Google Docs – A Web Based Word Processor

Google Docs is a remarkable tool that is very similar to Microsoft Office.  It allows the user to create word documents, spreadsheets, and slideshow presentations.  You can even save the documents with Microsoft Office extensions so that the files are compatible with the Microsoft Office Suite.  Users can also import Microsoft Office content and Adobe pdf’s as well.  Users have the ability to format their documents and there is a spell check feature. 

The beauty of Google Docs is that unlike desktop word processors, users can access their documents from any computer with internet access.  The documents are saved to Google’s servers, so there is no need to worry about storage devices.  The documents are automatically saved continuously; therefore, the user will never loose data.  After creating a document the user can keep it private, publish it as a Web page, email it, or share it on blog.

With Google Docs groups have the ability to work collaboratively on documents.  Different users can work simultaneously on the same the document.  If the user chooses to share the document with others, the user can adjust the privacy settings depending on the level of access desired.  Additional users can be added as viewers, which would allow them read only access, or added as collaborators, which would give them full edit rights.  There is also an option for collaborators to add other collaborators.  Up to 200 collaborators and viewers can be added to any document; however, only 10 users can access the document at the same time.  Each document will contain a Revisions tab that will list all of the versions of the document.  That way if a collaborator makes an unwanted change or mistake, the document can be reverted back to an earlier version.

Google lists several ways that teachers can incorporate Google Docs in the classroom:

·         Promote group collaboration and creativity by having your students record their group projects together in a single doc.

·         Keep track of grades, attendance, or any other data you can think of using an easily accessible, always available spreadsheet.

·         Facilitate writing as a process by encouraging students to write in a document shared with you. You can check up on their work at any time, provide insight and help using the comments feature, and understand better each students strengths.

·         Create quizzes and tests using spreadsheets forms, your students' time stamped answers will arrive neatly ordered in a spreadsheet.

·         Encourage collaborative presentation skills by asking your students to work together on a shared presentation, then present it to the class.

·         Collaborate on a document with fellow teachers to help you all track the status and success of students you share.

·         Maintain, update and share lesson plans over time in a single document.

·         Track and organize cumulative project data in a single spreadsheet, accessible to any collaborator at any time.

These are just some of the many ways that Google Docs can be utilized by educators.  Google Docs is a very high-quality application that has the potential to be beneficial to everyone in some way.  To use Google Docs a user must first register.  However, if you already have a gmail account, you can start using Google Docs today.  Simply go to https://docs.google.com and login.

Penzu - An Online Diary and Personal Journal

Penzu (www.penzu.com) is an online personal journaling site.  Registered members have the ability to create online journal entries.  Users can add text, titles, images, and the journal entries are automatically dated.  Journal entries can be kept private, shared, printed and emailed.  The user has the ability to make their entire journal private or make specific journal entries private.  Only the user has the ability to edit the journal entry.  Users can download the Penzu application to their smartphones for easy use and access from wherever they are.  In an article called Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers, Nik Peachey list different ways that teachers could potentially use Penzu in an educational setting:

Create digital materials - You can create your own online materials using texts with images and share them with your students.

Writing portfolio - You can use it to set written homework task for students. These are then neatly stored and can be reviewed as a kind of writing portfolio and shared with parents or employers.

Professional development journal - You can use it as your own personal development journal to reflect on your teaching and your reading about teaching.

Lesson summary - You can also record what you did with the classes each lesson and send it to them as a summary or reminder.

Model process writing - You can use it to create models for writing activities. You could use a new entry each time you redraft to show how the text changes through the process steps of brainstorming and drafting to the finished product.

Learner diaries - You can get your students to use it as a learning journal and write in what they learned from each lesson. They could share these entries with you.

Action research feedback - You could use it for action research feedback by asking students to reflect on aspects of your teaching and then send you the response using the anonymous message feature. (Peachey)

These are just some of the ways that Penzu could be used in an educational setting but the possibilities are endless. 

Curriki - An Online Community for Educators

Curriki is an amazing tool for teachers.  It is a wiki page that is updated by teachers for teachers. Curriki enables teachers and instructors from around the world to come together as a group and share resources, lesson plans, activities, and new Web 2.0 tools.  Curriki has "trusted partners" that donate material for entire courses to the site.  The content that is uploaded by the general users is screened and evaluated to ensure high quality and direct value. 

It is very easy to search Curriki's repository for content and learning resources that match specific subjects and education levels.  The user has the ability to print, download, and save the information to their computer and mark it as a favorite so that they can easily retrieve it.  Registered members are given a personal members section where they can manage selected content.  In the members section users can create collections of curriculum found in the repository.  These collections can stay private or they can be shared with a group.  For example, if the students from Technology & Learning created a group on Curriki, the students would all be able to collaborate to create a collection, add curriculum and relevant resources to the collection.

On Curriki, users can create all kinds of content including wikis, worksheets, quizzes, rubrics, and use templates to design lesson plans and WebQuests!  The best part of all is the user does not need any technical knowledge with Curriki’s easy to use forms and templates.  The user can publish their content or make it private.  Members can create groups or join groups based on their specific interest and need.  Curriki is a free resource.  To join Curriki or for additional information, please go to www.curriki.com.