Helen Keane, School of Sociology

We’ll be talking about our use of Google Docs in online and hybrid teaching this year. Google Docs is perhaps the most boring and basic EduTech tool, but as we faced the challenges of engaging students online, we have come to value its simplicity and reliability. We will focus on our use of Docs in sociology and gender studies classes which are primarily about engagement with a text (also known as ‘the assigned reading’). Jessie will outline her use of Google Docs in fully online tutorials, while Helen will discuss dual delivery reading workshops (in which some students are in the room with her, others are on zoom). Neither of us are EduTech experts, in fact we are both happier teaching in person. Nevertheless, we appreciate the collaborative possibilities of online tools such as Google Docs. We’ll also reflect in our presentation on some problems with online teaching that we haven’t worked out how to resolve.

speaker bio

Helen Keane is a professor in the School of Sociology, RSSS. Over her long career at ANU she has taught a wide range of courses in gender studies and sociology, from first year introductory units to honours seminars. She is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Jessie Liu is a PhD candidate in the School of Sociology, RSSS. She has previously tutored a wide range of courses in sociology, as well as lectured at ANU College across both the Foundation and Diploma Program. Jessie was awarded a CASS Award for Tutoring and Demonstrating in 2019, and also received a High Commendation in 2018