Google+Docs

Google Docs is a collaborative open source document, which can be formatted for a text document, spreadsheet, or presentation. It's great because multiple people can have access to a document and can collaborate together on the document. The most current changes are always saved. It has many of the same functions as Microsoft Word, but is accessible from any computer with internet. One can also create forms within Google Docs that are quick and easy surveys with instant feedback. Google Docs can be used in the classroom setting to address the 21st Century Skills of Collaboration and Communication, which is part of the Learning and Innovation Skills. Google Docs

Team Template

Google Form Example

Application At my school, we use Google Docs during our team meetings. We have a weekly template with assigned days (Monday - Curriculum Day, Tuesday - Student Progress Day, Wednesday - Interdisciplinary Unit Planning, Thursday - Professional Growth/Homeroom Planning, and Friday - Communication Day). Each day, we bring up the notes and type in what we discuss. This way all the teachers on our team have access to what we discuss. At the end of each week, we export and send out the notes to our extended team (electives, specials, and the principal).

During class, I could use it for collaborative assignments. I would probably use it mainly for science class, but could research ways to use it in math. In science, when we do research assignments (specifically one on biomes), it would be a great source for them to show me and their group members what they found. I also can't wait to incorporate the "Form" part of Google Docs to create surveys for my kids. I'm trying to decide the best way to set it up for my classroom, but I would love the instant feedback.