompt and a song to analyze.  They could use the lyrics and the video accompanying the songs as evidence.  One student created the document on Google Docs and added the other students by inputting their e-mail address.  They had to change the settings so that everyone could read and edit the document.  They also added me as an editor to the document.  Students then wrote a scaled-down version of the essay - an introductory sentence, a thesis statement, at least 3 pieces of textual evidence with explanation and tie-back to the thesis, and a concluding sentence.

I was very pleased with Google Docs.  Students had class time to work, but then were also able to work outside of class without actually having to meet due to Google Docs's chat feature.  I was also able to comment on each document and e-mail the group through the document.  There were some troubleshooting moments when Google Docs wouldn't allow editing access, but those were easily remedied through re-input of student e-mails.  Students are now in the process of reading through the comments and replying to any that need more clarification.  We'll then take a class period to revise and edit our documents in order to get a finished product.  I will definitely use Google Docs again for collaborative projects.  I'd also like to use it to set up a collaborative revising / editing process with individual students.