Google Docs is a Web or browser based application i.e., accessible with the help of a web browser such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox etc, in which spreadsheets and documents can be created, stored and edited online. Moreover, the files can also be accessed and retrieved from any computer having web browser with all features and an internet connection. Google Docs is however a part of the comprehensive and inclusive package of the online applications that is offered by and related with Google. Furthermore, Google Docs is totally free (Covert, 2013). It does not require any updating, no renewal of license is needed, and the cost saving advantages of Google Docs are undeniable.
Google docs are available at any computer and work when a computer is connected or linked to the internet. No software installation or download is required on a specific machine for working of Google docs. In its working process, each user stores the information and data in the cloud system so that the user can access the file from everywhere. There is nothing to worry about the current document’s version it will be saved in Google cloud. Moreover, many users can modify and make alterations in the same document, at the same time (Garland, 2013). This is known as online collaboration, which makes it possible to do teamwork on the web efficiently. Google docs also preserve previous versions of the documents so there is no need to be afraid of irrevocable changes in a file.
Google docs is very helpful in the classroom. It is slowly and delicately modifying the landscape for students and teachers (Shaw, 2013). Google doc is useful in the classroom as it provides several methods to go paperless through collaboration and sharing, which help to get immediate response on the written material of students. It helps the students to move forward away from the paper and allows them to enter into the digital environment and the spell checker provides writing support to the students while doing collaborative writing. It helps in digital brainstorming of the students, which allows all the students to participate in the classroom contrary to the traditional teaching method in which just the immediate thinkers contribute in the class. Instructors can create self graded quizzes for the students in order to increase their motivational level. Finally, teachers can use the folders in order to create handouts, templates and study guide and can put privacy over them so that student are not able to make alterations in documents.
References
Shaw, Gillian. (2013). Bring your own device the trend for back-to-school. Edmonton Journal. Retrieved from:
http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2013/08/08/bring-your-own-device-the-trend-for-back-to-school/
Garland, Russ. (2013). Google Enterprise Chief Talks About Taking Care of Business. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from:
http://blogs.wsj.com/venturecapital/2013/06/21/google-enterprise-chief-talks-about-taking-care-of-business/
Covert, Adrian. (2013). Microsoft Office 2013 review: Nice upgrades, but save your cash. CNN Money Tech. Retrieved from:
http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/29/technology/enterprise/microsoft-office-2013-review/index.html
