Google+Docs


 * __Google Docs__:**

//**What is Google Docs?**//

Google Docs is an application from Google that allows multiple people to edit one Word/Excel/other document (sort of like a Wiki but working with a formatted document rather than a web page).

See Google's tour for detailed information: http://www.google.com/google-d-s/intl/en/tour1.html


 * //What free resources are available that are similar to Google Docs?//**

http://www.nevrocode.com/docs/ http://www.springnote.com/en/ (seems like a combination of an online document editing tool and a Wiki)

//**What are web sites that have tips for, examples of, or models of Google Docs used for educational purposes?**//

//Tips:// http://googledocs.blogspot.com/2008/10/interesting-ways-to-use-docs-in.html (a blog describing how to use Google Docs in the classroom)

//Examples:// Here is an example for a group presentation on dinosaurs:
 * Name:** Dinosaur Expedition -- A project requiring group work and presentation development
 * Description:** Students work in groups of four to research dinosaurs and prepare a presentation about dinosaurs.
 * Instructions:** http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dc4j39g3_1ck9ss8hb
 * Examples and Templates:**
 * 1) Example of a completed presentation: http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dc4j39g3_5d5nkm7ss
 * 2) Template for students: http://docs.google.com/Present?docid=dc4j39g3_0dfb3ptcs

//**How could Google Docs be used with the following audiences:**//

- Google Docs is really effective for group work. Students can collaborate on papers and PowerPoints. - Students can peer edit. - No lost work! Every draft is saved! Teachers can see the history of their revisions and actually check to see if students were "up all night" writing their paper. - Can access from any computer (as long as there is an internet connection). - Put PowerPoints and handouts on Google Docs for students who miss class. - Really simple, like a normal word processing program without all the unnecessary jazzy stuff. Less to confuse students. - Teacher can leave comments, highlight grammar/spelling/word choice problems.
 * Students (i.e. writing assignments, class activities)

- Can collaborate with mentor teacher on handouts and class assignments. This is especially important at this juncture in the MAT program. - Curriculum writing. - Could use comment feature for meeting agendas/PowerPoints.
 * Faculty (i.e. resource sharing, professional development)

- If parents have a gmail account, they can view their child's work. Could be another forum for interacting with the teacher.
 * Parents (i.e. communication, sharing of student work)


 * //What could be problematic about Google Docs? What should teachers consider when they think about using Google Docs in their classrooms?//**

- Potential for cheating if students have documents they don't share with the teacher/share with dishonest kids! - Sharing with parents could be troublesome. Problems could include intrusive monitoring of assignment or perhaps doing the assignment for the child! - An internet connection is absolutely necessary. Without it, you lose the wonder that is Google Docs. - Does not replace a word processor in terms of features (grammar check, font choice(very important), ability to see page brakes). - Leaving comments for every student can get overwhelming. - More tiring to read papers on a computer. __//EYE STRAIN//__ is deadly. Still, you could just print it out, right? My eyes hurt right now.

===**Google docs are pretty close to perfect. If a higher power crafted a document sharing program, this would be it. It is God's gift to English teachers. Embrace it. **===