III.+Google+Docs


 * Home * Introduction * Wallwisher * Google Docs * Wikispaces * Moodle * Conclusion * References *

= G O O G L E D O C S = by Danette Philpot

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The You Tube video "Google Docs in Plain English" is a great introduction and overview of the many advantages of Google Docs.

Google Docs is an excellent collaboration tool that can be used by teachers, administrators, guidance counselors and students. Google Docs allows a document to be edited by a group of individuals without the use of multiple emails. Team teachers could use this platform to collaborate on lesson plans. More and more school districts are requiring identical end of course exams and curriculum maps to keep courses on the same track. Using Google Docs would allow teachers of a subject to collaborate without meeting in person.



This platform documents previews and changes made by team members so it is always up to date. I have used a screen shot of my account to demonstrate how documents are listed with the originator listed first. Next to the originators name is the number of collaborators listed to edit or review the document. Any changes to the document will be identified with date, time and editor.



The Eastern Connection has used the Google Doc platform to collaborate on several projects including forming a plan of action on a group project (as shown above). This platform has been very useful to our group. In the future, I plan to use this platform when working with new teachers. We may collaborate for lesson plans, FFA (Future Farmers of America) student activities and any general presentation that may be useful to their success.

There are many advantages to using Google Docs. First, a document or presentation can be shared and edited by the group selected. Second, all members of a group may have input on changes and direction. Third, this platform provides a great tool for a group of individuals to collaborate.

As with any process, there are a few disadvatanges. While it is possible for too many edits to a document that a group may loose the general intent of the document. The use of the editing tools is simple for members who have computer experience, but those that lack general computer skills may find it difficult to navigate. Finally, many school districts have blocked access to gmail accounts. In my district, special permision will have to granted to use this platform on school computers.

A summary of the advantages and dIsadvantages are listed below for comparison.


 * __ ADVANTAGES __**


 * Edit document easily
 * All invited members can have input
 * Great Collaboration tool for
 * Lesson Plans
 * Large documents or contracts

__** DISADVANTAGES **__


 * Too many edits in a short time may loose focus
 * Need to learn the editing tools to be efficient
 * Must have a gmail account to gmail account
 * blocked in many school districts

* Home * Introduction * Wallwisher * Google Docs * Wikispaces * Moodle * Conclusion * References *