Just like Microsoft Word allows us to type content, edit files, and save documents, Google Docs is a web-based word processor, that is available for free to everyone across the globe, including users in Dubai and the Middle East. The Google Docs Editor was launched to audiences on 9th March 2006 by Google, and ever since its popularity has grown, reaching nearly 25 million users worldwide. Through this article, let us learn some interesting facts about Google Docs.

One can access Google Docs by logging into their Gmail account from any device. It is compatible with tab, mobile, laptops, and desktops, depending on your level of comfort. Also, there is no constraint about the kind of operating software one uses; Android or iOS are equally compatible. Simply download the Google Docs app and get started, anywhere, anytime.

The beauty of Google Docs is that multiple users can edit the same sheet in real-time, for more effective working. This eliminates the task of having to email your saved Microsoft Word Documents to the recipient and then asking them to make corrections & drop an email in response to yours. This back & forth is eliminated, thanks to the Google Docs platform.

Once you open a fresh Docs in the web browser the first message you will see on the sheet is ‘type @ to insert’. With this feature, you can tag people (from your Gmail contacts) on the sheet, use any emoji that you like, add notes in reference to the meeting that is to be scheduled, and even insert a predefined template of a table that indicates the different stages at which your work is progressing; not started, in progress, or launched, etc. Besides this, adding images from your local drive, making a checklist, writing a footnote, and much more is possible with the shortcut ‘@’ key.

Each sheet can be shared with as many as 100 people at a time, and every participant can be assigned a different level of authority; editor, viewer, or commenter. Collaboration is the key feature of this cloud-based platform and thereby working simultaneously can benefit every user.

Another interesting feature of Google Docs is that your document history is recorded meticulously and can be retrieved for referencing all the changes that were made. All the modifications can be tracked along with their date & time so that the older versions can be retrieved if need be. This is a huge plus point, especially for professionals and freelancers, who use Google Docs extensively for editing work documents, drafting letters, and curating content for web pages. Even if you close the browser accidentally or the network connectivity goes off midway, your data is never lost.

We are also impressed with its ‘smart compose’ attribute, which makes using Docs an even more pleasurable experience. The system prompts you to correct spellings, use correct grammar, and gives the writer an option to translate the text. And if you’re bored of typing, why not try speaking into your microphone, to auto-type the paragraphs? Thanks to voice commands, we can now take a walk in the park while penning down our thoughts on the sheet, simply by giving voice commands. The versatility of this platform makes it a suitable option for all; students, business people, freelancers, professional authors, and journalists, alike.

Most K-12 schools in UAE & other parts of the world, aim to include Google Docs lessons as a part of their classroom curriculum, as children need to be well-versed in computer literacy and take advantage of the recent trends.

Therefore, integrating the TechnoKids curriculum into the STEAM model of education is preferred, to benefit them from project-based learning. TechnoKids is universally popular and has a loyal user base in the GCC region.

The TechnoEditor module from TechnoKids Junior Collection (Grade 3-6) focuses on teaching kids editing skills and therefore students get to extensively uses the Google Docs platform and experiment with it. This prepares them to professionally edit; stories, poems, & comics, as if they had to send their work to a publication house for printing. TechnoEditor builds confidence & prepares kids to become experts at using Google Docs.

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Our parents always motivate us by saying ‘reach for the stars’. Luckily, kids of K-12 schools in Dubai and all over the world, have this opportunity to imagine the universe in their classrooms, thanks to the Matatalab Kit.

Travel in the Universe: Matatalab Activity

Time: 45 minutes | Age Group: 6 to 11 years | Area of focus: Art & Coding

Start by explaining the following before initiating the activity:

What is Universe?

The universe is a very vast concept, it includes everything we see, sense, and touch around us. So, this means, all living beings, plants, animals, stones, galaxies, stars, etc. are all part of the universe. The list can’t be curtailed and would run into pages if we noted down everything that exists in the universe. But when children study this concept, they start to admire the beauty of its vastness and feel grateful!

What is the Solar System?

The solar system is very much a part of the universe. There are eight planets in the solar system, namely; Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Earth is the third planet from the sun and all of us live on planet Earth. Did you know that most of the major planets have their own moon, which orbits around the planets? So, stars, moons, asteroids, comets, and planets, together comprise the solar system.

Step 1: Google an image of the universe and show it to children as a reference, along with a picture of the solar system.

Step 2: Let children observe the different shapes and structures in the frame.

Step 3: Distribute sheets of large white paper on which children will need to draw.

Step 4: Let kids make use of their MatataBot with art extension. All necessary accessories come along with the Matatalab kit and if you want to learn about its availability in the GCC region or anywhere in the Middle East, simply visit this link https://knowledge-hub.com/matatalab/

Step 5: Demonstrate how to use the MatataBot to make shapes like; circles, triangles, squares, and pentagrams by using the degree blocks. Explain how the 360-degree block is used for drawing a circle.

Step 6: Divide children into groups or let them do this activity individually.

Step 7: Give sufficient time to figure out arrow keys and instruct the MatataBot to draw a picture of the universe.

Step 8: Let children color the picture and make it attractive.

Step 9: Congratulate students for their efforts and correct them, if necessary.

Recall the activity, by asking which shapes were used:

Pentagram: It is a five-pointed star that is formed by drawing continuous lines in five straight segments.

Triangle: A triangle has three straight sides and three angles. The sum of the angles of the triangle adds up to 180°. The vertex is the point where two lines meet in the triangle and therefore there are three vertices in any triangle.

Square: It is a four-sided polygon that has all four sides of equal length and the measure of all the angles are 90° each.

Circle: A round plane on which all the points are equidistant from the center point, is called a circle. It has no corners and no lines. The boundary line of the circle is called its circumference.

At the end of the session, ask these questions:

Q1) What do you understand by the term universe?

Q2) How many planets are there in our solar system?

Q3) Can you explain what a square is?

Q4) Does a circle have any sides?

Q5) Did you have fun drawing?

Q6) If you changed the path of the MatataBot from the left arrow to the right arrow would you notice any change in programming?

Q7) What vehicle does the astronaut use to travel to outer space?

This is how learning is made exciting for kids and the recall value is stronger through hands-on practice. The best part is that no prior knowledge is required for students to start their coding journey and even a complete beginner can learn to code using the Matatalab kit which is easily available in UAE.

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