Google Docs and Spreadsheets

What are Google Docs and Spreadsheets?

Google Docs and Spreadsheets are a free and easy to use online word processor, spreadsheet and presentation application that enables students to create, store, share and collaborate on documents. This allows students to access their projects at any time and at any place where they have access to a computer connected to the Internet. There are no more application compatiblilty issues between home and school or worrying about students being able to collaborate on wiring assignments. Docs and Spreadsheets allows multiple authors to work simultaneously and tracks the contributions of each author during each login. Students can also share their work online with teachers, where editing notes can be placed directly within the text and teachers can quickly see differences between first and second drafts. This allows students to take full advantage of the writing process in a visible way, enabling them to quickly analyze and organize data. The video below will give you a short description of how Google Docs and Spreadsheets works!

Getting started with Google Docs and Spreadsheets

1. Explore ideas for using these collaborative tools in the classroom

   • Read the two page description of Google Docs & Spreadsheets

• 1. View online tutorials on setting up and creating Docs & Spreadsheets

     1. • View the online tutorials from Rider University

          • Rider Tutorial - Part 1

          • Rider Tutorial - Part 2

• • • Online tour of Docs & Spreadsheets from Google

    • What's new in Google Docs & Spreadsheets

    • Newest tools in Spreadsheets

1. Plan and outline class lesson or project for your students.

   • Create a collaborative project for class using Docs & Spreadsheets.

     • This could be a team of authors or an entire group working on a group writing assignment or lab report.

   • Have students share their documents with you, so you can provide feedback directly and track changes between versions.

   • Have students publish their work using Docs & Spreadsheets. You can also use this URL to link to on a blog or wiki

2. Publish your own project using Docs & Spreadsheets and post the link in the 'comments' section of this page and provide feedback on a colleague's lessons.

   • If you need to create a Google Account, click here!

3. Evaluate the use of Docs & Spreadsheets in your curriculum and share with colleagues.