Online communication and Google Docs

As technology continues to advance online communication it also continues to advance the tools we use in the classroom. Teachers have begun to incorporate more and more online forms of communication into their everyday lessons. One of these new forms of communication is known as Google Docs. As stated by Wikipedia, Google Docs is a free, Web-based word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation application offered by Google. Teachers have begun to use Google Docs to publish announcements and assignments in the classroom. This program allows documents to be opened in a number of different formats, all of which allow users to manipulate and share their work with other users in real time. This feature allows teachers and peers to read, edit and comment on your work as you progress. Another great feature of Google Docs is the auto save function. The program automatically saves your work as you go without you having to push the save button. This ensures that all of your work is backed up at all times. Google Docs also has an amazing function to assist teachers in monitoring the progress of each student. This program allows the teacher to see when each user has logged on and how long they have been spending on it. This means no more excuses for not having homework done. The Google Docs presentation program allows users to prepare an individual or a group presentation. Groups are able to log on and all work on the presentation. This is a great way to work as a group as each user is able to make changes to the project from any web capable computer because of the real time capabilities. Google Docs has a number of features that are enabling students and teachers to stay organized, on top of assignments and in touch with the ever changing digital world and digital brain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Docs (Definition)
http://www.google.com/educators/p_docs.html (Google for Educators)