First of all, it is important to emphasise what HyperDocs are not. HyperDocs are not just digital worksheets. They are thoughtfully designed digital lessons that support student-centred, inquiry-based learning. A well designed HyperDoc is interactive and transformative.
#HyperDocs are not just digital worksheets. They are thoughtfully designed digital lessons that support student-centred, inquiry-based learning. Click To TweetHyperDocs are typically made using G Suite apps such as Google Docs or Google Slides (this makes for easy distribution and feedback through Google Classroom). The HyperDoc includes all content and activities that the students will need, either on the document or hyperlinked. Everything is accessible from one document so that students can independently progress through the guided inquiry at their own pace.
As a teacher, I value time with small groups and individuals in order to best support and personalise learning. HyperDocs allow for this because they offer a worthwhile task for other students to work on independently. In my experience, the independent students tend not to disturb or interrupt the teacher’s group because they are focused and engaged.
I strongly suggest visiting HyperDocs.co for more information and to see some expert examples. This fantastic site, created by “The HyperDoc Girls” (Sarah Landis, Kelly Hilton and Lisa Highfill), offers advice on how to avoid the “digital worksheet” mistake. The site suggests various models and cycles that promote higher-level thinking. For example, they have templates for the “5 Es” (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate) and other useful routines. Click here to explore their templates. They can be downloaded and customised to fit your needs.
“Teaching with HyperDocs has been the ultimate change agent in our classrooms.”
The HyperDoc Girls
To evaluate a HyperDoc, the ladies suggest checking for the “4 Cs”: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Communication. Does the HyperDoc offer opportunities for these? I have shared some of my own imperfect examples below. They were created before I discovered the useful website and I now recognise their shortcomings. Using this checklist of Cs, how would you evaluate them and how could they be improved? I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
The website also has a sharing section named Teachers Give Teachers. This is a fantastic library of ready-made HyperDocs that teachers can copy, adapt and use with their students. This platform is free but teachers are encouraged to #Give1Take1. Try searching the collection for a HyperDoc that is relevant to your classroom studies. Alternatively, browse the HyperDoc samples. Even if you can’t find a relevant one, the examples will hopefully inspire you to make your own. The layouts could be useful even if the content needs to be changed.
The HyperDoc Girls also wrote The HyperDoc Handbook. This comes highly recommended and could prove to be a useful resource as you implement HyperDocs into your classroom practice.
I hope that this has been a useful introduction. Once again, I encourage you to explore HyperDocs.co for information, templates and samples. Feel free to link your own HyperDocs to the comment section below to offer more examples. I look forward to seeing them and learning with you.
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