Using Productivity Tools - Searching and Online Word Processing

This week's class focused on searching/search engines and online word processors.  Throughout my 10 years of teaching I have always been a proponent of using multiple search engines when doing research.  After covering the topic of searching and experimenting with some various online search options I came to realize that I have been slowly falling into the habit of always using Google.  I remember giving my students many different options and explaining that not all websites are listed under every single search engine.  I've always understood that using multiple search engines is essential to getting a good variety of results but Google has carved such a solid niche in the searching category that it has made me (and many others) complacent in their searching efforts.  I feel a large part of Google's success originates from the fact that they have so much more to offer...and it's almost all free.  I think I even heard that the word Google has recently been officially added to the dictionary as a verb, like in the phrase "Google it".  The morale is that going through searching strategies and techniques has brought my reliance on Google to my attention.  I still love Google and all it has to offer like the online Calendar and the growing features of Google docs but I intend on going back to using multiple search engines when doing more extensive research.

Online word processing is becoming more prevalent in education for several reasons.  Cost, access, ease of use and collaboration are the driving forces behind online processors' growing popularity.  Most online options are free and accessible from any computer/tablet/device with an Internet connection.  Educational institutions like the convenience of not worrying about installing software, updating software, or storing files on their networks.  The capability to share and collaborate on projects is perhaps the most exciting feature because it is breaking down physical and geographical barriers in the classroom.  With Internet connections becoming more commonplace and the widespread use of WiFi it is making online word processors a more viable option for schools and student use.

I haven't used online processors in any of my classes yet because of the need for setting up accounts and email addresses but I have found a solution for next year.  I have set up a school account on a student management system called Gaggle that allows you to setup student accounts and give them restrictive email accounts.  This will allow me to setup accounts that the students can use to register for online word processors such as ZohoWriter.  I think it will end up being a gradual shift from traditional to online word processors for our school but I think it is an inevitable change that has to happen.  Next year when students get signed up and are comfortable with online word processors I'd like to try some group projects within our school and have the students collaborate in school on the project simultaneously, away from school at the same time, and away from school at different times.  Once we figure out any kinks the online processor might have I'd like to try doing a collaborative project with another school locally, nationally and then globally.