How to Write and Submit with Google Docs

Writing your essay in a Google Doc can be a great option, not only because it allows instructors and TAs to comment directly on the document, but also because it allows you to create a history of your written work. This is helpful for keeping track of changes and easily reverting back to earlier drafts. If you are ever asked about plagiarism/AI usage, you can also use this history to demonstrate the originality of your work. Just make sure your settings are set correctly - if not, your instructor may not be able to view your assignment at all.

Share Settings

To update your share settings, open the Doc you want to submit and click the "Share" button at the top right of the screen.

From there, under "General Access", you'll see the current settings. Click the dropdown arrow and select "Anyone with the link."

Then, you'll see another dropdown menu appear to the right, where you can choose if you want people to be able to view, comment, or edit your document.

That's it, you're done! Just copy the link via the "Copy link" button and past it onto the submission page.

Version History

In Google Docs, all of your edits are automatically tracked, so you don't have do to anything extra to enable this feature. Just start typing!

To view your version history, click the small clock icon with a counterclockwise arrow at the top of the toolbar. Clicking this icon opens the version history panel, where you can see previous edits, timestamps, and contributors.

Remember: When submitting essay for TEL courses, you will be expected to upload a .doc, .docx, PDF file. Be sure to copy the share link of your doc and paste it at the top of the page before downloading your document as a PDF.

Writing and Submitting an Essay with Google Docs