Weekly Report & Reflection blog post #7

Link - http://www.gdocsdrive.com/image/index/gdocsdrive.png

Week #7 concentrated on collaborating with class members via chat. The idea was for us to understand how to work together and communicate being we cannot see each other face-to-face. This week was a lot more hands on while some of us were being introduced to Google Docs, I was already familiar with it. I like Google Docs, but I wouldn't say more than Microsoft Word. However, Google Docs is a very convenient yet free web-based application that allows you to create a document, spreadsheet, presentation, notes and so much more! The best thing about it is that, with access to an internet connected device, Google Docs can be used. if you couldn't tell by the name, this online application is offered and associated by Google.

Along with its ability to be accessed anywhere, Google Docs lends itself to collaborative projects where groups can work together in real-time even from different geographic locations! In my experience using Google Docs collaboratively, I noticed that we can see what each other is doing, make adjustments and comment. I also noticed that because the documents are stored online and the option to save it onto a computer, there is no worry about having lost work. Authors are also given the option to share publicly or privately which another good thing about it. Additionally, I should have said this first, but when I was first introduced to Google Docs, the first thing I realised was how easy it was (and still is) to use. My ability to navigate and explore the application was like second nature to me. After this week, I am reminded of how much I really like using Google Docs.

This tool will be useful for my educational activities as a way to collaborate and save time. usually, when I can't make a class I get the notes from my friend by taking a picture, however, now that I am reminded of this tool, we can connect on GoogleDocs and the notes will be there for me and vice versa. It is an efficient yet functional tool that will help be manage my learning content and activities. With groups, we can add our contributions on our own time to make collaborative goals flow easily. This is useful because Google Docs allows us to keep track of any changes made to the document/presentation; it is an exceptional tool that excels in output and productivity.

Recently, I was searching collaboration articles on google and came across this new site that I subscribed to on my Feedly titled The Creative Blog, the article, The 20 Best Tools for Collaboration, discusses the different online applications that help groups to communicate and collaborate easily. For example, the article describes a tool called ConceptBoard. This tool mimics a whiteboard where group members can craft concepts, manage projects, and provide feedback. These tools, are essentially useful for collaborative learning and I will definitely add them to my PLE. Please take the time to look at this article, the lists provided are fantastic and in-depth!