As a user of Google docs, I've grown to appreciate it's flexibility and accessibility. Granted it's limited in it's formatting and the quantity of tools, which can be frustrating, but it's free and it allows you to access your docs from anywhere you can get an internet connection. Overall the limits seem to be little things, when it comes to creating a general doc, but there are little things a general word processing doc app doesn't offer that Google docs does, so in some ways I feel they balance out.
One of the "little things" I like about Google docs are the sharing options, which allow you to share your docs with others and even invite them to edit the doc. This could be great for group work/assignments or even for that person who needs someone to edit to their work, but doesn't have that trusted friend there at the time they need the editing. Granted it's another email, but it doesn't take up space on anyone's personal computer or hard drive.
As far as editing goes, Google has also included an edit tracker, which keeps track of all edits that have taken place with the doc. This eliminates a potential mishap, when you have that member in your group who may not be so tech savvy and makes the mistake of deleting information from your document and doesn't know how to get it back. It gives you the opportunity for a "do over," without squabble about who did what or why.
The biggest benefit for me is in the classroom. Granted, I love the the app overall, but as a Special Ed. teacher, I find the accessibility for my students to be invaluable. Whether it be the lack of need for a server, or lack of need for an external drive, I know that almost all of my kids will have access to their work and none will have a reason not to at least attempt to complete it. Unless the student has no knowledge of how to word process, no internet access at home or no way to get to the library, there is no longer a reason not to complete his/her work.
The kids will need some general info on how to navigate through Google docs, but it's very similar to email, so the learning curve should be relatively light. The tabs for creating a new document and sharing a doc are located conveniently and clear. The kids will really only need to know the email address they're sending to! Better yet, not only will the kids not lose their work, but the dog can't eat it! :)
It's not an app that's particularly limited to a subject matter either. I think this is really an app that could be used in any class where students are expected to complete and turn in a written assignment, including many math assignments. It's not just limited to a student turning an assignment, as it could also be used to post an assignment or as forum of sorts to share input, when a Wiki may not be quite as appropriate. Granted it may take increased familiarity with the app itself, in order to know how to perform certain functions, but the fact of the matter is that the options are there for those who may need them.
Granted, as with any technology, there are some responsibilities that should be considered, such as making sure every student has an account to access the docs and that you've taken at least some time to give all of the students a tutorial, as to insure they understand how to do what's being asked of them. Once this has been done the students should be able to work with the teacher and each other to collaborate on and share assignments and projects. It will be difficult to monitor exactly what students have on their Google docs, but keeping them on a somewhat limited network to limit those who have access to the students may be beneficial for safety reasons. Given that Google seems to keep expanding the capabilities of the "docs" app, who knows how powerful this app could become?
One of the "little things" I like about Google docs are the sharing options, which allow you to share your docs with others and even invite them to edit the doc. This could be great for group work/assignments or even for that person who needs someone to edit to their work, but doesn't have that trusted friend there at the time they need the editing. Granted it's another email, but it doesn't take up space on anyone's personal computer or hard drive.
As far as editing goes, Google has also included an edit tracker, which keeps track of all edits that have taken place with the doc. This eliminates a potential mishap, when you have that member in your group who may not be so tech savvy and makes the mistake of deleting information from your document and doesn't know how to get it back. It gives you the opportunity for a "do over," without squabble about who did what or why.
The biggest benefit for me is in the classroom. Granted, I love the the app overall, but as a Special Ed. teacher, I find the accessibility for my students to be invaluable. Whether it be the lack of need for a server, or lack of need for an external drive, I know that almost all of my kids will have access to their work and none will have a reason not to at least attempt to complete it. Unless the student has no knowledge of how to word process, no internet access at home or no way to get to the library, there is no longer a reason not to complete his/her work.
The kids will need some general info on how to navigate through Google docs, but it's very similar to email, so the learning curve should be relatively light. The tabs for creating a new document and sharing a doc are located conveniently and clear. The kids will really only need to know the email address they're sending to! Better yet, not only will the kids not lose their work, but the dog can't eat it! :)
It's not an app that's particularly limited to a subject matter either. I think this is really an app that could be used in any class where students are expected to complete and turn in a written assignment, including many math assignments. It's not just limited to a student turning an assignment, as it could also be used to post an assignment or as forum of sorts to share input, when a Wiki may not be quite as appropriate. Granted it may take increased familiarity with the app itself, in order to know how to perform certain functions, but the fact of the matter is that the options are there for those who may need them.
Granted, as with any technology, there are some responsibilities that should be considered, such as making sure every student has an account to access the docs and that you've taken at least some time to give all of the students a tutorial, as to insure they understand how to do what's being asked of them. Once this has been done the students should be able to work with the teacher and each other to collaborate on and share assignments and projects. It will be difficult to monitor exactly what students have on their Google docs, but keeping them on a somewhat limited network to limit those who have access to the students may be beneficial for safety reasons. Given that Google seems to keep expanding the capabilities of the "docs" app, who knows how powerful this app could become?
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