GAIN

1. Like many others in this class, I am most familiar with the word processor Microsoft Word. After reading about the Google Documents word processor, I noticed both similarities and differences that one can compare between the two. One major difference and strength to Google Docs is the accessibility of work for both teachers and students. With Microsoft Word, the only way to share work is by emailing it to its destination; with Google Docs, students can collaborate on a document from different places at the same time. If a student needs to save his work and continue it at another time, he/she can store it in the Google Drive and easily attain the material anywhere there is an Internet connection instead of having to use whatever device was originally used. In other words, it's like saving a work to the Internet rather than a single document that has to be shipped between sources. One weakness to Google Docs is that it can only be accessed through an Internet connection. In contrast, Microsoft Word can be accessed whether there is a connection to the Internet or not.

2. The Common Core State Standards is a set of standards that is geared to help better prepare students to be ready for the technological forces found in colleges and in the workplace. Instead of having different standards throughout a state, the Common Core State Standards will centralize a core of standards that all school systems can follow, creating a unity of technological development for students across the state. Because of its easily accessibility, Google Docs is the perfect word processor to spearhead with Standards. With Google Docs, both teachers and students will be serviced the changes and technology brought by the Common Core State Standards.

3. Tony, Nathan, and myself shared our pros and cons for the iPad. Tony sent us his thoughts, and Nathan and I edited it with our own thoughts and agreements/disagreements. I was blown away at how easy it was to share information between the three of us. Google Docs makes it seem as if we were in the same room bouncing ideas off of each other. With the simple click of a button, I could add to his notes, throw my own opinions in, and ask him further questions about some of his ideas; all while sitting in my living room.