Here are a few reasons why we should use Google Docs
- Free (or really cheap for Apps for Education compared to Microsoft) and less IT support needed. Also runs better on older computers.
- Easy to use - students and teachers probably use some of it already
- All work together - all the apps work together and have similar menus and functions
- Cloud based - backed up on Google’s servers, accessible from any computer and mobile device, runs fast, no lost flash drives or corrupted drives.
- If you need to do it, there is probably a Google app for it.
- Engage your students with Google+, Google Earth, classroom sites and blogs.
- Have your students create new projects with a blog or site, Sketchup, Docs etc.
- Keep informed and connected with Google+, Google Reader, and Google News
- Search more efficiently with Scholar, Safesearch, and other custom searches.
- Get organized with bookmarks, iGoogle, Calendar, Tasks and more.
- There is a huge amount of resources from Google on using their apps in education.
- There is a huge amount of resources, tips, ideas, and lessons for using Google’s apps in education from educators.
- Connect and communicate using Gmail.
- Collaborate on projects at same time using Docs (student projects, collaborative lesson plans, meeting notes and projects)
- Docs eliminates need for flash drives, emailing versions, software issues (cloud stored, work collaboratively, export variety of formats, share online)
- Google Voice - communicate with colleagues, students, email of messages, and more
- Google Translate - translate work or memos for ESL students. Mobile apps will translate spoken word too.
- Docs can be used to store any file - free online file storage is a great thing.
- Use Sketchup to create 3D models for class, of classrooms and schools for remodeling, and more.
