Thing 16-Google Docs

What an amazing Web 2.0 feature Google Docs is. I had no idea that such an application existed on the Internet. Over the years I have worked on documents and spreadsheets, and then emailed them to people back and forth updating version after version. Another wonderful learning experience today.

I can envision how this might make collaboration an even more powerful tool in my schools. Use of Google Docs would definitely allow all students to have the opportunity to all be involved in classroom projects. What a way to revolutionize the process of creating groups to create/share papers, reports, and presentations. I remember my days in the classroom as a young student and even in college and how this would definitely make shared projects easier to complete.

As for having access both at school and home for my students that may be problematic. There has been some developments at least at one of my schools over the last couple of months. I have noticed installations of wireless boxes in the classrooms. They are not functional at this time, but who knows....... Both my schools have some computers available, but access is limited to both to the number of students that can use them and how many times per week they are able to either use the 1-2 in each classroom and/or use the computer lab.

As for home use, I do know that some of my students have access to computers and Internet at home. It would be difficult for all to be able to use computers at home at the present time in Detroit. In order for our students and staff to truly be in a 21st century classroom and be able to incorporate Google Docs we will need to make access and computers more available both at school and home. There may be some policies and procedures that would need to be established for student email accounts.

I spent much time attempting to copy/paste a spreadsheet from my computer to my Google Docs account. I tried the "Help" menu without any success. I was able to transfer the document, but then had to re-edit to its' original format. I was also able to then share the document with my supervisor which was wonderful. We have been emailing updated versions of this document back and forth for a couple of weeks. How great to now have one document that we can work on without having to email updated versions back and forth.

I can see huge potential for use of Google Docs both professionally and personally with documents, spreadsheets and presentations. I will need to see what I can do to become more versed and maybe find a course so I can facilitate greater expertise. Thanks for the enrichment. Gregory Jacoby