Tool 4: Google Docs

Google Docs is fascinating!! Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of sharing some of my technology findings to a lovely group of teachers during the Summer Tech U professional development session.  I had absolutely NO IDEA what I had gotten myself into, but with the help of some very wise colleagues, I made it through.  During one of my planning sessions, I was shown how to use Google docs.  Angela McNeil walked me through the basics, and she had me create a simple document that she edited.  I was amazed to see how EASY and FAST the entire process was.  As soon as I walked out of the help session, the tiny wheels in my head began to turn.  How can I use this in my Language Arts class?  How could I use it with my team? How could I use it for my PD session?  I decided to start with the event that was right around the corner....the PD session.  I decided to use a basic document to get my information out.  I knew that I did not want to have to make copies and waste paper, so why not give out an electronic version.  I made my document, gave it a title (the one that matched my PD description) and I entered to email addresses of all the wonderful teachers that had signed up for my session.  I was amazed that they really seemed to appreciate getting an electronic copy.  I even had a few teachers ask me if I could go back in regularly and update it with new web tools.  I new right away that Google docs would be replacing many sheets of paper in my classroom. 

I am still thinking about how I want to truly incorporate it in my classroom, but I know how I would like to use it with my team.  I think using Google docs would make planning a cinch! We could all add to our planning guides while we discuss all the wonderful things that are going to happen in out classroom. It would truly be a collaboration of the minds!