GoogleDocs

== =**Description**=

[|Google Docs] is a web-based collaboration tool in [|Google Apps]. Users can create new or upload existing [|word processing] documents, [|spreadsheets] and [|presentations] to share or edit simultaneously with other users online. The option to save documents and spreadsheets to the user's [|desktop computer] is available in .DOC, .XLS, .CSV, .ODS, .ODT, .PDF, .RTF, and .HTML formats. Presentations can be saved in the [|Google Docs application] online only; However, they can be shared on the internet with a unique [|URL (Uniform Resource Locator)] address to be viewed by anyone.

The application supports [|Linux (Ubuntu)], [|MAC OSX], [|Windows XP/NT], and [|Windows Vista] operating systems. The Standard Edition Google account is available for free and offers 10 GB storage space. The Premier Edition is priced at $50.00/Year and offers 10.5 GB for each account. [|[1]] It also requires [|internet connection], a standard [|web browser] with a corresponding enabled [|JavaScript] and [|HTTP cookies].

=History=

The Google Docs [|beta version] is developed from two different software products to date; Google Spreadsheets and [|Writely]. Google acquired Upstartle and [|Tonic Systems], earning legal rights to obtain a web-based word processor named Writely and a partnership with java experts in document management. Google Apps users were the first to use Google Docs in February 2007.

Many new features are added to upgrade the application. Recently, a U.S. English dictionary, thesaurus, encyclopedia, and Google image search have been added [[|2]]. Google reports the [|updated features] online.

=Security=

Sensitive documents is not recommended to be posted on Google Docs because a secure HTTP ([|HTTPS]) connection is not defaulted after logging in. On 15 September 2008, Tim Bass of [|(ISC)²] revealed a [|security breach] on his company blog site. Unknown documents created by other users were made available to him in his Google Docs window. He claims, "Internet content caching is not an "excuse" for web-based security breaches. Web session code must be written in full knowledge that the objects will be cached in the Internet. So, it is not prudent to blame these types of security breaches on ISP caching (as some have done) the problem is in the web session application code, not the caching infrasture, at least in my view." [[|3]]

Users who are editing with others in real-time should also be aware of possibly losing their information if document is saved at the same time as other users.

=Impact on Teaching and Learning=

The impact from Google Docs expands the learning environment for more than one or two groups. For example, educators and students can participate in synchronous collaboration using word processors, spreadsheets and presentation templates to share ideas from the beginning to the end product. The classroom is no longer the only place to do class work. Learning can now take place in homes, offices and wi-fi enabled venues like an [|internet cafe]. Teachers are also given more flexibility and opportunities to help students in the developing process. Students and educators may also use the Google Docs interface in different languages like Swedish, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Hungarian. [[|4]]

The limited amount of data storage in e-mail and [|hard disk drives] are also addressed by saving files on the internet to access at any time. There are also automatically saved records of the changes made to the files online for those who are detail-oriented. Today, people are also given the choice to download or use java-based applications for free versus purchasing a program that can only be installed on one to three computers. Google Docs expands on the collaborative nature of the internet to benefit people of all ages who are ready to learn at any time.

=Practical Applications=

Commonly used for one or more users to create and collaborate with documents, spreadsheets and simple presentations in real-time online.

=Examples and Demonstrations=



media type="youtube" key="eRqUE6IHTEA&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425"

Google Docs in Plain English (2:50) [[|8]]
=References=

[1] [|Google Apps Editions] [2] http://googledocs.blogspot.com/2008/09/back-to-school-with-bunch-of-new.html [3] http://blog.isc2.org/isc2_blog/2008/09/serious-securit.html [4] http://documents.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=47587&hl=en [5] http://blogoscoped.com/archive/2008-01-23-n82.html [6] http://blogs.pcworld.com/techlog/archives/2007_09.html [7] http://docs.google.com/View?id=ddnctvgt_216hf44mcfn [8] [|Google Docs in Plain English]

=External Links=


 * [|Google]
 * [|Google Docs]
 * [|User Examples]
 * [|Official Google Docs Blog] on Blogger
 * [|Google Tools for Educators]
 * [|Google Docs in Sidebar Extension for Firefox web browser]
 * [|Google Docs for Facebook]
 * [|Google Docs for Apple iPhone]

Author
Michelle Yokota, University of Hawaii at Manoa - Educational Technology (ETEC) Master's Program.