Google Docs

Introduction

“Google Docs is a free, Web-based word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation application offered by Google. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users.”—Source:  Google Docs

“The application supports popular Office file types such as .doc or .xls. It also includes support for the OpenDocument format. It is also possible to upload and share PDF files.”

“There is a limit on how much a user can store on his/her account. Each document must be under 500k plus 2MB for each embedded image. Each spreadsheet must be under 10,000 rows, 256 columns, 100,000 cells and under 40 sheets. A user can have a total of 5,000 documents and presentations, 5,000 images and 1,000 spreadsheets. The maximum number of spreadsheets that one can open at one time is 11. Only presentations under 10MB can be imported. User access to Google Docs is currently supported through Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Safari.”   Source:  Wikipedia

Vocabulary

Share— In Google Docs, ‘Share’ is the button you need to invite other people to collaborate.

Quick Start Guide

Using Google Docs in the Classroom

Using Google Docs in the Classroom:  Tips and Tricks

Multimedia Resources (Presentation, Podcast, or Video)

            Discussion Group: Google for Educators Discussion Group

Video:  Chris Pirillo’s Google Docs Introduction

Video:  Google Docs in Plain English

Video:  Google Docs Tutorial for Teachers

Many Videos: Google Docs Community on YouTube

In the Classroom

        Google for Educators

          Google Docs Templates

          Letters to the Next President:  Writing Our Future

Review

Assignment

1. Documents--Using Documents in Google Docs, work in your project groups and collaboratively create your project presentation.
2. Presentation--Create a Presentation of your project OR Using Presentation and a template from Google Docs Templates, create a short powerpoint (8-10 slides) to introduce Google Docs to other members of your department.
3. Form—Use the forms function and create a short “getting to know you” survey to give to your students the first week of school.