A Teacher’s Guide to Free Tools for Observing Student Writing Processes
For educators, understanding how students approach writing assignments is invaluable. Watching the evolution of a draft—the pauses, revisions, and bursts of creativity—can reveal insights into a learner’s critical thinking, problem-solving habits, and confidence. Tools like Draftback once made this possible by replaying a student’s writing process within Google Docs. However, as many teachers discovered, Draftback’s paid model left classrooms searching for accessible alternatives. The good news? Free, user-friendly options exist. Here’s a practical guide to tools that let you observe students’ writing journeys without breaking the bank.
—
Why Track the Writing Process?
Before diving into alternatives, let’s address why monitoring writing behavior matters. When teachers see how students write—not just the final product—they can:
– Identify struggles early: Is a student spending 30 minutes staring at a blank page? Do they delete entire paragraphs repeatedly? These patterns hint at anxiety or gaps in understanding.
– Celebrate progress: Watching a hesitant writer gradually build confidence through small edits is rewarding and informs personalized feedback.
– Teach metacognition: By reviewing their own writing process, students learn to reflect on strategies like outlining, revising, or time management.
Draftback excelled at visualizing this journey, but its shift to a paid model left educators scrambling. Let’s explore free solutions that fill this gap.
—
Option 1: Google Docs Version History + Screen Recording
While not a direct Draftback replacement, combining Google Docs’ built-in features with free screen recorders offers a workaround.
How It Works:
1. Ask students to write in Google Docs (already a staple in many classrooms).
2. Use Google Docs’ Version History (File > Version History > See Version History) to review timestamps of major edits.
3. For real-time playback, pair this with a free screen recorder like Loom or OBS Studio. Students can record their screens while writing, capturing their process from start to finish.
Pros:
– No new tools required for schools already using Google Workspace.
– Screen recordings provide context beyond text edits (e.g., research tabs, distractions).
Cons:
– Manual setup: Students must remember to record their screens.
– Storage: Large video files may require cloud storage solutions.
Best For: Teachers comfortable with basic tech who want to observe both writing and digital workflow habits.
—
Option 2: Eduflow’s Browser-Based Writing Activity
Eduflow, a free online learning platform, offers a unique “Browser Recording” feature that tracks how students interact with writing tasks.
How It Works:
1. Create a writing assignment in Eduflow.
2. Enable Browser Recording—this captures students’ screens as they type in real time.
3. Review the recording to see their process, including pauses, edits, and external research.
Pros:
– Integrated platform: Combines assignment creation, submission, and process tracking.
– Privacy-focused: Recordings are stored securely and accessible only to instructors.
Cons:
– Limited to browser-based writing (not ideal for offline work).
– Requires students to work within Eduflow’s interface.
Best For: Structured online courses or flipped classrooms where assignments are completed digitally.
—
Option 3: LibreTexts’ Collaborative Editor
LibreTexts, an open-source education platform, includes a collaborative editor with real-time playback features.
How It Works:
1. Create a shared document in LibreTexts.
2. Students write directly in the editor, which automatically saves versions.
3. Use the Timeline Slider to replay writing sessions, similar to Draftback’s interface.
Pros:
– No installation required—runs entirely in the browser.
– Encourages peer collaboration with multi-user editing.
Cons:
– Less polished interface compared to Google Docs.
– Limited formatting options for complex assignments.
Best For: STEM-focused classrooms or group projects where collaboration is key.
—
Option 4: Penflip + Basic Scripting
For tech-savvy educators, Penflip (a Markdown-based writing platform) can be customized with simple scripts to mimic Draftback’s replay function.
How It Works:
1. Students write in Penflip, which tracks changes in Markdown format.
2. Use a free browser extension like Tampermonkey to install a script that visualizes edits over time.
Pros:
– Lightweight and distraction-free for students.
– Customizable to show edits in a “keystroke-by-keystroke” style.
Cons:
– Requires comfort with coding basics.
– Limited support compared to mainstream platforms.
Best For: Computer science teachers or advanced students comfortable with Markdown.
—
Making the Most of Writing Process Data
Whichever tool you choose, here’s how to turn observations into actionable insights:
– Spotlight growth: Share anonymized replays to show the class how peers overcame writer’s block.
– Normalize imperfection: Use examples of messy drafts to reduce pressure and emphasize iteration.
– Adjust deadlines: If students consistently rush at the last minute, introduce checkpoints for outlines or rough drafts.
—
Final Thoughts
While Draftback’s pricing model may have been a setback, it sparked innovation in free educational tools. Whether you choose browser recordings, open-source editors, or collaborative platforms, the goal remains the same: fostering a classroom where the writing process is visible, celebrated, and refined. By leveraging these alternatives, teachers can continue to support students in developing not just stronger papers, but stronger thinking—one keystroke at a time.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » A Teacher’s Guide to Free Tools for Observing Student Writing Processes