Last semester, I had a group project assignment where each individual was assigned their own unique question/aspect to research for an overall research paper. We had to follow this up with a class presentation, which also had to include a powerpoint style element. Since my partner and I didn't live close by each other, and had weird schedules outside of the 3 classes we had together, we chose to use GoogleDocs to collaborate our work.
What we both loved about the process was we could each access the document at the same time, and chat through the comment option in real time - no need to text, or IM in a separate window or program. We could each add in our paragraphs and works cited, chat about transition sentences and even leave links for each other we found that helped the other with their part of the research. I haven't used the discussion feature of a wiki yet (though I may tonight) but I imagine it functions similarly.
The presentation tool was also useful for us each creating slides before we were able to meet up and finalize it. The downside to the GoogleDocs is that the options for finalizing and polishing are limited compared to Microsoft Office, or OpenOffice. I chose to copy our paper into an OpenOffice document, and finish the APA format tweaks, namely the header and pagination styles.
Have you used GoogleDocs to collaborate? What was your impression?
I used Google Docs last semester when I had to create a unit plan with a partner, and I thought it was a great tool for collaboration. I really liked being able to both work on the document at the same time, seeing each other's changes/additions. Big, big fan.
ReplyDeleteMy school has signed on with Google Apps for Education, and it's been a phenomenal resource. Collaborating, as you mentioned, is the strongest asset to this program in my opinion. In the past, when students worked on group projects, there would constantly be problems such as "my partner's absent and he/she had all our material" or "I had everything saved on a flash drive and I lost it." Now, students collaborate on a document or presentation, and are not hindered by these issues. I've even had students home sick, continuing to work on their project with their partner during class time!
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