Tool #4

My first reaction when learning about Google docs and Google reader is that I can't believe I've had access to such wonderful tools and didn't even know it.
Google docs is a great way to share information with team members. We can work in the same documents at the same time and avoid the problem of having to send then wait until someone updates the file in order to share it with other members. I love the fact that it is online, so the documents are accessable from anywhere. Google docs will make collaborating with other teachers so much easier. In the classroom, Google docs can be used by groups of students to create stories or poems. Since collaboration is the main attribute of the this tool, students can write as a team. Teachers can see who is doing the lion's share of the work as well as who is struggling and needs extra support.

Google reader is a great way to keep track of the blogs and sites you are following. It will notify you when a site is updated. How convenient! This will be particulary useful to students as they are using certain blogs or websites as part of research for writing or projects.