I first learned about HyperDocs at the International Society for Technology in Education earlier this year. They were new to me, but they have been around for a little while. The HyperDoc Girls coined the term and published a book in 2016.
So, what exactly is a hyperdoc? Basically, it is a hyperlinked document.
Hyperlinks + Document = HyperDoc
However, for educational purposes, it becomes so much more.
HyperDocs allow you to create and package a lesson plan tailored to fit the needs of your students. Plus, it is inherently engaging! Each lesson includes all the elements you would typically include in a successful lesson: engage, explore, explain, apply, share, and extend. While students are busy collaborating and reflecting on their learning, you are free to connect with students!
Teach with Tech
In the article, How HyperDocs can Transform Your Teaching, Jennifer Gonzalez breaks down some of the benefits of using hyperdocs:
- Fewer Lectures
- More Face-to-Face Interaction
- Flexibility
- Multimodal Opportunities
- Privacy
When I first started using hyperdocs earlier this school year, the word on the street was “She doesn’t teach.” What they meant was “She doesn’t lecture.” Honestly, I was a little worried about what that kind of narrative would mean for the parents perception of what goes on in my class, but I should have taken it as a compliment. Over the course of the school year, the kids are slowly “getting it.” I am not the sole keeper of information. Each of them has an iPad in their hands. My goal is to help them find, process, and apply meaningful information. HyperDocs are a great tool for this.
Have you tried HyperDoc lessons? What is your experience?
