GoogleDocs
http://www.docs.google.com/
GoogleDocs is a form of online storage in the "cloud." It provides the capability to upload documents to your account (free account) and modify them once they are there. GoogleDocs is capable of handling documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and drawings (depending on your browser). Once in GoogleDocs, these documents can be converted into several types of files including text, .pdf, and Word. I find this incredibly useful as a teacher. I have yet to purchase the Microsoft Office Suite, however I can create documents at home in GoogleDocs and then modify them on any computer which has access to the Internet. In my school, I am capable of then converting them into Word to make any necessary adjestments I see fit.
As a teacher, the best part about GoogleDocs is its sharing capability. Once a document is uploaded, the user can choose to share that document. There are two options for sharing the link. The first is that only people with the link (even without a Google account) can access the document, and the second is that anyone on the Internet can view the document. For the link-only option one may also choose whether it is read only or if it can be edited. This is great for a department of teachers that would like to give the same test. Everyone in the department can have the link and each member can actively work on the test to make it satisfying for all.
GoogleDocs is very user friendly and very easy to become comfortable with. Taking just one hour of your time you can figure out exciting and useful possibilities that GoogleDocs offers. Without a doubt it is worth giving a shot. It can save immense amounts of time and effort. One item to note though is that GoogleDocs saves after each keystroke or change to the document. This allows several users to interact on the same document at once. Just be careful what you type in or take out!
Please feel free to access this link and edit a GoogleDoc for yourself.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Np6-XMpd3GUjYJ6vgUWUFFbubOS-5O9TTmEDoC8wWeY/edit?hl=en_US
Love Google Docs. I use it at work and at home. It makes it so easy to share and not have to worry about carrying a flash drive or logging in on a network to get saved files.
ReplyDeleteI have never used Google Docs, but it sounds really cool. I can see how this would be extremely useful to work with people without having to be in the same location. I love how it can adapt between different softwares. I will have to give it a try sometime.
ReplyDeleteHow long does it take to view changes made by another user? Does it require a refresh?
Eric,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post! I am currently starting a project where our group is using Google Docs. I have no experience using Google Docs so thank you for a thorough introduction to it.
I didn't realize that documents can be converted into different types of files. This seems like a great feature. Debbie