Using Google Docs Voice Typing for Speaking Homework

Google Docs can be used to create simple speaking assignments for students. With the Voice Typing tool, students can speak their answers directly into a Google Doc. This gives them a low-pressure way to practice speaking while also creating a written record of what they said.

This activity is easy to set up and works well for homework, speaking practice, grammar review, and follow-up classroom discussion.

Teaching Goal

The goal of this activity is to give students more speaking practice outside of class. Instead of typing answers, students use Google Docs Voice Typing to speak their responses.

In the tutorial example, students practice using would for past habits. The topic is childhood and teenage life.

Example Assignment

The teacher creates a Google Doc with simple instructions such as:

Life as a Teen
Talk about your childhood.
Use would for the past tense at least three times for each question.

Sample Questions

1. What was a typical day at school?
2. What was a typical evening?
3. What did you usually do on weekends?

Students answer the questions by speaking into Google Docs using Voice Typing.

Step 1: Create the Speaking Assignment

1. Create a new Google Doc.
2. Add the title and instructions.
3. Add the speaking target, such as a grammar point or vocabulary goal.
4. Add three or more speaking questions.
5. Add a reminder for students to use Voice Typing.

The assignment should be simple and clear. Students need to know what to talk about and what language target they should practice.

Step 2: Create a Copy Link for Students

To give each student their own copy of the document, create a copy link.

1. Open the Google Doc.
2. Click Share.
3. Change access to Anyone with the link.
4. Copy the link.
5. In the URL, replace edit with copy.

When students open this link, Google will ask them to make their own copy of the assignment.

Step 3: Add the Assignment to the Class Homework Page

Add the copy link to your class homework page. This allows students to access the assignment when you are ready to give it to them.

For example, the homework page might include a link that says:

Make a copy

Students click the link, make their own copy, and complete the speaking task in their own Google Doc.

Step 4: Students Use Voice Typing

Once students have their own copy, they can use Voice Typing in Google Docs.

How Students Turn On Voice Typing

1. Open the Google Doc.
2. Click Tools.
3. Select Voice typing.
4. Allow microphone access.
5. Place the cursor where they want the text to appear.
6. Click the microphone icon.
7. Speak their answer.

Google Docs will automatically turn their speech into text.

Example Student Answer

For the question What was a typical day at school?, a student might say:

First, I would take the bus to school. I would get there about thirty minutes before school started. My friends and I would play soccer or basketball. Then we would start our morning classes. After school, I would take the bus home and I would usually play outside with my friends.

This gives students natural practice using the target grammar in a meaningful way.

Step 5: Students Submit Their Homework

After students finish speaking, they submit the link to their Google Doc.

Student Submission Steps

1. Click Share on their completed Google Doc.
2. Change access to Anyone with the link.
3. Copy the link.
4. Go back to the class homework page.
5. Open the homework submission form.
6. Enter their name.
7. Paste the homework link.
8. Add an optional comment.
9. Submit the form.

Students can use the comment box to explain problems, ask questions, or reflect on the activity.

Step 6: Teacher Checks the Homework

The teacher can collect all student submissions with a Google Form.

1. Open the Google Form used for homework submission.
2. Click Responses.
3. Choose View in Sheets.
4. Open each student link from the spreadsheet.
5. Review the student’s spoken response transcript.

This creates a simple homework log where the teacher can see who submitted the work and quickly open each student’s document.

Why This Activity Works

• Students get extra speaking practice outside of class.
• The task is easy to set up with free tools.
• Students can practice grammar in a meaningful context.
• The teacher gets a written record of the student’s speech.
• Students can review and notice their own spoken English.
• The activity works well as preparation for the next class.

Classroom Follow-Up

The next day, students can return to their answers and use them for classroom speaking activities.

Teachers can ask students to:

• Compare answers with a partner
• Read and improve their spoken transcript
• Find examples of the target grammar
• Correct voice typing mistakes
• Retell their answer without looking
• Ask follow-up questions

Teacher Tips

• Keep the speaking questions simple.
• Give students a clear grammar or vocabulary target.
• Show students how to turn on Voice Typing before assigning the task.
• Remind students to allow microphone access.
• Tell students to change sharing settings before submitting.
• Use the comment box for student questions or technical problems.
• Use the submitted documents again in the next class.

Best Uses

• Speaking homework
• Grammar practice
• Fluency building
• Reflection tasks
• Pronunciation awareness
• Pre-class preparation
• Follow-up discussion

Final Thoughts

Google Docs Voice Typing is a simple way to turn a writing document into a speaking activity. Students speak their answers, Google Docs creates the transcript, and the teacher collects the work through a homework form.

With a class homework page, copy links, and a simple submission form, teachers can create a smooth speaking homework system in just a few minutes.