How to Share Lesson Plans with Colleagues via the Internet
How to Share Lesson Plans with Colleagues via the Internet
Effective collaboration is essential in today’s educational environment. Sharing lesson plans with other teachers via the internet not only enhances your own planning process but also ensures that everyone involved is on the same page. Here, we will guide you through the steps to share your lesson plans with colleagues, whether you use Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or other digital solutions.
Using Google Docs for Real-Time Collaboration
If you and your colleague are familiar with Google Docs, this is an excellent option for real-time collaboration and sharing. Google Docs allows both parties to edit the document at the same time, making it perfect for developing and refining lesson plans together.
Steps to Share a Google Doc:
Create your lesson plan in Google Docs by opening a new document or opening an existing one. Click on the 'Share' button located in the top right corner of the document. Input the email address of the colleague you wish to share the document with. You can choose to give them viewing permissions (read-only) or editing permissions (they can make changes). “Who has access?”. There are typically three options: Anybody with the link (not usually recommended for confidential information), Specific people (the email address you entered), or Anyone at [your domain]. Click 'Send' to share the document.By sharing using Google Docs, you can ensure that your colleague can view or edit the plan in real-time, making it ideal for collaborative planning.
Editing and Permission Management
When sharing a Google Doc, you have the flexibility to allow editing or viewing rights. This is particularly useful depending on the stage of the plan. If you want to provide a draft for comments, you can grant viewing rights and have the other teacher provide feedback. For a more collaborative approach, shared editing capabilities can be enabled.
Email and Other Collaboration Tools
If you and your colleague prefer to work offline or do not have access to Google Docs, you can also use other methods to share your lesson plans. Here are some steps and recommendations:
1. Using Email:
Create your lesson plan in Microsoft Word or another word processor. Save the document to your computer. Compose an email to your colleague, attaching the lesson plan file. Ask a colleague to show you how to attach files to an email if you are not familiar with the process. Send the email; the file will be attached and can be downloaded and reviewed by your colleague.Using an email to send attachments is a straightforward method to ensure your colleague has access to the document. It’s especially useful if you need to send the plan in a specific format.
2. Using Online Cloud Storage:
Create or open your lesson plan in a word processing program. Save the document on your computer. Upload the file to a cloud storage service such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Share the document with your colleague directly from the cloud storage platform by granting them access. Instruct your colleague on how to download or open the document from the cloud storage.Cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive offer an easy and secure way to share files. They allow you to set permissions and ensure that both parties have access to the latest version of the document.
Benefits of Online Sharing Tools
Accessibility: Both parties can access the document from any location with an internet connection. Version Control: You can keep track of changes and versions of the document, allowing you to revert to previous versions if necessary. Collaboration: Real-time editing features enable both parties to contribute simultaneously, speeding up the planning process.Conclusion
Sharing lesson plans via the internet is an efficient and secure way to collaborate with colleagues. Whether you choose to use Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or other tools, these methods can enhance your planning process and ensure that all parties are on the same page. By leveraging the power of online collaboration tools, you can streamline your planning and improve the overall quality of your lessons.