Reflection #2

Today we learned about "Google documents," and "Google chat." Both of these things were mentioned in our previous class, but today we got an in depth, hands on lesson. (If I understand correctly "Google chat" is a instant messenger, and "Google doc's" is a wiki. Google doc's is a wiki, because it is a place where multiple individuals can collaborate on one document all at once.)

Class today was a great learning experience for me. I have never used a Google document/"wiki" before and this was a neat experience. I appreciate someone taking the time to show me how and what to do when using these Google features. I think that Google documents work the best when not all collaborators are working on the document at the exact same time. In class today I noticed that when all individuals are working at the same time it can not only get confusing, but information may be lost due to multiple people submitting their work at the same time. If multiple individuals are going to be working on the document at the exact same time Google chat is a great way for them to communicate. By using Google chat to communicate with each other it leaves Google documents reserved for work only.

I am excited that we learned about Google documents today, because I have a group project due on Monday and we are going to use Google documents to put together our handout. The plan is for each of us to contribute our individual sections and then collaboratively tie them together. Google documents is perfectly suited to our group, we are all busy individuals and by using this wiki we are able to accomplish something that would prove to be much more difficult otherwise.

I have no doubt that in my future career as an educator I will utilize instant messenger's and wikis in order to not only communicate with students but also with other educators. What a great way for us to share ideas and collaborate in the classroom and workplace. These Google tools allow busy individuals to correspond with each other when other options are unavailable or simply not feasible.