Thing 20: Google Docs – Love It:)

Our district has been exploring google docs since May 2009. So I’ve had a head start on using it. We are making the switch to using gmail and along with that comes so many awesome tools – docs, calendar and sites to name a few. Since the beginning I’ve used the documents feature to: take notes at a meeting (then share with staff who couldn’t attend or as the notetaker for the group), create agendas for workshops, share summer work lists with other members of the technology department, create spreadsheets with computer locations, track ordering and budget information. The list just goes on…

We’ve also used the forms section to create our own surveys – compiling data to direct professional development needs for the fall, technology needs…

I began exploring the sites feature in June when I wanted to post student work. I was able to do most of the work from home and the interface was pretty easy to use. Collaboratively, I used sites to create a website for a podcasting workshop I was doing with a colleague. I wanted something different than the same old powerpoint presentation. So I thought what a great way to explore using Google Sites and then to have all the resources available to the participants from the get go. We were able to create the site together after hours and see each others changes live. It was so simple and easy. I’m hoping this was enough for the teacher to get hooked and have her take the lead in teaching others (instead of me as the technology teacher).

The bottom line is others will get hooked when they have a need for it. When teachers see the value in it (saves them time, and planning), then they will use it! We can show them tons of videos, give them examples on how to use it but it’s really up to them.