Using Google Documents to Foster Collaboration Between

Students, Parents, and TeachersEmily Buchanan

September 13, 2010

Workshop Objectives1. Identify the Benefits of Using Google Docume

nts 2. Create an Account and Successfully Collabora

te on a Document– IF THE WEBSITE WILL ALLOW IT FOR FIRST TIME

CREATORS (SOMETIMES THERE IS A 24 HOUR ACCESS WAITING PERIOD).

3. Learn about and Brainstorm uses for Google Documents in the Classroom

What is Google Documents?• A FREE feature from google.com

that allows you to do the following:– Upload your files from your

computer• Includes Word, Power Point and Excel

Documents as well as pictures/images

– Access these files from anywhere there is a computer/Internet connection

– Share your work with the option to have the people you share with collaborate/edit your documents

How is it different than using email attachments, flash drives or digital lockers?• You only have to share a document once. – No more emailing back and forth! “Sorry Mrs. B, I

deleted the email with the revisions on it.”

• It can be accessed from anywhere, at anytime.– No more excuses! “I worked on it, but I forgot my

flash drive today, Mrs. B.”

• Essential Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Excel features are available once created. You can also create/share forms and drawings.– No more formatting errors! “Sorry, Mrs. Buchanan,

my computer only has Mac Write.”

Getting Started1. Go to google.com. Click on the blue Gmail link on the top of the

screen. (Gmail can also be accessed by a link on the right tool bar on Caswell County School’s web page.)

2. Click on “Create An Account” on the right side of the page.3. After creating an account, log in to your new Gmail (email account).4. Click on “Documents” in the tool bar at the top of your screen.5. Click on “Create New”. Select either Word, Power Point, or Excel,

and be sure to name it.6. Click on “Share”. It can only be shared with Gmail users. Type in

the email address of the person next to you. Give this person editing rights by clicking the circle at the bottom of the “Share” screen.

7. Open your shared document, and make a noticeable change to your partner’s document. Then, close the document.

8. Open your original document and notice their changes.9. The Import/Export feature can be used for existing documents.10. Google Calendar is another great feature to keep students on task

and consistently aware of important dates and deadlines.

Uses for the Classroom• Great for research papers, book and lab reports,

essays, presentations, and even homework• Great for distance learning for homebound

students with Internet access• Great for group work done in or out of class.• Great for keeping parents informed about

student progress if they create Gmail accounts as well. – Parents can see progress and view/make comments.

• Great for PLC/Professional collaboration

• Questions?• Comments?• Other ideas for incorporating Google documents

into our instruction?

Images in this Document• http://www.google.com/images?

hl=en&source=imghp&biw=1280&bih=683&q=thank+you&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

• http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&biw=1280&bih=683&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&sa=1&q=collaboration&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

• http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&biw=1280&bih=683&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&sa=1&q=Google+Documents&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=