Thing 13: Online Tools and Applications

I have actually been using Google docs for quite some time. I started using this program when I started writing to share the chapters of my book with my first beta reader and editor.  By doing so, she was able to access the chapters that I had written and was also able to edit them.  I could then go in and read her edits and make changes.

I did use Google docs as a teacher, though not as a part of what I was teaching.  I was the Pasadena Memorial Student Council sponsor and, in order to keep up with the students' points, I created a spreadsheet that I uploaded to Google docs. Then, I shared the document with students via their email addresses. They could then access the Google docs and upload the activity that the completed and the point value.  Organization sponsors could use this online tool for a similar reason.  Teachers could also use this to share make-up work with students who have been absent.  For example, if Bobby, Timmy, Zacariah, and Esther were absent, the teacher could upload the notes that they missed to Google docs.  After uploading the document, the teacher would click on "share" and then input the students' email addresses. The students will then be able to access the notes.  

As a librarian, I can use Google docs to share handouts with teachers, or share a budge on a spreadsheet with my principal, or send presentations I've made to the staff.