Collaborative Writing

Google Docs is a free online program that allows users to create and manage documents. Whether the document is personal, or needs to be shared with a group of people. Files that have already been made in Word, PowerPoint, or Excel can be uploaded onto Google Docs and can be updated or modified in real time, from different locations and on different computers. Any time a user logs in they can access the file being edited and check back for changes that have been made by other users. As mentioned before, Google Docs can be used for Spreadsheets, Presentations, Communication, staying organized, and Documents, hence the name Google Docs. Google Docs has a similar interface as working with Microsoft Word, so therefore inserting pictures and clip art will be a breeze. When working in a group Google Docs it makes it possible to collaborate without having to have group meetings or miss a meeting. Another neat thing about Google Docs is that is has the main three applications that every student or worker uses the most. Google Docs makes collaboration easy, organized, and effective.

Despite Google Docs collaboration capability and functionality, it has its downfalls. The major issue is that users must be online to use it, that negates the purpose of online collaboration. Google Docs may be similar to Office programs, but it is not a web page authoring tool. For example, Google Docs will not allow edits on pages that show revisions, so if you would like to change someone's revisions, you are forced to go back to the edit screen, find the revision, and then make your revision, whereas Office's 'track changes' function eliminates tedious steps with just one click. Google Docs lacks fundamental elements needed to create a multifaceted document. For instance, Office programs can easily handle creating large documents with multiple chapters that includes a table of contents and an automatically generated index, or creating graphs and charts embedded within a spreadsheet, but that would be seemingly impossible with Google Docs. Google Docs is an web application, that raises concern about privacy and security on your documents or your personal computer. Web applications that are better designed and free are available, explore your options.

You may ask yourself, "I am extremely comfortable and proficient with Office programs, why should I use Google Docs when it's basically the same thing?" Google Docs is one way to help students develop collaboration skills and a willingness to accept others' opinions and suggestions. There is a tremendous amount of students entering your classroom with different expectations, learning styles, and more technical skills than any other generation before. It is the teacher's responsibility to provide innovative learning opportunities that are relevant to today's students Using Google Docs is one way to prepare students for success in an evolving world immersed technology.

Here is a short tutorial on using Google Docs.