Web 2.0 Tool Investigation: Google Docs
Google has many wonderful attributes, but the one that benefits students most and is currently widely used by schools across North America is Google Docs. It is an application where you can create, publish, and share documents and ideas for free. This is a perfect example of participatory culture concerning new media; not only can students be the agents of information, but they can share and collaborate with others around the world or simply in their own classrooms. Furthermore, it is not only available on internet browsers; due to its wide popularity, Google Docs is available as a free app for both Apple and Android users.
Another cool feature of Google Docs that is useful for classroom discussions and information sharing is the ability to edit ‘in time’; once shared with the desired persons, each person can log in and access the document at the same time. They can write and edit other work while others logged onto the same document watch from a different computer, and they too can edit what they or others write. It is a great way to share, peer edit, and publish works with others around them. Too see what I mean, watch this link here for a quick video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qTcDsbvbjk&list=PL7s5DxOdh7PRYkJJiB1rddyqY-54Yn_R5&index=4
For those of you not familiar with Google Docs, watch the tutorial video below to get started....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6V_h43-BIY
The most amazing feature with this tool, which benefits anyone that uses it, is the autosave feature. Unlike programs like Apple’s Pages and Microsoft Word, you never have to remember to save the work you have done. the tool automatically saves whatever you write from the work, so in the event your computer turns off or crashes, you never loose your work! And also, Google Doc has the option for users to sync their google account to the 'cloud', so that way if they cannot access their Google account they can access their work from the cloud. It is virtually impossible to lose your work when you use Google docs.
I can see why teachers admire this tool and use it frequently in classes. It can be geared towards any age group and the teacher can monitor every minute of action, so there is never a fear of students accessing information or sharing inappropriate information.
Even with all the current new features, Google Docs is always integrating new ideas to help make the tool more dynamic and useful for users. Watch the video below to see what I mean....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X5CKq9-gH4
For Teachers: Here is a link to a page to help teachers integrate google technology into the classroom:
http://www.alicekeeler.com/teachertech/
