The Summer 2010 8 Things course has now closed. If you have questions, please contact the facilitator at sisd8things@gmail.com.


Thing 7

Google Docs
Web 2.0 is all about collaboration. Using easy-to-use online tools, people around the world can work together in ways never before possible. Google offers collaborative workspace with Google Docs, their online word processor, spreadsheet and presentation editor. With Google Docs, you can create, store and share in a secure, real-time environment. That means you and your friend in, say, Australia, can be editing the very same spreadsheet online - at the exact same time. Users have to log-in. Great news! When you registered, you created your Google Docs account - so you'll use the same email address and password that you use to access your blog. Watch and learn more about this collaborative tool.

Discovery Resources
To get an idea of how Google docs work and might be used in education, watch the following videos and read the following article:
Discovery Exercises

To complete Thing 7, you must:

A. Log in to Google Docs and update a spreadsheet

B. Explore Google Docs

C. Reflect on Thing 7 on your blog

A. Log in to Google Docs and Update a Spreadsheet

We've shared a spreadsheet with you. To access it, go to Google Docs and log-in using using your Blogger info (the same email and password you use to access your blog). You should see a spreadsheet titled "8 Things Learners." Click on the name of the spreadsheet and add your details.

B. Explore Google Docs

Spend some time exploring Google Docs. Try creating a new document or spreadsheet. Try uploading one from your computer. It takes awhile to get used to the feel, but it will make sense the more you play with it. At any time, you can click SHARE and give others access to your files.

C. Reflect - Blog Prompt for Thing 7

Write a new post on your blog. Remember to title your post "Thing 7." For a refresher on blog posting guidelines, click here.

  • Describe your experiences using Google Docs. What did you like or dislike about the tool?
  • How might you use this tool in your personal and professional life?
  • How could Google Docs be beneficial for students?
  • What issues come to mind when you think about using this tool with students?

Bonus: More Google Tools
Google is so much more than a search engine! Now that you're familiar with Google Docs, try some of these other Google Apps. (Your Google Account - the same one you use to sign in to your blog - will work for all of these tools!)
  • Calendar - Stores all of your appointments and dates in a convenient online calendar. Also has the ability to house multiple calendars (say, one for school and one for home, for example.)
  • Notebook - Use this tool to collect text, images, and other information online and store it in your personalized space.
  • Reader - Have updates from your favorite blogs and news sources compiled in one location. See the Bonus for Thing 1 for tips on how to use this!
  • For a complete list of Google options, click here.

Of course, Google continues to excel at its original purpose as a search engine. But do you know about all of the search options the site offers? Click here for a list of all of Google's search options. Try searching for blogs, books, images, news, or videos!

And finally, these sites offer some tips and tricks on how to make the most of Google searches:

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