Collaborating with Google Docs

I first learnt the value of collaborating with Google Docs during postgraduate study when undertaking group assignments. This was the program of choice, as well all had gmail accounts with the learning institute, it was simple enough to utilise these tools to advantage.

We were able to share and edit documents live, you could also see the edits and who entered what section of text. It was great to watch some working live on the collaborative document while you watched, you could actually see them writing the text.

We decided on an individual text colour so it was easy to identify each individual author although the program indicated each individual. There is plenty to like about using Google Docs as a learning tool, naturally, you have to be careful with anything deemed confidential on an online platform.

I prefer to work live using coloured text so that I know when each section is completed, when I have finished them I change to standard black text. Whilst I used this program for study, I am aware of the applications for virtual teams to work on documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

A program such as Google Docs has the ability to wrestle the monopoly away from Microsoft Office. Now we have greater choices and competitive forces will allow us to move away from Microsoft programs.