Online Applications | SPLAT 101

Common Craft: Google Docs in Plain English

What are online applications?

Online applications are the web’s version of software previously
required to be loaded on your computer (think Word or Excel). These
applications are housed on the web and can therefore be used from any
computer with Internet access and without the need to download or
upload any software (insert IT staff smile here!). And wait……it gets
even better. Many of these applications are free and can easily be
edited and shared by several users!

While there are many kinds of online applications, this week’s
two-part activity will focus on productivity software –word processing,
spreadsheets, etc. and online scheduling tools.

Class Resources

Part 1

Explore one of the following productivity software application suites.

Part 2

Explore one of the following online meeting schedulers. 

Class Assignment

Part 1

Create an account and a document (word processing, spreadsheet, or
presentation) in one of the productivity suites mentioned above. Then discuss your experience.
Here are some things to think about during your experience: what are the cool features? What features that you regularly use in your existing productivity software are missing from the web-based application? How might you use this at your library? Could this be used in a collaborative manner? 

Part 2

Pick on a couple of your fellow learning pals and schedule a meeting using one of the schedulers listed above. Then discuss your experience.
Here are some things to think about: Is this easier than using email to set a meeting? When might you use a meeting scheduler? What are the drawbacks and positive features to using this type of scheduler?

Extra Credit

Websites:

Articles: access through your library's LiLI connection

  • Gordon, Rachel Singer, and Michael Stephens. "Promoting productivity (tech tips for every librarian)." Computers in Libraries 27.5 (May 2007): 30(2). Available via Academic OneFile from Gale.
  • Abram, Stephen. "You can take it with you: online apps help road warriors; Google and newcomer Zoho offer suites of office and productivity software you can use anywhere you have a connection to the Web.(INFO TECH)." Information Outlook 11.11 (Nov 2007): 37(4) Available via Academic OneFile from Gale.
Last updated: October 27, 2008 - 8:09am by tamra

Online applications
Comment by: Anonymous (not verified); October 7, 2008 - 4:11pm
I'm trying the meeting wizzard but Part 1 to the assignment I wasn't able to access. Websense keeps coming up so I'll try back later but would like to continue on with the other courses as I have time.

Online applications
Comment by: L. (not verified); October 8, 2008 - 2:32pm
Created and account with Google and making a presentation was so easy.I never did anything fancy but what I did do just took a couple of minutes and I had the pictures done. The last time I had done this same sort of program it took forever. It was awesome. I can use this to help students when they have to do a presentation in their classroom. This is just so much easier and will take them less time.

Using "the cloud"
Comment by: Robin (not verified); October 15, 2008 - 1:11pm
I used Google Documents to create a simple document. I found the interface to be extremely simple and lacking in features, such as formatting paragraphs. Why can't I set it to indent the first line of each paragraph? Or is that function buried so deeply that I just couldn't find it? Either way, it's not very convenient. I can see the usefulness of having your files available wherever without having multiple copies stored on different devices, but I'm still a bit leery of leaving my stuff online without a local backup (despite any possible assurances to the contrary that may be offered). As for the meeting scheduler, I think I just haven't been in an organization large enough to warrant the use of this kind of application (present work included). We're in the middle of getting the calendar on Outlook up and running for everyone, so we can just add meetings or other tasks onto that and have pop-up reminders (a feature I didn't find anywhere else, including the apps listed above). Admittedly, I didn't sign up for any of those services, but I fail to see the point. But that's just me.

I agree
Comment by: tamra; October 27, 2008 - 8:17am
I agree Robin that most online apps certainly don't have all the bells and whistles of purchased productivity software. Fortunately most interface with software that does, so it can make collaborative file creation an option. The file can then be brought back into something like WORD to clean up the formatting and such.

articles
Comment by: Roxann (not verified); October 16, 2008 - 4:23pm
I'm really interested in reading the articles, but I don't have a 14 digit Boise library number.

Use the Lili
Comment by: Glynda (not verified); October 21, 2008 - 7:51pm
Roxann, You won't need the Boise Library Number if you go to www.lili.org and paste the article titles into the Academic One database.

Thanks for the comment
Comment by: tamra; October 27, 2008 - 8:12am
Thanks for the comment Roxann and the reply Glynda, I have removed the link to the articles and suggested participants use their connection to LiLI to access.

Awesome
Comment by: Chris (not verified); October 22, 2008 - 11:35pm
I have used Google Docs for inter-family use for a couple of years. We have used it for wedding lists, Christmas lists, sharing of documents of all sorts. Love the ability to import an existing document or create a new one in their application. I am going to make an account for library staff to access to store all of our most frequently needed documents as well as spreadsheets for current project info. I think our Director would also like the idea for use within the library board. Phone calls have become consuming when only a quick answer is needed. It is difficult to pick out individual incoming e-mails if the response is not a 'reply', as well as the privacy/poll settings in Doodle and Google Docs are outstanding. Love the compatibility with Facebook. Just had the thought of coordinating the school librarians with our public library for various projects. It allows the document to be securely available no matter where you are as long as you have the internet. This is awesome. Keeping username and passwords between different organizations might be a challenge for those that have many, but isn't that the new part of our world that we have to adapt to? Thank you so much for the Extra Credit website lists! I will be sharing them via our library website as well as friends and family.

These are great ideas for
Comment by: tamra; October 27, 2008 - 8:13am
These are great ideas for using online apps, Chris!

Online Applications
Comment by: Anonymous (not verified); October 25, 2008 - 10:32am
I experimented with Google Document. I was only going to take a look at what each program had to offer...but I ended up making a slide presentation for an upcoming event. It was easy to use. The most difficult part was importing the clipart from the internet. I am a High School librarian and I have questions from students all the time on how to make a slide presentation. NOW I can really be one more resource for my patrons. I'm not sure how often I will use the word document; but it is there if I need it. I don't do a lot with spreedsheets; it too is there. I experimented with Doodle. I opened up and connected with two willing co-workers. Because I am over our district librarians, I can see using it to connect quickly with other schools in scheduling and updating their calendars. We have a school IM in our high school; but it doesn't connect with other faculty members in our district. The more I experiment with it....I'm sure I will find it more useful. This was an informative lesson for me; didn't know Doodle existed. Thanks, Nancy Christensen

student use
Comment by: tamra; October 27, 2008 - 2:55pm
Nancy, You might also think about how your students can work on a project using the slide presentation function collectively from differing locations...........several school librarians have mentioned that they think this might really work for their schools.

Google Docs great for brainstorming and backing up
Comment by: Sara Pemberton (not verified); October 27, 2008 - 10:05am
Yes, Google Docs isn't as exciting as Word, and no, you can't make great-looking documents as easily. But the portability of docs is priceless, plus, if your computer commits suicide, you don't lose any data. I copy and paste to Word and tweak as necessary if I need something to look professional. The built-in templates are also great for patrons to use; there are resumes, business plans, and a huge range of pre-created document templates that could be helpful for people with few computer skills. Using docs collaboratively is also helpful when people are scattered. When working collaboratively, communicating via IM or a conference call is really helpful. Since the interface can take a few seconds to update, the real-time communication helps keep everyone on the same page. I've also worked with Zoho a bit. The setup can be a bit time-consuming, but it allows many people to contribute to a project without the purely open collaboration. When each person's contribution needs to be separate, Zoho is a great option.

google docs
Comment by: kganske (not verified); October 27, 2008 - 3:50pm
I played with google docs a bit. Tried to upload a current document from my computer. I found that it does not support .docx files, but I was successful in uploading an annual document from a year ago (before I got the newer version of Office) that I need to update. It was easy to edit and I can see circumstances in which it would be very useful. Note that I keep sending documents to my home email to work on in evenings or weekends - forgetting that my home computer does not open .docx files either. I need to remember to save things in the earlier version of Word, etc. Next project: the presentation.

Online applications
Comment by: Jeanne Wasko (not verified); October 27, 2008 - 9:57pm
I have tried a couple of these online applications. I am having trouble getting the adobe posts to show on my computer. The biggest problem with all these programs is time. I go from one interesting post to another and get lost in all the interesting topics.

newer Adobe reader?
Comment by: tamra; October 28, 2008 - 9:25am
Jeanne, Is your issue with regard to viewing .pdf documents? If so, you might try downloading a newer version of adobe reader at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Karen try Zoho
Comment by: tamra; October 28, 2008 - 9:34am
Karen, I found a blog that says Zoho writer will support .docx files.... http://www.jkontherun.com/2008/09/cloud-converter.html. I am unable to verifying as I live in the land of very old Microsoft software.

Google docs
Comment by: JaNeil (not verified); October 28, 2008 - 10:21am
Our school has blocked email for students so today I helped a student use google docs to save a document that she can go home and work on. We encourage students to purchase flash drives, but Google docs is a very nice alternative.

cool tools
Comment by: Vanessa at EBCL (not verified); October 28, 2008 - 12:48pm
I'm really glad web applications exist so people can manage their documents without paying a service or buying expensive software. I like the little Google video that emphasized the collaborative capacities of web-based applications - very cool. I don't imagine that I'll use them very much, however, not having the need, but I'm really pleased to know about them so I can recommend them to others (I can think of several people right now who could use something like Google Docs or Zoho, which is what I tested.) Also, with the obnoxious interface of Word 2007, I appreciate the clarity and simplicity of the apps I've explored so far. Thanks!

google docs
Comment by: FaithL (not verified); October 28, 2008 - 12:56pm
I think google docs is a great tool. I've used it for several things and will probably be using Doodle some also.

Doodle
Comment by: JaNeil (not verified); October 28, 2008 - 1:35pm
I created a poll for my Thanksgiving Dinner menu and sent it out to those coming. It was fun. I was surprised how fast my children responded to the poll.

This just saved me a lot of
Comment by: Anonymous (not verified); October 28, 2008 - 2:40pm
This just saved me a lot of money - thanks.

Google Docs
Comment by: susan (not verified); October 28, 2008 - 6:56pm
I already had the Google account, so I just uploaded a couple of documents that I already had created on my computer. I realized that I could then work on them at the different computers I end up on during the day/week. That's a plus already. I like the idea of people being able to create content here on our computers that will then be available for them at home, or the next time they go on any of our computers. (They are set to wipe clean any documents left on the desktop when the patron logs off) I'll try some of the other applications tomorrow.

meeting
Comment by: susan (not verified); October 28, 2008 - 6:58pm
So how exactly do we go about getting a group together to set up a meeting?

meeting with Susan
Comment by: tamra; October 30, 2008 - 2:58pm
Hey Susan, Are you wanting the emails of few people to practice with, if so look to left and pick on a few of us SPLATers..............or some assistance setting up the people once you are in Doodle? If you wanna give me call or email me some specifics, I will walk you through it. Tamra 562-4047 or thawley@cityofboise.org

doodle
Comment by: Susan (not verified); October 30, 2008 - 5:23pm
I think I may have been thinking this was a more complicated and involved tool than it is. I've set up a poll to schedule a meeting for a committee that I am on; we'll see how it goes.

Google Docs and Doodle
Comment by: Gregory Taylor (not verified); October 29, 2008 - 10:29am
The secondary school librarians in my district are currently working on a messy document together, and Google Docs has been ideal for this. Everyone can access the current draft, with ideas that are under debate listed below, and we all know we are on the same page -- literally. Anyone can revise or make a suggestion at any time. No single person has ownership of the "master document." ---- I am also on a committee that consists of people in all different places and jobs. We used Doodle to schedule a meeting this week, and it made it so easy to see when people were available. The world is getting way too cool to keep up with! Thanks, SPLAT 101.

kewl
Comment by: tamra; October 30, 2008 - 2:59pm
Kewl example of using the tools!

Google Docs
Comment by: Jean Hauritz (not verified); October 29, 2008 - 4:54pm
I had already started playing with Google Docs. I am a "list" type of person. I need to have something in writting that I can access from anywhere. Using Google Docs has been the answer for me. When I am on the go and do have internet access, I can easily compare my list with my accomplishments. I had not thought of christmas lists but great future idea.

SPLAT 101: Online Applications
Comment by: Ezequiel Luna (not verified); October 29, 2008 - 4:56pm
Hi! I have made use of google docs for some time now, and just recently was able to collaborate with co-workers using Zoho. What I like best about google docs is that I can upload open office docs. Am now working on setting up a meeting with a classmate using MeetingWizard! Thanks! Ezequiel Luna eluna@nampalibrary.org

Documents
Comment by: Laura (not verified); October 29, 2008 - 5:09pm
I found the documents to be very easy to work through... I have learned so much in the last 4 lessons... this is good!

Google presentation
Comment by: Sharon Naman (not verified); October 29, 2008 - 5:12pm
I have a Google account, so I tried to make a presentation, trying out the different tools. I have never made a power point or other king of presentation on the computer. I tried to insert a picture (from my camera) and got a message that it was too big? Need alot more practice playing around, but understand the basics of it.

week 4
Comment by: Anonymous (not verified); October 29, 2008 - 5:21pm
learned some things at our library

I established my Google Doc
Comment by: Susan N. (not verified); October 30, 2008 - 8:41am
I established my Google Doc account and made a document. All went well. I do plan to utilize Google Docs now for personal and professional use. Doodle was a very easy tool to use. How fortunate we are to have access to such wonderful tools to simplify our lives!!!

more homework
Comment by: Sharon Naman (not verified); October 30, 2008 - 1:24pm
Today was a better SPLAT day as I explored Google Documents. I see the advantage of using this instead of WORD when you want to work with someone else on the document. I also tried Doodle and found it very easy to use. (whoops except that I invited people to come to lunch at 1:00 AM. Oh well.....

Google Docs, My Favorite Tool of the week!
Comment by: Glynda (not verified); October 30, 2008 - 1:36pm
Thanks to Shirley at ICFl, I am currently collaborating with other members of the School Library Task Force to prepare a report using Google Docs. It’s an awesome tool and I love having instant access to see each person’s revision. This week I was asked to help update the School Library Impact Study contact list, I instantly recognized Google Docs spreadsheet as the perfect tool. I uploaded the excel document to Google Docs and invited each member of the Canyon Owyhee Library Group (COLG) to help update the contact list. The only drawback is that not everyone has a Google Docs account or wanted to take the time to sign-up. As for Doodle, Anne A. from ICFL introduced it to me last year and I love it. Thanks again Anne!

Google Docs and Meeting Wizard
Comment by: Barbara (not verified); October 30, 2008 - 2:16pm
My first reaction was what I would use all this for. My home computer does not use Word, so just working between the two is a challenge. AHA, if I put the worksheet, I want to take home in Google Docs, then it should work. This could be a plus. Since I don't have meetings to schedule, this application will be filed in my brain for future use, if I need it. Will access the articles as I have time....Thanks for yours.

Google Doc
Comment by: Anonymous (not verified); October 30, 2008 - 2:31pm
I tried the regular document page because I had just finished a page of websites and info to hand out to teachers at faculty meeting. It was really easy to use but very plain when you look at what I created on Microsoft Word. I like the extras that Word gives you but can see many uses for and online document program like this.

week 4
Comment by: jeri (not verified); October 30, 2008 - 2:54pm
I did create an account with Google Doc and was able to do an document! Part 2 I couldn't get it to work for me! Any one there would like to be my learing pal and let me know how to get to the part on how to schedule a meeting? This is a great tool for my patrons that don't have a computer of their own and need a place to store their documents and be able to send them on to their company. Thanks. jeri

I'll help
Comment by: tamra; November 1, 2008 - 8:17am
Hey Jeri, Send me your email account and I will ask a couple Splat members to help us create a virtual meeting time using doodle. Tamra thawley@cityofboise.org

Online Applications
Comment by: Mert (not verified); October 31, 2008 - 11:42am
Interesting, learned something new today.

Online Applications - Google Docs and Doodling
Comment by: Barbra (not verified); October 31, 2008 - 12:13pm
This took more time than I expected! Obviously I'm learning some new and helpful options. It's very interesting and I'm continuing to play around with Google Docs to see what else is applicable to our office.

Google Docs
Comment by: Fernando (not verified); October 31, 2008 - 12:43pm
The current Google Docs is better than when it was first released a year or so ago; however, integration is still a real problem with the programs in my opinion.

Outlook
Comment by: Leslie (not verified); October 31, 2008 - 1:44pm
This week at our library we are practicing using our new Microsoft outlook program for our assignment. It is something that we can all apply to our jobs. It has been interesting and frustrating at the same time. We are still experimenting with it.

Docs and Doodle
Comment by: Anonymous (not verified); October 31, 2008 - 3:45pm
I used Google Docs to edit a document with a co-worker. It worked very well for the particular situation, and we had a productive conversation in the document as well--then deleted it before saving. I am also using the Google calendar for personal invites and functions. As for Doodle, I looked around in it but do not currently have a pressing need for this application. I may use it with my work study students to schedule meetings or gather input.

Online applications
Comment by: Amber (not verified); November 1, 2008 - 2:50pm
I've never tried any of these applications. It was fun to try them out.

Online apps - Doodle
Comment by: Denise (not verified); November 3, 2008 - 10:37am
I had a chance to use this application this week. I needed some information from our Education Association group, so I set up a survey and sent it out to the members. It worked great! They went to the site, selected their answer and I had the information I needed. Very handy tool!

Online apps
Comment by: Katie (not verified); November 3, 2008 - 7:21pm
I have been using Google Docs and Spreadsheets for some time and hope to get our library committee members to use it. Our timesheets are Excel spreadsheets and I put mu=ine on Google Spreadsheets... very handy to access from any location. I am finding that all online editors are pretty basic, and I try to keep my expectations (and frustration levels) lowered. The meeting schedulers look interesting, and I could see a place for them if there were a lot of people with busy schedules involved. I'm looking forward to investigating some of the other online apps.

Online Apps: Docs & Doodle
Comment by: Jill Jascha (not verified); November 4, 2008 - 10:25am
I used Google Docs. and created a document to use for a mgt. class I'm taking here at North Idaho College. It was easy to use and I even experimented with the "Share" function and sent it to a colleague to "View." I tried the Doodle scheduler to set a meeting, but had trouble. I did create a poll asking who would be the next president and I sent it to a friend. The library here uses Outlook for the meeting/scheduling function as people can access your calendar quite easily. I had no idea that Google had soooo many functions--really amazing! I never heard of any of this--so I'm really enjoying this class! Feels great to learn something new! Thank you SPLAT members!!

I recently began using
Comment by: Misty (not verified); November 4, 2008 - 2:28pm
I recently began using Google docs but haven't explored the possibilities much. I wouldn't mind promoting it more for student use. Will have to ponder that.

wikis
Comment by: Anonymous (not verified); November 4, 2008 - 5:27pm
no comment

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