This short video introduces a beginner to the web 2.0 tool Google docs. It goes through the hassle of collaborative sharing and editing of documents with an example, then introduces Google Docs as solution to the headache of online collaborative editing. Time-saving and humorous, this video is perfect for getting faculty interested in web 2.0 tools in general.
Type of Material:
Lecture/Presentation
Recommended Uses:
One good use is as part of a workshop to faculty, where the video is shown and then the presenter discusses educational applications, as well as differences between various options.
Another possible use is for self-development anyone can use the tutorial on their own as an introduction.
Can also be used by a teacher/professor who wants his/her students to use Google Docs in collaborative projects so instead of the teacher introducing the concept, students can watch the video either alone at home, or together in class.
Technical Requirements:
None
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Introduce users to the concept of the functionality of Google Docs in simple language.
Outline some of the major benefits of using them versus the old way
Encourage viewers to use Google Docs in collaborative endeavors
Target Student Population:
Anyone with interest in web 2.0 who wants to learn quickly but who does not have the time or inclination to work it out on their own by trial & error. Perfect for impressing faculty without taking up too much of their time.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Quickly and clearly highlights the benefits and explains how to use Google Docs.
Can be used as a stand-alone training to introduce someone to Google Docs.
Provides the link to using Google Docs and highlights benefits across word docs, spreadsheets and presentations
Concerns:
Does not seem to be intended for educators, and so does not directly link concepts to possible applications in academia or in the classroom.
Because it uses the word processing examples, the benefit as compared to wikis is not very clear. Highlighting the fact that docs uploaded to Google Docs can then directly be downloaded in .doc format, etc. might have clarified that. Another concern is that some functionalities are lost upon using Google Docs and the video does not highlight these.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Very innovative and engaging tutorial-like presentation, with audiovisuals and humor and a simple style that can attract faculty. Would be a lot more interesting to use in a workshop than standing and showing faculty how things are done, and definitely better than a handout.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Very easy to use.
Creative Commons:
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