Google Docs is an extremely useful free web-based app that allows users to work on various projects through the internet. The thing that really makes Google Docs stand out from other office-type applications is the ease with which projects can be shared and collaborated on. Multiple people can work on one project simulataneously, or they can leave comments for others to read later. Sharing is as easy as a few clicks and requires no printing or emailing of the project.
Google Docs is ideal for use in the classroom. Teachers can share assignments or notes with students without ever having to print a single piece of paper. Students can then complete the assignment and hand it back in to the teacher via sharing on Google Docs. This streamlines the entire process of giving assignements and receiving them back for marking. The possibilites are huge with Google Docs, ans this small example is merely one way in which it may improve upon traditional classroom methods.
Group work is another thing that Google Docs greatly enhances. Students could all be at home on their computers but working on one project together through Google Docs. Not only does it help overcome geographic difficulties, but even some of the physical challenges of group work in the classroom, such as the fact that only so many people can be writing at a time. Google Docs in many ways improves upon the traditional group work experience while appealing to those who learn better in a group setting without forcing those more comfortable on their own into something that feels too different, as if they wanted they could simply collaborate to the group effort from home on their own personal computer.
Google Docs requires students to have a Google account. Google accounts require the user to be 13 years of age.
