One great aspect of docs is that it puts students in a position to use Google and Wikipedia in places where they may not have taken stellar notes. Inevitably however, students who populate the study guide are using a diversity of materials to pursue information. Some students thumb through their notebooks and add information to the study guide, while others use google, and still others use the textbook. This approach also allows students to post links, pictures and videos--whatever works best to teach others and help them recall information on an assessment.
An added bonus of online study guides is that students can access them from anywhere. Students with smartphones and tablets can study the information on-the-go anytime, anywhere.
Online study guides teach initiative, leadership, collaboration, research, organization and work ethic. These skills are so much more valuable than having students print and fill out their own study guides. And, for teachers who still think students learn and retain more when they have to compete their own study guide; fine, have them build on their own before they collaborate. Regardless, collaborate. These skills are too important to ignore given the importance of teaching crucial 21st century skills (collaboration and innovation) in a productivity-obsessed world.
