This document provides an overview of Google Docs, including why the author chose to use it, how to use it, its advantages, and some examples of how the author uses it. Google Docs allows multiple users to collaboratively edit documents online simultaneously. It provides version control and accessibility of documents from any internet-connected device. The author finds it useful for work and volunteer projects that require collaboration on documents with other people.
2. Background
• Created to address “I forgot my stick”
• Good video overview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v
=eRqUE6IHTEA
• Instead of a document being located on a computer, it is stored
on the internet
3. Why Did I Choose Google Docs?
• Wanted to learn something new
• Frustrated sending documents back and forth to people to
review
• Some documents at home, some at work, never where I need
them
• Did not need to download software
• Free
4. How To
• Create Google account (free)
• Upload document (or create online)
• Invite collaborators via e-mail
• Edit and save
9. My Uses
• At work for preparing presentations with others
– Can control who edits or comments on the doc
– One location for the document
• at home for organizing Girl Guide camps
– Can involve more people efficiently
10. Alternatives
• Dropbox, which allows off line access + 2GB free storage
• Works with Windows, macs, mobile, 30 day auto back-up
• Can also download Google Cloud Connect (free) to sync your
Microsoft Office documents with Google Docs
• Mixed reviews on Cloud Connect – not as user friendly?
11. Conclusion
• Online storage has advantages if editing with others
• May have to pay for storage beyond certain point
• Basic functions easy to learn
• Has applications in my workplace and volunteer work
Hinweis der Redaktion
I will be discussing Google Docs for my mid-term presentation. It is an online storage product developed by Google and there are others out there. It has been around for several years that has been around for several years.
Documents can be located on hard drives, which is fine for 1 person working at the same computer all the time. If you need mobility you can use sticks and other storage devices but what happens if you forget it, drive over it, drop it in your coffee…I found a good video link on the University of Manitoba Library webpage that describes the concept and the basics of how to use it.Documents on the web are then accessible from any computer. No more I forgot my homework…
I chose this tool for this assignment for several reasons:Learn somethingE-mails back and forth are frustrating and many versions then existCannot access my work documents that are an an intranet site from homeFree and no downloads mean I can use it at work and ask volunteers to use it
You can insert pictures, tables etc. Editing can be simultaneous with a chat bar on the side. Revisions are tracked – who made them, when etc. When doing it live, I see a coloured cursor with the name above it as a flag.
Keeps one copy as well as previous copiesAccessible More likely to include others comments as you don’t have to track multiple e-mails and versions
Can create usual Office type documents – spreadsheets, presentationsEditing with others = interaction. Can have a chat bar on the side
At work I could use this for preparing inservice education (powerpoints, handouts)I can send the link to the most appropriate people for comments while allowing more limited numbers to actually editFor volunteer work such as planning a Girl Guide Camp requires lots of back and forth discussion. Could be done f2f but time is problematic and not everyone embraces e-mail