K12 Learning 2.0

How easy is Google Docs!!  I believe anyone could begin working in Google Docs with very little training or support.  I tried creating a new document in Google Docs..just began typing and was on my way.  The toolbar is so accessible, the material is saved automatically and it has the wonderful “UnDo” icon..what more can anyone want? 

I then uploaded a document – again, very easy to accomplish, easy to share with others, can add images/sound just by clicking the Insert menu…..I’ve decided I should have the people I plan to share it with in my Contacts ahead of time…it made the sharing process very easy.  I know I could type their e-mail address in but having them in my Contacts already made this process easier.

I also uploaded a presentation for a meeting next week – and shared it with a collaborator.  We both can contribute even though we’re in different locations.  It was interesting to “play” the presentation.  It’s not quite PowerPoint but there were few differences.  The appearance was a little changed (it looked like a web page) but it operated in the same way – using the arrow keys to advance or the forward/back arrow in the lower left of the screen.  Another thing I’ve decided I’d need to do is have the images/clip art/photos assembled in a folder on my computer ahead of time.  It makes the Insert process easier…….I didn’t try the tip about dragging yet…..

 I’m actually going to be using Google Docs to evaluate some materials for the State Dept. of Ed.  Judy Serritella is using this tool for media specialists across the state to collaborate on some documents.  I already plan to use it with the media specialists in our district.  We have a “Best Practices” at each district media meeting.  Each media specialist is expected to contribute ideas/suggestions/titles on a particular topic.  Normally, I get the info and compile it for everyone.  Not anymore – I can share the document before the meeting and have everyone contribute before the meeting date.  Everyone will be responsible for contributing/posting their information in one document.

I also anticipate using this for the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl.  I work with a co-chair in Pickens County.  We create documents, spreadsheets, signs, etc. for a regional competition.  Again, all these documents can be posted in one location where we both can access and contribute.  All documents can be stored there so the day of the competition we can access if needed and print whatever materials we need.  No more saving to a thumb drive, printing extra copies.

I mentioned earlier collaborating on a PowerPoint presentation. Another media specialist and I jointly share responsibilities for a media consortium.  Using Google Docs, we can both access the materials and contribute content as we prepare for 4 yearly meetings.

All my uses are more for posting, sharing and storing documents/presentations.  Knowing I have the ability to access these documents anytime, anyplace (my father’s in Florida who doesn’t have the Office products) is amazing.  I know students working on collaborative projects for class assignments will love being able to use Google Docs as well as all those graduate students attending classes, say at West GA.  Instead of trying to meet somewhere in Georgia, everyone could use Google Docs as their meeting place and again complete group assignments while saving time and gas.