Using Google Docs Chat Feature to Collaborate in Classrooms
How to collaborate with others using the chat feature in a Google Docs document.
Instructional Challenge
In many of the active learning activities, there is a need for students to work collaboratively on a document and carry on some kind of conversation online. Students can, work on a Google Docs document and use the Chat feature available to have a text-based conversation — allowing them to work together collaboratively, but at a distance.
Chat Feature - Browser
- On your computer, open a document, spreadsheet, or presentation via the link provided by the instructor, or create a new document.
- If necessary, grant the other students in the group access to the document by selecting Share and adding their UW-Madison Google Apps account names.
- The Chat feature will not be available if you are the only one in the file.
- Enter your message in the Chat box.
- When you are finished, at the top right of the chat window, select Close.
- Note: All chats in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides include anyone viewing the file. The chats are not saved.
Chat Feature - Mobile Devices
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The Chat feature for documents is not available on mobile devices. Students will need a computer to collaborate via the Chat features.
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Direction for Sharing a Google Doc
Learn more:
Note
- If a user has FERPA privacy flag on their account, their personal information will be omitted from the UW-Madison Google Workspace contact list.
- Files can be shared with external collaborators (non UW-Madison Google accounts). Because external Google users are not listed in the UW-Madison directory, you'll need to enter their complete email address (ex: sam@inc.com) when sharing files.