Google Tools for Educators

now with new additions

One of many free online services provided by Google is Google Docs and Spreadsheets.  In essence, it's a way to write documents, create spreadsheets or presentations, using an interface that looks a lot like Microsoft Office, using an interface that will be familiar to Office users, and store them on the web.  The software is entirely web-based; you don't need anything but a web browser installed on your computer.  To use the service, you have to have a free Google account, but otherwise it's open to anyone.  Best of all, you can share the documents and spreadsheets you create, so that other users of your choice may view and, if you want, edit those files. 

Google Documents 

Here's what you can do with documents:

• Upload Word documents, OpenOffice, RTF, HTML or text (or create documents from scratch).
• Use our simple WYSIWYG editor to format your documents, spell-check them, etc.
• Invite others (by e-mail address) to edit or view your documents and spreadsheets.
• Edit documents online with whomever you choose.
• View your documents' and spreadsheets' revision history and roll back to any version.
• Publish documents and spreadsheets online to the world, as Web pages or post documents to your blog.
• Download documents to your desktop as Word, OpenOffice, RTF, PDF, HTML or zip.
• Email your documents out as attachments.

Here's an example document we created just to take notes and exchange ideas about this workshop.   How might your students use shared documents in your class?  Obviously, if they're collaborating on a paper, but do you have other ideas?

To get started, go to Google Docs and sign in.  If you don't have a Google account already, register for one -- it's quick.  Then try creating a document.  Next, click on the "Share" tab, and put someone's email address in the box.  See if you can persuade someone else in the workshop to share with you.   Then try collaborating on a document, spreadsheet or presentation.

There are some documents waiting for you to edit collaboratively.  Once you have your Google account, let us know and we will invite you as a collaborator.

Note that you can save a Google Doc in Word format, and a Google Spreadsheet in Excel format.  And you can upload either type of file to convert it into a Google format.  Thus it's easy to switch back and forth between online and on-desk applications.

Google Presentations

Google Presentations Here's what you can do with presentations:

• Import existing presentations in .ppt and .pps file types.
• Export your presentations using the Save as PDF and Save as PPT features from the File menu.
• Edit your presentations using our simple WYSIWYG editor.
• Insert images, and format your slides to fit your preferences.
• Share and edit presentations with your friends and coworkers.
• Allow real-time viewing of presentations, online, from separate remote locations.
• Publish your presentations on the web, allowing access to a wide audience.

With your Row Group, create a Presentation entitled "Where I would Like to go on Vacation!"

Google Spreadsheets

Google Spreadsheets Here's what you can do with spreadsheets:

• Import and export of .xls, .csv, .txt and .ods formatted data (and export functionality for .pdf and html).
• Enjoy intuitive navigation and editing, like any traditional document or spreadsheet.
• Use formatting and formula editing in spreadsheets so you can calculate results and make your data look the way you want it.
• Chat in real time with others who are editing your spreadsheet.
• Embed a spreadsheet, or a piece of a spreadsheet, in your blog or website.

Here's a spreadsheet that we made.  I was thinking that in a lab class where students work on projects in groups, a spreadsheet would be a natural way to gather and share data.   Unfortunately, the Google spreadsheets don't include graphing yet, but otherwise, they have most of the functions you find in Excel.   Again, what uses can you think of for Google Spreadsheets in your classes?

We've made some spreadsheets for you to edit collaboratively.  We'll invite you by rows to collaborate on them.