The similarities and differences between Google Docs and Wikis:
With Google Docs, the user can upload and convert Word documents, OpenOffice, RTF, HTML, text (.txt), open Office files, or create documents from scratch, format documents, invite others to edit or view your documents and collaborate online in real time and chat with other collaborators. You can also work with spreadsheets and presentations in Google docs.
The Wikipedia definition of a wiki is website that allows the creation and editing of any number of interlinked web pages via a web browser using a simplified markup language or a WYSIWYG text editor wikis are typically powered by wiki software and are often used collaboratively by multiple users. Examples include community websites, corporate intranets, knowledge management systems, and note services. The software can also be used for personal note taking.
Google Docs and Wiki’s are basically the same except for one important difference, that being that Google Docs allows you to collaborate in real time, whereas a Wiki will not allow you to work at the same time that someone else is working in it.
1. How can Google Docs be used in School Improvement Efforts, Curriculum Writing and/or classroom applications?
Google Doc can be used effectively in the School Improvement process. It can be used to survey staff on the different items being asked in the school improvement process and to collect data. It can be used by the staff to collaborate on ideas for bringing the plan together. Google Docs could be used for curriculum writing or in the classroom in the same manner.
2.What foundational skill set would be required before moving forward with this?
Teachers obviously would have to be trained on the use of Google Docs and be willing to use it for it to be effective.
3. I would basically use Google to post assignments, timelines, countdowns, etc
Knowing that you cannot edit wikis at the same time as someone else is an important consideration when choosing between Google docs and wikis, especially for classroom application. What are the chances that no two students would be attempting to access the information at the same time?
ReplyDeleteIf no two can check it out an once, then a wiki makes a good center rotation in the classroom. I guess Google Docs would be better for collaborative homework where several children are working at once, or even in class projects.
ReplyDeleteDoes it matter which wiki product one is using? I thought Wikispaces did allow use by more than one person at a time.
ReplyDeleteThanks!