What it is....

A free online office suite similar in nature to Microsoft Office.

Includes a word processor, spreadsheet, and a presentation tool.
(and also a form tool, but we'll discuss that under #5: Gathering Data)


How it's different....

There are no programs to purchase or install.

Instead of saving a file on your computer, you save files "in the cloud." This way you can access that file anywhere you are able to connect to the Internet.

Rather than attaching a document to an email and sharing it; imagine attaching email addresses to a document!

Google Docs is built for collaboration. You can share any document with anyone that you choose.

Collaboration happens in real time!!!

Instead of emailing around files and having to deal with the confusion and extra work involved in managing different file versions and manually aggregating input from others, anyone in the group can edit the document online from anywhere -- all you need is a Web browser.

And, since your docs are all stored safely in Google's servers, you don't have to worry about losing data from a hard drive crash or nasty virus.


Where it can be found....

http://docs.google.com


Suggestions from Google

Using Google Docs in the Classroom

---

Facilitate Group Processes

Google Groups and Google Calendar



What they are....

Google Groups:

A user owned and created online community that allows you to collaboratively create web pages, upload files, and distribute emails via a list-serv.

Google Calendar:

An online calendar application that you can share with others in two ways: 1) allowing them to either view it, or 2) allowing them to add to it.



How they are different....

Google Groups:

Groups is easy to create and maintain.

You can create a group for your class where they can discuss assignments in and out of school.

Students could upload assignments rather than more traditional means.

Why not create a Group for managing committee work?

Google Calendar:

Calendar can be accessed from anywhere that you have the internet.

Many people can manage the calendar at the same time.

You can embed the calendar into a website.


Where it can be found....

http://groups.google.com

http://www.google.com/calendar/

---

Gathering Data

What it is.... A simple, free way to set up a data entry form or survey form. Make your form available via a website or by emailing it. When people enter information, it automatically enters it in a Google spreadsheet. How it is different.... Less complicated than survey monkey. An unlimited amount of questions can be asked (unlike survey monkey). Where it can be found.... http://docs.google.com

---

Also Check Out

Google Reader
Organize Your RSS feeds - Bring the information you want to you!

http://reader.google.com


Google Talk
http://mail.google.com/videochat

Chat via text, audio and even video right from GMail.