Google Docs!
What is it?
Google Documents is a web-based program that can be used for word-processing, spreadsheets, and presentation. The great thing about it is how easy Google makes it to collaborate with groups of peers or co-workers. You can create documents and presentations and work with a group without having to juggle hundreds of e-mails to exchange updated copies and you can even work on presentations together, in real-time, without even being in the same room. Google Docs makes a great place to back-up and save your files because it can be accessed from any computer! There's even a program that lets you use some of the great tools while still offline!
Convenience of Google Docs
Google Docs has completely changed the way people are communicating. Rather than spending time emailing back and forth it is now so much easier. Google Docs allows students to collaborate their thoughts even when they are miles apart. There is a chat box on the side where it is feasible for students to talk with one another much like Yahoo Messenger or AIM. Google Docs allows students to work at the same time on the exact same assignment much like they were sitting next to each other. Those that are considered collaborators and not viewers are able to edit the document. The document will show which person has edited which parts and since a person must be invited to the document in order to edit there is not a chance for intruders. The convenience of using Google Docs has people around the world using it as a form of communication and learning.
Where do we find it?
There are actually two places to access Google Documents. First, as an ASU student, you have a special button on your MyASU page. It's on the right side of your screen, where your email is. Just click and use your same ASUrite username and password.
The second way to access Google Documents it from www.google.com. Along the top left there are links to other google tools, like images, news, and Gmail. There is also a link that says More. This link leads to a drop-down menu with even more links! Just click on documents (about the 10th one down) and it'll take you directly to the sign on page at www.documents.google.com(or you can also go straight there). This will bring you to the google sign-on page where you will need to either create a new google/gmail account, or you can use an existing account.
Benefits to Using Google Docs in Education
- Mess-free form of communication online
- Available to any person with access to a computer
- Data can be quickly retrieved and assessed
- Information is readily available to parents and students in the comfort of their home
- Users can create websites within their documents, opening up many more options
- If you do not have an account with Google Docs you can still view the needed information, you just cannot edit them.
- Allows students to be more involved with the learning process, ie: collecting data, on-going discussions, greater access to resources
More Resources on the Benefits to Using Google Docs in the Classroom
http://www.infinitethinking.org/2007/10/over-past-few-weeks-some-powerful-new.html
http://edtechlife.com/?p=1863
http://groups.google.com/group/hosted-settingup/browse_thread/thread/0d76628ac063b403/9b682542c31258b5?lnk=raot
http://remoteaccess.typepad.com/remote_access/2008/02/google-docs-and.html
http://www.google.com/educators/p_docs.html
http://www.classroom20.com/video/video/show?id=649749%3AVideo%3A127656
http://www.esc1.net/129310101014405833/lib/129310101014405833/Collaborative_Class_Projects_with_Blogs_and_Google_Apps_-_Presentation.ppt
How do we use it?
Using Google Docs is pretty simple, especially if you've ever used a word-processor or presentation maker before. However, some of the tools are new and you may not have seen them before. To help you out, we've included a few links.
This link will help you go through an interactive guide on the uses of Google Docs.
http://services.google.com/apps/resources/overviews/welcome/topicDocs/index.html
This link will take you to a video overview on YouTube called "Google Docs: In Plain English."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRqUE6IHTEA
Google's Help Center is also an amazing resource.
http://documents.google.com/support/?ctx=ausers&hl=en
In case you want to know more about using Google Docs offline...
What is Google Docs offline?
Google Docs now allows you to view and edit your word processing documents offline, without an Internet connection. To do all of this, Google Docs uses Google Gears, an open source browser extension that adds offline functionality directly to the browser. Google Docs can be accessed offline by typing http://docs.google.com into your browser or by clicking on the desktop shortcut that is downloaded during the installation process.
Created by Alaina Bradford, Catalina Lopez, Renee Vos, and Ashley Peters
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