Google+Docs

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= **General Information** =
 * Link: ** @http://docs.google.com

Click Here for an example Google Doc that talks about Competency 8. No login required to edit.
 * Example (that does not need you to log in but can be edited): **

Yes. But if you have a Gmail account, you don't need another one. The Gmail (Google) account can be used across all Google products.
 * Account Required for the teacher? **

Not necessarily. You can create documents for your students
 * Account needed for my students? **

=What is it?= Google docs is an "Office Suite" of online tools for editing documents. Included is a Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation, Drawing and a Forms tool.

A Brief video explaining the concept behind Google Docs. media type="youtube" key="6_hJ3R8jEZM?fs=1" height="385" width="640"

=Highlights=

**Collaboration built-in!**
Google Docs is interesting, of course, to create documents that you can access from anywhere, anytime, and any computer. But it is even more interesting because more than one person can work on the same document. In this way, two or more people can build something together, whether it is the agenda of a meeting or a story.

**Sharing**
Sharing your document is the way to invite people to collaborate with you on that document. Collaborators also need to have a Google account in order to log in and access the document. Once you have chosen to "Share with others", you can invite them as "Collaborators" who can edit the document with you, or as "Viewers" who can see but not modify. Sharing can also be done in the form of publishing your document as a static web page which can be viewed by all, but no longer modified.

**Real-Time updates**
When two or more people are editing a document at the same time, everyone sees the changes made by others instantly. A cursor appears showing where everyone is in the document and changes are reflected in an instant.

**AutoSave**
No more losing your work. Ever. Changes are saved every couple of seconds in the Google Cloud.

**Tracking changes**
Google Docs keeps a history of the changes made on a document so you can see who added or changed something and when it was done. You can compare versions. You can view previous versions and revert back to them. To access these features, click on File and select Revision history.

**Templates**
Use a [|template] to make your document / spreadsheet / form / presentation look professional

=Uses professionally=
 * Create a staff survey about needs etc
 * Co-create lessons with others
 * Create practice tests with forms
 * Keep school info documents updated and share with parents
 * Virtual meeting space for colleagues to discuss larger issues to comment, edit and revise

=Some uses in the classroom=
 * Co-create or plan anything
 * Use the chat window in a presentation to create a backchannel for the class
 * Set up documents in advance for your students with preset words or phrases
 * Track homework and/or progress on group projects

//Languages//

 * Co-create stories in groups where each person is responsible for a section
 * Have written texts modified or corrected by other students
 * Create quizzes or tests that students can edit using Forms

//Math/Science//

 * Record Data using Spreadsheet
 * Create a lab report with a partner

//Social Studies//

 * Create a school Newspaper
 * Create a school survey using Forms
 * Present a field trip using the Presentation tool

//Arts//

 * Explore different ways to combine shapes and explore colors with Draw
 * Co-create a school play or drama segment

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=Getting Started=

Logging In/Registering
In order to use Google Docs you need to have a Google Account. Go to [|http://docs.google.com] If you already have an account, sign in. If you have a GMAIL account, you are automatically a Google Member and you can just sign in.

If you don't, click on Get Started. Then fill in the form. You can use your usual email address to register.

[[image:Google6.png align="right"]]Creating a Document
When you log in, you access your Documents home page. Google docs allows you to create Word Processing documents, Spreadsheets and Presentations on line. Select the type of document you want to start. Click on New and select.

Alternatively, you can choose to upload a document from your computer or memory key that you created with another program (such as MS-Word, PowerPoint, etc.)

Resources

 * Some Video Tutorials on using Google Docs: @http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_114_use-google-documents.html
 * 31 Interesting ways to use Google Docs in the Classroom. (Link)