Google Docs

While some of you may already use Google Docs, I suspect that it is an untapped resource for many of us.

This online tool allows you to create a document, slide show or spreadsheet that is saved online at Google Docs. It is secure and requires a userid and password or an email invitation from the author.

Once you have invited others (or been invited) to contribute, everyone can collaborate on the task by editing the file and saving their version online. This means that only one version exists and avoids multiple versions (that often vary from one another) of the same file. You and they will access the most current file everytime and email attachments will be a thing of the past.

This tool has potential when we are collaborating on programs, and providing feedback on issues that are normally done using individual paper copies.

Furthermore, the possibilities for student use are endless. This video presents the experiences of American teachers who have employed Google Docs in their classrooms.