By Ashley Addis
What is Google Docs?
Google Docs is a free web-based service provided by Google. It allows you to create, upload, store, share, and collaborate in real-time on documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDFs and forms. Your documents are stored on Google's server. This means you can create, edit and collaborate on documents from anywhere through an internet connection. You also have the option of downloading your work in various file formats to your computer. The user can control who has access to their work by sharing their documents with others as viewers or collaborators. The best part: no more attachments! Documents are shared through email, but the recipient receives a web link, no downloading required. The programs are scaled down for ease of use on the Internet, but all of the basic functions and tools are available. You will experience using the different programs later in the presentation.
History of Google Docs:
Google Docs was created in 2006 when Google acquired the Upstartle company. Upstartle designed the web-based word processor used for Google Docs. Two programs were combined to form Google Docs; the Writely program created by Upstartle and Google Spreadsheets created by Google. Presentations came in September of 2007 when Google acquired Tonic Systems which wrote the program for creating web-based slide presentations. You can check out more of the history of Google at the Google Corporate Information Site.
How does Google Docs work?
Check out this short video: "Google Docs in Plain English"
Now, let's learn by doing, follow these three steps:
STEP 1. Enter your name and answer the question in the following Google Docs "Form". Then, click Submit.
**Although you do not need a gmail account to use Google Docs, you will need to use the following login information for this activity:
Login= student.edu214e@gmail.com
Password= student2009
STEP 3. Visit each of the four Google Docs and follow the directions for each:
- Document- add a sentence to the story
- Spreadsheet- Type your name and tell something about yourself
- Presentation
- Form- Check out the responses to the form
- PDF- Look through the upoaded PDF about Google Docs and Spreadsheets!
You will quickly see how Google Docs works in real-time!
How can Google Docs be used in the classroom?
There are many innovative ways teachers have used Google Docs for their classrooms, here are a few examples:
- Collaboration: Students and Teachers can work together collaboratively, creatively and easily. They can work on a single doc in real time, whether or not they are in the same school or classroom! Students can work together on a shared presentation from school or home and then present to the class. Through the revisions history, you can also keep track of group participation. Teachers can share and collaborate on lesson plans or share class projects over time.
- Data: Keep track of grades, attendance, etc. Share these docs with other teachers to track students you share between classes. Also, share information with parents and students to track their own progress. Create quizzes and/or tests using the Forms feature; your students answers will automatically be timestamped and organized in a spreadsheet.
- Monitor Progress and Give Feedback: Encourage your students to write and make revisions in a document shared with you. You can check up on their work at any time, monitor their revisions, provide feedback and help using the comments feature before the final product is due.
- Communicate: Keep parents, administrators and other teachers/ classes up to date with what's going on in your class. Create and share documents including class projects, news letters, announcements, etc. No more worrying about whether or not those papers make it home or not!
Google Docs resources for future learning:
Google Docs Home and Sign In
Google Docs Tour
Google Docs Help Center
Using Google Docs in the Classroom: Tips and Tricks
Getting to Know Google Docs
Google Docs applications for future teaching:
Example Classroom Projects Using Google Docs
Marble Experiment
Halloween Story (Also visit their classroom Wiki, "Smarties of 203" explaining the project)
Candidate Watch Spreadsheet
Charting with Google Tools Spreadsheet
Teacher Sites
Google For Educators: Google Docs
Idea: Docs for Teachers - Google Docs Help Center
Articles and Presentations
Google Docs & Spreadsheets: Collaborating in the Library or Classroom By Christopher Case, Teacher, Miller Creek Middle School, Marinwood, California
Google Docs: An Overview for Educators
Google Teacher Academy- Docs and Spreadsheets in the Classroom.pdf
*** You DO NOT need to complete the survey for this sample but copy the Feedback Survey Link below and paste it in your wiki page***
Let us know how we did! Please fill out the Feedback Survey. Thank you!
Other Resources:
YouTube Video- "Google Docs in Plain English"
Wikipedia: Google Docs
Google Corporate Information Site
Article: Google Docs and Spreadsheets in the Classroom
Do you have any questions, comments, etc.?
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