Authors

  1. Vess, Kellee R. PhD, RN

Article Content

Why use online collaborative spaces to boost graduate students' writing skills and confidence? Online collaborative writing spaces use technology to allow multiple users to edit and work collaboratively on the same document. The simplest example of this is using Google Drive to create and edit group documents. At a more complex level, and for more faculty control, Microsoft's OneNote Application (App) can be used to create group notebooks. This option allows faculty to set up notebooks that are visible and editable by multiple users. Instructors can enroll and control access to these notebooks and create tabs for collaborative writing, individual tabs for uploading supporting documents, and other tabs as needed to meet course learning objectives. Furthermore, Microsoft OneNote App creates a platform to demonstrate in real time how to apply principles of scholarly writing and use of the American Psychological Association (APA) style for students to grow in their confidence as graduate students. For example, in Advanced Health Assessment, students develop an evidence-based plan of care. OneNote class notebook can be used as a collaborative space to demonstrate how to collect evidence-based materials, formulate a plan with realistic goals, and establish measurable outcomes, all while the faculty guides and supports the students' growth and confidence. The value of these collaborative spaces is that they create a positive environment that truly provides the scaffolding needed to develop succinct writing skills.