Creating New Documents: Examples
I began using Google Docs for the first time last
year (my senior year of college). Over the past year, I have been led to
discover the versatility of this tool. At first, I used this feature with
classmates to create papers for group
assignments. Recently, I have used Google Docs with friends to organize potlucks and with professors
to sign-up for presentation times
and topics. Additionally, while working closely with an English for
International Students teacher at a private high school, I saw her using Google
Docs to monitor students’ work and provide editing suggestions during
in-progress assignments. So far, this tool has proven useful to me in school,
in my personal life, and in my professional field and I’m sure there are many
more ways it could be used that I haven’t even thought of yet!
Potential uses for
Google Docs
In the
elementary classroom, Google Docs may be used for such things as sign-up sheets
(computer use during indoor recess, group projects, etc.). Additionally, teaching
productivity may be enhanced in elementary schools using Google Docs when
applications are used to collaboratively create and share lesson plans, notes
about student performance for team teachers, presentations for shared unit
plans and lessons, administrative sign-up sheets (bus duty, kitchen duty, etc.),
parent sign-up sheets (parent volunteers, supply list, etc.)
How I Uploaded my
Résumé
I am most familiar with the ability Google Docs provides to create a word document and work collaboratively on the document with one or more people at the same time. However, just a few weeks ago, I discovered that documents could also be uploaded to Google Docs to allow for collaboration on previously developed documents, spreadsheets, etc. In completing the Google Docs
Résumé assignment, I uploaded a PDF
for the first time. I originally created my résumé in a Word document. To protect my privacy, I covered my addresses and
phone numbers. In addition, to protect the file from being altered, I converted
it to a PDF. While uploading the file I was prompted as to whether I wanted to change the file format; I simply made
sure to uncheck the boxes in the prompted to keep the original format.
Before publishing the document, I was nervous about making it public. I was relieved to learn that
Google provides options regarding who you want to share your document with. I was able to limit the viewing of my
résumé to people at SU, allowing them to find and access the document. However,
I could have refined the options further to say that I wanted only people at SU
with a link to be able to view it. Therefore,
while working in my school’s Gmail account, I will be able to limit my viewers
to individuals in my network. If you are in the SU network, click here to view my résumé.
Learning Outcome
To
answer the question, “What advantages and disadvantages does cloud computing with Google have over
traditional desktop applications?” it was necessary for me to learn what cloud
computing is. Through some quick glances at various websites, I have found out
that cloud computing enables people to make use of various applications through the use of the internet, without accessing the applications on their personal
computers. That is, applications are hosted by cloud computing resources using networks of remote servers. In theory,
I would not need to have Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc. installed on
my computer in order to make use of these application’s features as Google
provides Google Docs were these files can be created, stored, and managed. For
instance, cloud computing seems are very practical for businesses and institutions.
A school administrator may choose to have teachers and students use a cloud
computing resource instead of spending money to furnish each individual
computer with a software package.
Question
Question: “What
advantages and disadvantages does cloud computing with Google have over
traditional desktop applications?”
Advantages: 1) Google applications are free, 2) projects sharing
either publicly or with select people without the use of email or flash drives,
3) collaborative and simultaneous creation of projects, and 4) projects are
safe in case of computer crash
Disadvantages: 1) projects not accessible without
internet access, 2) publishing online is never entirely private, and 3) projects
can be altered by colleagues our yourself in undesirable ways (no previous versions
available)
Standards
Reflection
I believe that this activity and
the use of Google Docs as a professional best corresponds with the ISTE-NETS-T Standard three and its components. I
believe that Google Docs can most thoroughly be used to enhance a teacher’s professional
abilities. I believe that if one used Google Docs in their school community in
the ways I suggested above, in regards to teaching productivity, they would be
engaging in processes that would meet each of the components of this standard.
Cloud computing is an emerging technology. By using a cloud computing resource
such as Google Docs, teachers demonstrate an ability to adapt with the times
and learn the newest technologies before and alongside their technology savvy
students. Working with teachers and parents in the school community through
Google docs allows for the sharing of resources and knowledge, a demonstration
of collaboration and the ability to communicate ideas. Any teacher who is able
to make use of Google Docs and does so proficiently, proves themselves to be
engaged in professional advancement in the field of digital technology and able
to contribute productivity to a large community and so, successfully meets
aspects of standard three.
