Google docs

     Google docs is proving to be a useful tool.  I was apprehensive at first because I was feeling comfortable with Blogger and Wiki.  I felt these would be better environments to collaborate and share information.  I was wrong!  While all of these tools can be effective for collaborating and sharing information, Google docs is proving its value.  I enjoy the organization of the files.  There is no confusion over which file is the latest version. The tutorial was brief, down to Earth and easy to understand.  I was up and running quickly.  I saved the folder to my Firefox Bookmark Toolbar. this way I go directly to the folder and have all of the files at my fingertips.

     One night all of the team members met on line by accident.  There is a chat feature, but we wanted to make our communications transparent.   So, we were all typing on the document at the same time.  It was wild to see four instantaneous changes occurring at the same time.  This went on for about an hour and the documentation page is a mess!  We are working on putting together files to communicate in.  One instance that particularly struck me is that someone started typing into the separation bar at the bottom of the page and couldn't seem to get it to move.  So, I hit return a few times and moved the bar out of the way for my teammate as she was typing there.  It was an instantaneous change as she continued typing.  I was very impressed at how fluidly we could work together in this environment.  It was an exciting moment for me.  Then another team member included some helpful hints about the illustration tools.  I can't wait to work with Google docs more!