Google Docs: Love it or Hate it, Cont'd

So now I have used Google Docs for three assignments...and I still don't like it. Actually the third assignment isn't complete yet. It was due Tuesday, but there are a few things I can't figure out. I have looked on Google Docs Tutorials, YouTube, etc. and I can't seem to get help. I'll probably just submit it the way it is just so it's turned in. I have never made a spreadsheet period, in Excel or anything else so I have nothing to compare it to. I do like that in Google Docs I don't have to remember to save it on a flash drive. I can just access it from the web. It is also a plus that after the initial save it automatically saves itself as you are creating your documents. Also since it is on the web, you can invite people to collaborate on a project rather than emailing copies out and trying to figure out which ones are the most recent when you get them back. For now (maybe because it is still new for me) it just takes me longer to do my assignments because I'm not used to everything. It's kind of like when I go to a new grocery store. In the one I've always gone to I know right where everything is. In the new one I end up going up and down all of the aisles, doubling my shopping time, because I'm looking for one little thing that never seems to be "where it's supposed to be". Now, though, I only go to the "new" store and LOVE it so much more than the "old" one. Maybe it will turn out that way for Google Docs.

Google Docs - Love it or Hate it?

Well, after this assignment I'm leaning toward the latter. I know this is because I'm just not used to it. Sometimes it's hard to start something new. I had my husband download Word, Excel and Powerpoint for Mac because I'm just not crazy about Pages, Numbers and Keynote.

Anyway, back to Google Docs. I can definitely see the main plus that since it is web-based you can access your projects from any computer. Of course, since I carry my laptop with me practically everywhere that is more of a moot point for me. I did like the fact that once you do an initial save, it will intermittently save changes as you are making them.

If I had to use it in my classroom it would probably be for flyers like the one created in this assignment. I could also use it to make up tests or quizzes. Will I use it? Ask me again in four years (hopefully) and I'll let you know.

Wii like to move it move it!

I was a little worried about my daughters getting enough exercise this winter especially the past few days with the frigid temperatures. Then I watched my four year old earlier today playing with our Wii. Even games that don't require much movement are taken to the limit with her. Only required to move your arm slightly in the sword fighting game? Not her...she moves her whole body, jumping from one foot to the other continually. In a classroom setting, the Wii would be perfect for a rainy day recess or PE class. Children will still be able to get rid of pent up energy, in the comfort of their room.

Then she requested a game I had never seen her play before. This particular disc has a matching game on it, perfect for developing observation skills. Also, there are games that will help her master hand-eye coordination. In preschool or elementary grades, these could be beneficial for students that may need help in those areas.

As I was shopping for Christmas presents this past year, I decided I wanted to get each child a game for our Wii. I quickly realized this would be no easy task. There are so many to choose from, and not all are just games. Many are instructional, such as a cooking "game" I saw. The Wii really does have the potential to not just be a fun toy, but a learning experience for everyone.