I find using the “Track Changes” of Word highly beneficial when working on documents with others. It can be very helpful to see exactly what changes were made and use the automated function to find them all and accept, reject or further change them. I’m trying to figure out to at least do such editing at least at a primitive level in Google Docs and did not find how to do so yet and I’ll keep looking. An issue with using “Track Changes” of Word is that it get’s confusing with more than two people working on it. In such circumstances we have generally had to agree on the order of who edits it and by when. I understand there may be advantages in using Google Docs in this regard and hopefully will learn more about this.
I used to use Google Scholar frequently and still find it handy especially when using a computer not on the university campus. For seeking information relevant to my research of plant science/biochemistry/nutrition/renewable oils I find scientific databases such as Web of Science and WepSpirs much more useful and systematic. Usually the most recent publications on the subject are of most interest and with Google Scholar chronologically so easily. For maps I have usually used MapQuest but I like Google Maps a lot too. Google Earth is a lot of fun to play around with. I searched for articles in my research fields in "Knol" but did not find any and it would seem to me that online encylopedias are sufficient for such purposes such as Encylopedia Briticanica Online and Wikipedia. "Reader" could have me spending more time on the computer than I spend already which is too much for my liking. I'm on numerous listserves and recieve "feeds" of all sorts already -- more than I can keep up with as is.
In the graduate level Plant Biochemistry class I teach it is not clear if Google Docs or Apps would be useful. It will be interesting to get ideas on this from Web Savvy students in the class.
2 comments:
I think it's a great idea to survey the students about their use of technology and whether a certain technology may be useful to them in the class. It makes it more of a useful tool for all instead of just "one more thing." :)
I am not familiar with "Knol", would you be able to provide me with a little more information.
Your thoughts about not finding a Track Changes function on Google Docs is interesting. Would it be okay to have people write in different colors on the document in order to suggest changes or make corrections?
I do agree with Patsy that it would be useful to check with your students on their experiences/comfort level of using Google Docs as part of a class assignment. They may propose a different idea that would be beneficial to them and to you.
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