Hyped for HyperDocs

When my school district first announced that the start of the 2020-21 school year would be online, I was nervous. I hadn't even had a full year of teaching in a regular classroom and was unprepared to teach through a screen. A few weeks into the school year, though, once of my colleagues suggested that I look into HyperDocs. I am still a novice when it comes to incorporating them in the classroom, but I have become a fan of using HyperDocs.

So what is HyperDocs? In short, a HyperDoc is an interactive Google file that guides your student through a concept, unit, or project. It can be a slideshow, document, or any other Google format that students can edit. Students are able to work through material at their own pace and guide themselves in learning. It turns direct instruction on its head and allows the teacher to become a support in learning instead of being a lecturer.

But why create these for your classroom? Isn't it a lot of upfront work? Yes, it is a lot of prep. You are creating something that could last days to weeks when you could just tell your students the same things in a lecture style. I wholeheartedly believe the prep is worth it and want to let you know some of the benefits I've seen from adding HyperDocs to my classroom.

First and foremost, a HyperDoc allows learning to become self-directed and for students to work at their own ability level. Students are hands on with the material and interact with it in a meaningful way, meaning that they lead themselves through learning without even realizing it. I walk around the room and support as needed, but students are in charge of taking themselves through the material. Whether I have a student who reading above grade level or one who struggles with comprehension, they can work through HyperDocs at their own pace. Students don't feel the pressure that often comes with note taking and trying to keep up with instruction. I also make sure to include many open ended questions and activities that allow students to perform to the best of their ability. My students who are strong writers and reflectors are able to craft strong responses and students who need practice in these areas are able to get low-pressure exposure to build their skills.

HyperDocs can teach time and self management skills. I always tell my students when their HyperDocs are due and give ample work time in class. This means that it is up to my students to use their time wisely to meet a deadline. If work time is used well, my students are able to hand in their assignment with time to spare. They then can use that time for other work or some well-deserved free time. My students who do not use this time often realize that there is a benefit in using work time because HyperDocs become homework if not finished in class. It is up to my students to work through the material and guide themselves to finish in a timely fashion.

Cross curricular instruction also becomes easier with HyperDocs. I am able to create more well-rounded lessons when I can link to a variety of videos and websites related to a topic. When learning about World Music, I am able to include historical and geographical information to help give my students a more complete understanding of the country they are learning about. For my instrument families unit, I can include how instruments have changed throughout history and the scientific reasons instruments create sound. When we paint the whole picture for students, they get a better understanding of the topic and often times retain more information about it.

HyperDocs are also easy to edit over time and reuse. Because they are Google files, I can go back and add or remove information or tweak things that didn't work. The units I teach don't change, but it is much easier to reflect on my teaching practice when I can go through my HyperDocs and look at how I can improve what I taught.

I am FAR from an expert on HyperDocs, but I highly recommend trying them out. I have included the website below where there are shared resources, HyperDocs you can download, and free courses on creating and adopting HyperDocs to your classroom. If you are interested in changing the way you teach and having students take ownership of their learning, HyperDocs are worth your time.

HyperDocs Website

One of my HyperDocs