Thing 15: Google Docs

I actually use this tool frequently! I stumbled upon the spreadsheet very early - way before getting to Thing 15. I use the spreadsheet often to communicate with parent volunteers, working with colleagues on a collaborative project, and working with others to gather information. I like the way you can go back to previous version, or check to see what an individual may have contributed.

One of the newest tricks I learned using Google spreadsheet is to "Share" to create a form. This form can be sent via email to others that I am trying to collect data from as a questionnaire. The people I've sent the email to select their choices and submit. Their answers are now recorded in my Google Docs spreadsheet for comparison and analysis.

I think the biggest obstical for using Google Docs for student collaboration is that not all students have a home computer or access to the internet. Emails can be created using Google, Yahoo, etc., but how do you provide access when not at school?