What are Google Docs?
What are the system requirements?
The program and all resulting data are stored on Google's secure servers. There are no hardware requirements. Your browser does all the work. You only need to enable your browser's cookies and javascript and have a valid email address to use for sign up and verification. If you have a gmail account or use any of Google's other online products then your are already verified. Google promises to keep your data safe. In fact many fortune 500 companies use this service. However, if you are concerned about sensitive information, perhaps it would be best to keep it on your hard drive. If you are concerned your data may become inaccessible, make sure you keep regular back-ups. What kinds of documents can be shared? Any file can be saved to your Google Docs account, but for now only the following can be shared.
O.K, Sounds Great - How do I get started? Once you have set up your account open your Google Docs (located under "Documents" on the Google search page) click the create button.  The options are pretty straight forward. Choose a file type to create or select "From template" and modify an existing document. The menu items associated with each file type are very similar to the popular software you may be familiar with. Documents Here is the Google Doc document bar. Look familiar? Its simplicity is one of the things that make it perfect for the classroom. Students with some computer skills will understand it immediately. Those that don't will be able to take it one step at a time without being overwhelmed by options.  If you want to ensure your Google document's formatting will play well with other programs make sure you create your file using the "fixed page width" option under the "View" tab. It will give you a better idea of how your doc will look if printed.  You may also want to use tables to format your spacing as these seem to translate better than block text - and keep it simple! Google Docs is not a $900 fully featured fantabulous word processor. It does have limits, but its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks in terms of building collaborative workspaces - which brings us to sharing. To share a document click the "Share" button in the upper right hand corner. You can choose to get a link to send, email as an attachment, publish as a webpage or invite people. If you invite people you may also select their level of editing privileges. 
Presentations You can import an existing PowerPoint or create a new one. Like the Google Docs word processor, the presentation tools are easy to use and simply laid out. My favourite thing about Google Presentation is the fact you can access them from any machine. I used to lug my laptop into the classroom to show movies and presentations. Then I realized - why don't I just use the ancient Pentium1 in the corner? I'm not running or downloading any software on it. It has a modern browser. So now I only haul one piece of equipment into class (the projector) instead of two. Works like a charm! You can embed them on any site that allows you to plug in the HTML embed code. Here is a presentation I did for a recent TESL conference. Once I publish it - I can post it anywhere on the internet. My other favourite feature of Google presentation is the ability to share and discuss your presentation online in real time. Once you have started your presentation click the "View Together" button at the bottom of the page to enter a sidebar chat you can invite as many paticipants as you like. If you teach online this is a great addition to your teaching arsenal! Other options include downloading as a PDF , shared editing and print slides (found under the actions tab). 
As with document creation, Google Docs presentations don't match up to powerful tools such as Microsoft's PowerPoint, but again its simplicity is its strength, and what you loose in features you make up in real time sharing ! Spreadsheets and Forms O.K, I have a confession to make. I am terrible at using spreadsheets. I'm sure Google has a myriad of features that will make math teachers and accountangs everywhere quiver with delight, but I'm not a math teacher. If I were to try to explain Google spreadsheets to you it would be like your two year old trying to explain modern Canadian tax laws. It might be quirky and amusing, but hardly helpful (for help on spreadsheets for maths and sciences try the links in the left hand column). However, having said that, I do use the spreadsheet function often - to create online forms. You can choose "Form" from the "Create" tab (see above) or from the spreadsheet menu bar.  Once you have created your shell you can start building your form. Under the "Add Item" tab there are seven question types to choose from. You can pick a theme, email, view responses (summary or spreadsheet) or get the embed code.  Here's a sample form I've created. Try it out!
You can view your data as a spreadsheet or in summary form. Summary form gives graphical interpretation of your data and is great for supplying material for supplemental exercises.  |
