Why use Google docs?

Google Docs allows you to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations online. These files can be created from scratch, created from an online template, or you can upload existing files in their native format.

Every year, students, parents and teachers struggle to create and print documents with a wide range of file extensions. It causes a lot of stress when a student comes in with an assignment on a flash drive to print out but we are unable to open it because it's not Microsoft Office compatible. By using Google docs, this is no longer an issue. Almost all of the possible file formats can be uploaded to the Google docs site.

The biggest advantage to using Google Docs is that it allows you to share and collaborate your work. Just imagine having four students working on the same "PowerPoint" project. Before, that meant students had to visit each other out of school or they would create separate slides then try to merge them at school. If they create a presentation in Google Docs, all four students can work on the SAME presentation at the SAME time from DIFFERENT houses! Students can collaborate with their peers as well as teachers. They can share work with teachers to get feedback. Teachers can then monitor work being done by seeing revision made as they happen.

Take the Google Docs Tour!

General Resources

Google docs help

Official Google docs blog

Printable guide to Google docs (pdf)



Resources for Students and Teachers

Overview for Educators (presentation)

Google Docs: The Basics

Google Docs: Tips and Tricks