Thing 13 Web-slinging Applications

        So being the traditionalist that I am, I was not too thrilled when I read Thing 13… explore Google Documents and Zoho Writer.  I am used to my trusty Pages/Keynote/Numbers on the Mac, and Word/Excel/PP on the PC.  Now here I had to learn another new program??  Rather than throw up my hands, I decided to take it head on.  I was pleasantly surprised how easy they both were to use.  They were actually pretty similar to Word – thank goodness.  Both programs were also fairly comparable to each other.  I had the ability to create, edit, save, and share documents.  The page layouts were even similar.  I was starting to like this.  As I explored the applications more, it did not take long for the familiar feeling of using the Word program to creep back into my live.  One thing that really impressed me with both of the programs was the ability to share the document/spreadsheet/presentation with others.  Everyone could collaborate with feedback and ideas.  I also liked the ability to publish it directly to the Web.  If I had to choose one though, I would have to pick Google Docs.  Since the programs were so similar, it really came down to what I was comfortable with.  I have used Google for years and getting into Google Docs is easy since it is connected to all the other Google applications.  It eliminated the need to remember yet another username and password. One email, one password, and one place – easy enough. 

I can easily see using the Google Docs application in the classroom, especially with the older elementary school kids in fourth and fifth grade. They can each log on and look at the same document to update, edit and collaborate.  Changes will be immediate and all the students can see it at the same time.  It is especially handy because all of the information is located in one place and not spread over different computers, folders, and places.  Nothing can be lost or misplaced, and students can recall the information quickly.  This application will be especially relevant if a student in a group is not at school, but still needs to participate in the project.  S/he does not have to have the document on her/his own computer at home.  S/he can log on to Google Docs and can ‘work’ right alongside the group without being physically there.  It allows for optimal participation for every member of the group. 

I made the picture above within a 5-minute timespan.  From clicking on Google, logging into Google Docs, finding the picture on Creative Commons, creating the caption, to saving and logging off, it took me about 4 minutes and something-ish seconds.  Not too shabby for doing something all on the web (for me at least).