(Google Docs + 21st Century Learners) X Collaboration = Yay

T'will be a shorter post than my usual marathons, so allow yourself a sigh of relief.

Recently I discussed how I agree with some forward thinkers that video games might be able to save the world. Okay, I at least believe that online games have a positive place in education. One of the gaming world's strongest assets is its supportive and collaborative environment. When gamers work together, they achieve some pretty amazing things.

Collaboration is where the 21st century is at, and some pretty amazing web tools are allowing for some pretty amazing collaborative environments.

One in particular that I have never much paid much attention to is Google Docs. I've used it for some basic functions - online word processing, saving work in the virtual cloud, etc. It's nice to have that seemingly limitless availability of storage space that can be accessed from any online connection. And, for the most part, we don't have to worry about computer crashes and lost work when it's saved on the cloud.

But Google Docs apparently allows for a lot more than word processing and peace-of-mind storage. Check out this video that a friend recently shared with me, highlighting some of the impressive products of Google Docs: Google Demo Slam: Epic Docs Animation.

Pretty freaking cool, RIGHT?

So, yes. The animation is impressive. The presentation, spectacular. The display of Google Docs' different functions...inspiring. But of note...the collaboration.

Three animators worked together to create the presentation. And that is what makes Google Docs of the 21st century.

In my course about integrating technology into library media curriculum, we have thoroughly discussed the benefits of online collaboration, and explored several of the web tools which allow for multi-user creation and commenting. But, Google Docs seems to be the simplest, and, if I've learned anything about the web and education, it's that sometimes, simple is best.

It's incredibly easy for students to share their Google Docs with others for contributions and comments. When I was going through elementary and middle school, if I wanted to work on a project with group mates, we had to schedule time in class (which often burned instruction time), or worse, after school (which was hard to coordinate and not always productive). We had to be in each other's presence, which meant working at the same time. There was always a sleepy kid who didn't contribute or comment. There was always a scheduling conflict. There was never enough time.

But now, web tools like Google Docs allow for instant collaboration. Conversations can be held across the world without any limits on time or space. The sleepy kid can wait until he's awake to contribute, and scheduling conflicts dissolve. Not only that, but the work or project isn't just talked about, which was often the case in these pre-historic group meetings; the work is done in a collaborative environment. Even better, teachers and librarians can log on to review the collaboration and contributions of different group members, enabling them to comment on progress and make suggestions.

A simple tool with limitless applications and fantastic results.

And, students are not only learning to be cooperative and collaborative, but they also have to take responsibility for their own contributions. They have to be critical thinkers when commenting on their group members' work; they have to be creative when adding to a document; they have to be skilled with technology; they have to be invested in achieving common goals.

They have to be 21st century learners!

-LB