Thing 16

I just spent a couple hours today reviewing student biography projects that parents had emailed to me. I saved my comments, added a grade, and sent them back as a new version. I've collaborated on articles and papers with others through email and have always had trouble keeping track of which version was the latest, especially when we retitle the work. I'd heard about Google Docs but hadn't checked it out before tonight. This seems like another response to simplify problems created with previously advanced technology.

I like the idea of designated people accessing the documents online and external storage would offer some protection if your network goes down or your hard drive regresses to the complexity level of an average toaster. I also like that previous versions aren't erased but saved in shared space, since editing may require old parts be restored or used in a different paper or project. Students could more easily collaborate on projects--no worry about whether everyone can get together Thursday night at 6:00 to finish the project. Another advantage I see to school use is not worrying about which version of the program the document was created on. Our computers operate on Windows XP, but a few of my students have Vista at home, which means I usually can't read their projects unless they re-save them as older versions. This often requires a string of emails with directions, trial attempts and finally, a version I can open. Disadvantages might include the need for everyone to have a Google account and a functional email address; many times students email me from their parents' accounts, although this may be due to the age of the students I teach. There may also be some hurdles in adapting to a relatively new, unfamiliar technology. I have students who email me all their projects. Some bring them to me physically on a CD-RW or thumb drive. Other kids aren't comfortable typing yet and handwrite their work. As always, the issue of at-home computer and Internet access would be a factor as well. Finally, if this were something that parents ended up doing for their kids, children may need greater familiarity with this technology before being able to manage the exchange independently.