HyperDocs! Need I say more????

This post was updated on 6/11/16 to include links to new videos and resources.

I love HyperDocs. Love, love, love them. I love making them, I love co-creating them with other teachers, and most of all, I LOVE watching and connecting the kids while they work on them. If you aren't familiar with this awesome digital tool keep reading for the 411 on HyperDocs!

Where did HyperDocs come from?

The terrific trio Lisa Highfill, Kelly Hilton and Sarah Landis coined the term HyperDocs when they created this amazing digital tool. They also created @Tsgivets a Twitter account dedicated to helping teachers share their creations with one another for FREE! How awesome is that?

A hyperwhat?

I first learned about HyperDocs from my colleague Nick Zefeldt when he came to give me some tech TOSA tips. He showed me an example hyperdoc and went through the lesson with me. BAM that was it, match made in edtech heaven! I was hooked on HyperDocs!

Isn't a hyperdoc just a doc with hyperlinks???

NOPE! It is SO much more! The beauty of HyperDocs is that the creation of the doc itself requires the teacher to take into consideration the needs of the students, how they will engage in the content, what ways they can reflect on their own learning, and how they can show what they know. It is also ALL about packaging. HyperDocs LOOK engaging because they are. Kids enjoy doing them and while they are learning, collaborating, creating and reflecting in their doc the teacher is given the gift of time to connect with students and engage in quality conversations with them about their learning.

Click here to see a larger version of this image.

OK I'm interested, how do I learn more?

At the CUE 2015 National conference held on March 17-19th 2016, Lisa held a session called Extreme Pedagogy Makeover using HyperDocs. This session gave us an overview of what HyperDocs are and how to get started. Check out the HyperDocs Explained page on Lisa's website and watch the entire session below!

NEW WEBSITE ALERT!!!

The official Teachers Give Teachers website is here! An INCREDIBLE site filled with amazing resources. You can Take 1 by searching through the ever growing library of shared HyperDocs created by teachers everywhere. OR you can Give 1 by registering on the site (easy peasy to do, you can register with Google) and upload your OWN HyperDoc (see LOTS of resources on how to create your own below) to share with the world! Go to TeachersGiveTeachers.net and check it out, it's pretty dang awesome.

I'm hooked! How do I get started creating?

Three ways to get started with HyperDocs.

1.  Use a template to guide you.
My favorite way to begin using HyperDocs is with a template. Lisa, Sarah and Kelly have created some FABULOUS templates you can copy and use. They are a great way to get started making HyperDocs. As I began to do some trainings with my staff and district I started creating some HyperDoc templates that included links to resources and ideas for each section. I spoke about the power of templates and Google tools when I was a guest on their weekly show "HyperDoc Hangouts on Air". See the episode below and get links to all of the templates and resources I shared by clicking "show more" under the YouTube video.

2. Remix someone else's already awesome HyperDoc!
The great thing about Twitter and TeachersGiveTeachers.net is that LOTS of teachers are sharing their amazing HyperDocs for FREE online. I post mine all the time! Here is a link to my shared HyperDocs folder that I will continue to add to (most have also been added to the website). The best part is that the teachers posting their work encourage you to take their HyperDoc and tweak it to turn it into one that works for you and your students (just be sure to put "inspired by" and the original creator's name at the bottom)! THAT is the power of TeachersGiveTeachers.net. In addition to the terrific trio there are some incredible HyperDoc creators sharing their resources online. Follow these people on Twitter, check out their blogs or websites and snag their HyperDoc gems!

Rocky Logue @slogue89
7th Grade Teacher, Templeton, CA
mrloguesroom.com

Heather Marshall @MsMarshallCMS
Middle School Teacher, Crockett, CA
middleschoolmind.com

Sean Fahey @SeanJFahey
4th Grade Teacher, Paoli, IN
faheystech.blogspot.com

Kendra Tyler @ktylercuesd
Junior High School Teacher, Corning, CA

teachingwithoutaquill.wordpress.com

Matt McFarlane @MrMacsclasses
Middle School Teacher, Templeton, CA
mrmacsroom.weebly.com

Lisa Guardino @LisaGuardino
Educational Technology TOSA
scribblesfromaschoolteacher.com

In addition to the website also check out this padlet FILLED with awesome HyperDocs shared by tons of amazing teachers. When you create one upload it to TeachersGiveTeachers.net and add it to the padlet too!

Created with Padlet

3. Start from a blank slate.
Open up a new Google Doc or Google Slides presentation and get creating! Lisa, Sarah and Kelly have got you covered with their How-To HyperDoc website! This site gives you step-by-step directions for creating your own hyperdoc. Also check out Lisa's "HyperDocs Explained" webpage for more ideas and links. Scroll down to Getting Started and check out the "Tips for Creating your own HyperDoc" link!

But WAIT There's MORE!

The HyperDoc Handbook is FINALLY Here!

Lisa, Sarah and Kelly have written a book! The HyperDoc Handbook has finally been released and it is already the #1 Best Seller in Computers and Technology! 

Order your copy on Amazon today and jump on the HyperDoc train! Don't forget to write a review if you love it and spread the love on Twitter with #HyperDocs and @TsGiveTs.