I’ve been using Google docs quite a bit this year, and I’ve noticed that in the last couple of months they’ve added some features that increase their attractiveness quite a bit to me.
You’ve been able to publish your documents to the web for some time so that anyone can view them. But recently the function of making the documents able to be edited by anyone has been added. In my mind this provides the openness that makes wikis so attractive with the usability that has always been an issue.
I’m now considering moving all of my development to the Google docs platform. Can anyone think of any reasons why this wouldn’t be a good idea?
I’ve just converted one of my wiki pages over to two different Google presentation formats. Here they are as a comparison
Which do you like better?
Google docs have also recently release a survey form which shows promise as a formative testing programme, but it doesn’t yet do what I want it to. I’m sure that within a year they’ll have something that does the job.
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November 10, 2008 at 8:24 am
Sarah Stewart
I changed my top tip from wiki to google docs as per your advice – must get in the habit of using it.
November 10, 2008 at 10:29 am
leighblackall
I also wonder about it.. such as my latest post. Personally I prefer the look and feel of the wiki (not necessarily Wikieducator) and like the relationship that the content has to a wider context, not to mention features on some wikis like RSS, discussion, and embedded media. But there are lots of pluses to what you are considering too.. its a difficult call.. I’m trying to work out how to do both at the same time
November 28, 2008 at 12:41 am
Anne Marie Cunningham
Isn’t one of the advantages of the wiki that there is an associated discussion board- just there. Although the google docs are editable that isn’t immediately apparent to me so it feels less like something I could contribute to. Just my thoughts:)
November 28, 2008 at 1:43 am
davidmcquillan
Thanks Anne Marie,
You’re right, there isn’t an associated discussion board. I’m not sure that this is a particularly big problem though. For any google docs project that I set up I would set up an associated google group for the project, and would include a link to this group in the header of each page.
I think probably most people aren’t aware that the google docs are editable because the ability to publish to the web & open read/write access to anyone viewing the page is pretty new. Overtime I’m sure that this perception will change.
One downside of Google docs as compared to wikis that I’ve cottoned onto recently is that they don’t allow you to embed media into the documents (video & audio), but I’m sure this functionality can’t be too far away. Actually I’m going to suggest it right now.