Easily Translate in Google Docs

Easily Translate in Google Docs

Google Docs makes it easy for users to translate reading passages, texts, instructions, and other important documents for students. This feature helps classroom teachers increase access for English learners.

The purpose of this post is to walk you through how to use Google Docs to help your students translate your documents.

First, make your Google Doc accessible.

1. Share a link
2. Share a copy for each student in Google Classroom

While on a Google Doc, click "Tools" at the top and select "Translate Document."

Next, rename the document, select a language, and click the blue "Translate" button.

A new Google Doc will open. The text will be translated. A student can open two window or have two tabs open and move between the English version and the newly translated text. Learn More.

This feature in Google Docs can be extremely helpful for our EL students. It can also save classroom teachers a good amount of time. This is a tool that will help teachers reach their English learners immediately. Tools like this can build student confidence and increase engagement.

Regarding writing, students can express ideas in their primary language and translate their writing into English. 

Eventually, students will not need as many documents translated. Tools like this will be less effective, but they are useful for our students with limited English proficiency.