Welcome back.
Today let's look at Google Docs. This is Google's suite of word processor, spreadsheet, presentation maker, and form producer. It's very much like the Microsoft Office suite. Again, this is a free service offered by Google, so there are some pros and cons.
Pros: The really nice thing about Google docs is that your work is saved in the clouds. This means that your work is saved on a server somewhere in cyberspace, it is not saved on any specific device. You can then work on any of your documents from anywhere that has internet access. This can be a tremendous benefit for students or teachers who want to work on assignments from school and home. You no longer need to save a backup or email a copy to yourself.
The other great benefit to Google docs is that it allows students, teachers, administrators or any combination of these to collaborate on a variety of projects. Students can work on a group presentation, a slideshow for example, and not have to be together in the same space or at the same time to complete their presentation.
The Google form is a great way to collect information. It's easy to set up a questionnaire or even a quiz . A link to the form can be posted in a classroom, on a website or sent via email. Your target audience can then complete the form at their leisure. Once they submit the form you can view the data as a spreadsheet. You could easily set up a Google form as an exit card strategy for a lesson or workshop.
Google doc autosaves your work as you go. This is a huge benefit, especially for students or those people who forget to save their work as they go.
Cons: While Google docs mirrors many of the basic functions of other office suites (Microsoft Office, iWork, etc...) it does not have many of the advanced features. For example you have a limited number of fonts to choose from. There are fewer templates to choose from when deciding on the appearance of your document.
Another downside to using Google docs is its reliance on an internet connection. However, just like working with a school and home computer, Google docs gives you the option to save your work to a USB key.
This video does an excellent job of explaining the collaborative benefits of Google docs.
Thought this might be an interesting way to pose the question to you, Mitch...
ReplyDeleteI like Google Docs (a lot). I ask students to use it when creating and submitting work for classes. Now, with the board's new Social Media Policy, it's become a little problematic using Google Docs. I can't share with them (nor vice versa), because teachers aren't part of Google Apps. We can't collaborate with the students.
I've asked for a Student account (so I can be monitored by the board), but 2 days on, I haven't heard anything.
Other suggestions?