Google Docs

Part of Project 3 is figuring out Google Docs, but I wanted to provide you with some direction as you are using the software. I have also attached the instructions created by the two students who chose Google Docs for Project 1. The software is generally easy to use, though I anticipate some difficulties that I'd like to address here. Remember, the challenges you face in using the software may inform the white paper itself (though please keep the white paper third person).

One problem I anticipate is multiple students working on the same document. Even though Google Docs is designed to facilitate the editing of the same document by multiple users, there are still some pitfalls with this process. One is making editing decisions, such as how to divide the writing, what sections to include, the tone of the paper, etc, because these decisions will probably have to be made using another medium besides Google Docs (you can pair Google Docs with Google Chat, but I'm not well versed in this process). So the collaboration on Google Docs will probably involve other technologies - e-mail, IM, the course wikis, etc - in order to be successful. The other issue with editing is that you have to be careful when two or more people are editing the same document. Google Docs alerts you when other users are editing the document, and the changes appear after a short lag time on your screen as well. Still, unless you are consciously working together, it may be best to avoid simultaneous editing.

The bigger problem I anticipate is design. Google Docs is very handy for typing and minor design elements (bullets, indents, tables, images, etc), but it cannot provide the sophisticated design functions of Word, InDesign, and other programs. And while I am factoring this difficulty into my grading, I still expect the white papers to contain professional, ethos building design. This may mean either getting creative with the software or using Google Docs to produce text that eventually gets imported into a template produced by another program.

New software always brings new challenges, and some of you may know this software much better than me. If you have questions about using Google Docs, post them to this newly created Google Docs FAQ. I invite all students to read and answer questions here, especially those students who created the Google Docs instructions. Good luck on the project, and let me know if you need any assistance.