Module 3

This module was a fantastic introduction to Google docs! I learnt so much...

So, to begin with, what is Google Docs?
* Google docs provides a new "home" for documents. Instead of attaching documents to emails (often to numerous emails) , it allows us to instead attach email addresses to a single document.

* Google documents converts offline documents (spreadsheets or presentations) into online versions which are much easier to access, view, edit, manage etc, especially when a few people are involved in the process.

* It enables you to avoid sending numerous emails (with attachments) back and forth. Also, with Google docs, since there's only one document, there's never confusion about updates or versions.

How could Google docs be used in the classroom?
* At schools, Google docs allows all students to particpate in one assignment at the same time. This is great for online peer editing and reviews. It also allows students to become publishers on a worldwide level, which generally also raises the level of their work.

* For example, in my classroom we have been working on a group script writing project. It was difficult for all group members to contribute to and edit their script, both at school and at home. Many students also had trouble keeping track of the most current version of their work and where it was saved. Google docs would have made this project much more collaborative as well as a lot easier to manage.

* This concept could be extended to so many student learning experiences, such as joint construction and editing of various texts, preparation of assembly items, online discussions and debates etc. There are so many opportunities!

How could it be used by staff?
* I think there are endless uses for Google docs among staff members. For example, we could collaboratively write teaching programs with our colleagues online. We could even discuss a range of other issues and topics online and cut down significantly on our face-to-face meeting time!

Now, let's put it into practice!

* After viewing some tutorials on the Atomic Learning website I took the plunge and created and shared my first document on Google docs. I decided to start an online book and movie review of 'Eat, Pray, Love' with a few of my colleagues. I have included a link to the movie trailer below. It looks great!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZzmqHJ0gPU

I was also invited to collaborate on a friend's document about breakfast preferences for our Breakfast Club. In case you haven't noticed, we really enjoy our food here! We feasted on crumpets and cheese and bacon rolls this morning...yum! It's my turn to whip up some magic in the kitchen next week. Hmmmm... I wonder what it will be...Perhaps I should carry out a survey...I could share it on Google docs!