Google Documents

What It Is

Google Documents is a collaborative software tool, somewhat similar to the wiki. It is an add on program to those with Google accounts. A good term for this type of software is “cloud computing” where applications used in corporate workplaces such as spreadsheets and workplaces are easier to produce and can be edited by multiple individuals. Google Docs is organized simply though a file and folder system for ease of access for users. The main idea of Google Docs is to have a communal area for documents to be uploaded for those given permission to access the group’s information.  

How It Works

How Google Docs is very simple. First off anyone with a Google account has access to the software. A document can either be created right on Google Docs, or it can be uploaded from an external storage device. One individual is given control over the documents created meaning they can decide who has access to the documents and to what degree of editing they can do. Using others gmails they are added to the Google Docs group and can edit presentations, spreadsheets, and other documents. As well as everyone that is a part of the group being able to edit at the same time, there is a chat window option that can be opened along the right side of the screen for even further communication and coordination among the editing and organization of the documents.   

Applicability to Students

Collaboration is a big part of schooling, and this program gives students the ability for ease of access to editing documents over the internet. Not only is the software extremely convenient for students, but it keeps everyone on task because only the editing of documents can be done. Since the documents remain in a "cloud" any of the group members can access it at anytime without the permission of the creator and without any other members editing at the same time so students can access it and edit it at convenience. This makes the editing of documents extremely flexible, as the individual students can edit the projects at times that are best for them.        

Google Docs Screen Shot.docx  

TIPS

1. The first thing that needs to be done to access Google Docs is to create a Google account
2. Next one person needs to start the project (project initiator) whether it is a presentation, spreadsheet, form, or a document.
3. The project initiator than clicks “create new" on the chosen document. 
4. The project initiator would then send the link for the project to the other members of the group
5. Once the other members go and open their emails and click on the link they will be added to the group. 
6. Now everyone in the group has access to editing the project. 

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