GoogleDocs Templates: A Virtual Copy Machine

If you're looking for an easy and efficient way to provide students with a starting point for a digital project, Google Docs Templates can help. You can save time and guide the learning by providing students with a consistent page format by using and creating your own templates. A Google Docs template is like a virtual copy machine. There are plenty of user-submitted templates already created and available for public use and there is even a category for Students and Teachers. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started.


How to Use an Existing Templates

1. Sign in to your Google account
2. When viewing your list of GoogleDocs, choose Create New > from Template .
3. Use the search box at the top of the page to find templates and use the links on the left side of the page to narrow your search by category or specific type of Google Doc.
4. When you find a template you like, click Use This Template. A unique copy of the template will move to your list of Google Docs, while the original template will remain in tact.
5. Modify the template as needed and use it.

How to Create a Template

1. Sign in to your Google account
2. Create a new document, presentation, form, spreadsheet or drawing.
3. Add your content and save.
4. Go to your list of Google Docs.
5. Choose Create New > From Template .
6. On the new screen that appears, choose Submit a Template.
7. Click on the link to Choose from yourGoogleDocs
8. Complete the form with information about your template and submit.
9. The template will become available in the gallery in a few minutes.

Sample Some Templates Available for Use

Note: You must be signed in to your Google account to view

HistoricalFacebook, created by Susan Santoli		Charts in Spreadsheets created by the GoogleDocs Team		20 Questions Self-Grading Test, created by John Warf

5 Ideas for Use in the Classroom
You're bound to think of more!

1. Create a collaborative Google Presentation with copyright-friendly images or your own photos as a starting point for students. Have studemts open the template and write about the images.
2. Create a digital note-taking page complete with pre-formatted note cards, links to research resources and a link to Easy-Bib to collect information for the bibliography.
3. Use the drawing tools to create a mind-map, then group the shapes, text boxes and arrows together so students can easily contribute without worrying about formatting.
4. Create online student record-keeping templates. Use them to help students easily log their at-home, reading, instrument practice, food consumption or any task you want students to keep track of.
5. Create a template for student portfolios to guide them through the process of self-reflection and publishing work.