Google Docs

With a free subscription, you have access to tools that allow you to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations online.

What's the advantage?

Files can be created while online and saved for later retrieval online OR files can be created online then exported as Word documents.  Anything created in Word, Excel or PowerPoint can be uploaded to Google docs and you can continue to work on them wherever you have Internet access.

What else can I do with Google docs?

Anything you create or save in Google docs can also be shared with others.  This is a distinct advantage when you're trying to work on a document that needs input from others.  Instead of sending a copy of a file via email, you can share your Google doc for others to edit.

In addition to sharing, two people can be working on the same document at the same time.  When two or more people who are sharing a document are online at the same time to work on the document, a discussion about the edits can be held by click on the "Discuss" tab.

A New Tool at Google Docs

Recently (as of 2/2/0/08) Google added a feature that allows users to create forms.  These forms can be used for surveys.  Create a new spreadsheet, give it a specific name, then click on the Share tab.  Click on the option under "invite people" labeled as "to fill out a form."  From here you'll be prompted to create a form where users can respond to questions or prompts by selecting a choice from a list of multiple choices, use a checkbox or enter text.  The very best part of this is that, as people you've invited fill out the form, all of the data is "dumped" into the blank spreadsheet that you initially created.  You can invite people to fill out the form by inserting their email addresses where prompted or you can just send them the link that's generated once your form has been created.

Instructional Applications for Google Docs

• Use the spreadsheet/form option to create a multiple choice test. Place the link to this form online in your group shared folder for easy access by your students. All of this data is placed right into a spreadsheet that you can download and open in Excel to analyze the data you've received from students.  Just be sure that one of the areas on your form is a spot for students to type in their name - otherwise, the data only shows up as an anonymous response.
• Use the spreadsheet option to create a survey that others in your school will use so that your students can collect and analyze data.
• Create a class Google docs account using a Yahoo or other email account.  Now you can create documents online that students can access easily in class or from home.
• Anything you'd like students to work on collaboratively can be started in Google docs.
• Create a personal Google docs account so that you can work with other teachers to collaboratively create units of study for your grade level.  One person creates the document and shares it with others who can then edit that document or discuss the creation of the documents with other members of the team.