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USING GOOGLE DOCS
What Is Google Docs?
Google Documents is a free online office suite that allows the user to create a document (much like Word), or a spreadsheet (much like Excel), or a presentation (much like a PowerPoint) and store it on the web instead of on a computer, a flash drive or a floppy. This allows the user to access the document, spreadsheet or presentation from any computer that has internet access because it is stored online. Further, you can invite others to collaborate on your document. This enables you and others to edit the same document that is kept in one spot, and all of you can reach this one document via the internet. It's much easier than continuously e-mailing one another updated versions of a project you're working on, or trying to schedule meetings to edit the project.
This TeacherTube video explains Google Docs in simple terms (the first time you open the link, you may have to allow for buffering. The second time you watch it, it should run smoothly):
http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=77c5560d4cd9c3ffb6cd
The following Atomic Learning tutorial video is another good source. Select "Introducing Google Docs" from the list or type the phrase in the Keywords search bar: http://movies.atomiclearning.com/k12/search?p=25&lang=en*&q=google+docs&submit=Go%21
How Do I Set Up a Google Account?
You need a Google Account in order to use Google Docs. If you don't already have one set up, go to google.com/accounts, find the "Create an Account Now" option, and follow the instructions. You will need to provide an existing e-mail address and a password.
The following Atomic Learning tutorial video shows how to sign up. Choose "Creating a Google Docs Account" from the list or type the phrase in the Keywords search bar:
http://movies.atomiclearning.com/k12/search?p=25&lang=en*&q=google+docs&submit=Go%21
How Do I Create a Google Document, Spreadsheet or Presentation?
To get to Google Docs you can select the arrow next to "more" on the Google search page and find "Documents," or you can go to docs.google.com or documents.google.com, or to google.com/accounts and sign in. Once you've signed in and selected Google Documents, you'll come to the Google Docs main page. To start a new project, select "New" in the blue bar near the top left of the webpage. Choose the type of project you'd like to do. Note: if you want to create a presentation and you're using Firefox or Explorer as your browser, Google Docs may require you to do an update (free) before you can create your presentation. Just follow the instructions.
You also can upload existing files and documents from your computer into Google Docs.
Google Docs has an auto save component that automatically saves your work to draft form every several seconds.
Be aware that if you use Google Presentations, you will be unable to use sound, animation or movable transitions. However, if you create an account and upload your presentation to a free website called SlideShare at http://www.slideshare.net/ , you will be able to create a "slidecast" which allows you to synchronize sound with slides. Slidecast directions:
http://www.slideshare.net/jboutelle/slidecasting-101
Is Google Docs My Only Online Documents Option?
There are other free online office suites you can try as well. Some examples:
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