I apologize for repeating a digital tool, but my digital tool use is rather limited and by the time I got a chance to post a blog all the tools I use had already been used. Hopefully, EStott and I can give you all a good idea of what Google Docs is all about.
When using Google Docs, you can upload projects that are in progress or ready to share. After documents are uploaded – PowerPoints, Word documents, etc. – the creator can share the document with other individuals through Gmail. The creator also has the ability to decide what others can do – view, edit, or view and edit the project. All parties can simultaneously view and edit the documents. There is a slight delay of action, but it is rather quick to adapt. On the right-hand side of Word documents, participants can chat about their edits.
I have used Google Docs for a few months now and I have to say that I really enjoy it. I have upper-intermediate computer skills and was able to navigate the tool rather well after just a few uses. However, I am still discovering new elements every time I log on. It does take a few visits to understand the different icons, tools, and formatting elements. For me, the best way to figure it all out was trial and error. One of the features I really like is importing slides. I like to create my slides in PowerPoint and then import them into the collaborative slideshow. I can maintain the same format when I do so.
The other nice thing about Google Docs is that it is accessible anywhere because all one has to do is log into their Gmail account and open the document. This is one feature that will play a pivotal role in my classroom. I can create slideshows at home and access them at school without carrying my laptop or flash-drive. Also, when students are doing group projects they can all access and contribute to the projects whenever and wherever. I believe that this tool is worth learning and using because it is an easy way to make projects more accessible to all.
The following is a link to a Google Docs slideshow I did for one of my summer courses, Adolescent Development. https://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AQBZrgEL83TBZGY3aHBkbWNfMTB0bWJrM2Zoag&hl=en_US
I wish we were signing these posts I want to respond by saying great post so and so but no name is listed. Working in IT I have recently begun to use google docs everyday. I work in multiple buidlings, and on multiple computers. I could carry around a usb memory stick but I would and have left it in my car, at home, and in the pants pocket I wore yesturday. With google docs I can just save my document on the web and locate them by opening my email on any computer.
ReplyDeleteI also use this to share documents at work that mulitple members of my team collaborate on, like our lab reservations. I can see who put in what reservations and I can see who is in the document at the same time as me, and what changes they are making in real time. In previous tools we used only person could access the file at a time.
I was unaware that you cool access the same file on multiple commuters with multiple people. can you see the changes as they are made like a "watch me screen" or are they updated as the page refreshes?
ReplyDeleteKerrianne, You can watch the changes as they occur. I thought it was really neat when I first started to use it. However, sometimes it sometimes doesn't allow all parties to make changes at the same time, especially when it is on the same page or part of the document.
ReplyDeleteHi April,
ReplyDeleteI have heard about GoogleDocs, but never tried to use it before. However, I am realizing that this tool will be very useful as a teacher. I will be creating tons of Powerpoints, lecture handouts, and other digital compilations that can be stored in this manner as to not clutter up my email box or hard drive. What a great idea!
-Jasmine
April,
ReplyDeleteI don't have any experience with Google Docs so I found this very interesting. I look forward to learning about it as we work on our project about evolution. Having done many group projects in the past without the benefit of Google Docs, I am excited about the possibilities. I'm sure it will help our group work more efficiently and effectively. In addition, I especially like that I can access my documents from any computer. Like Ian, I will no longer have to worry about forgetting my flashdrive.
And I know that there is also one more thing that Google Docs can be used for: if you need to save a file or even a folder and have no flash drive with you, you can upload absolutely any type of document to Google Docs (need to make sure that the conversion is off). Thus Google Docs serves as a data storage service for you.
ReplyDeleteOlga Gamayunova