I just started using Google Docs this semester and it has proven to be extremely useful! As any MLS student knows, group work is a key component to most classes. Our groups use Google Docs because it allows us all to collaborate on a single document at the same time.
This was especially useful when we were working on a presentation. We were able to work on it in real-time without having to all be in the same place at once. When more than one person is in a document, they can see where the other person's cursor is at any given time. Plus, there is a chat feature on the side, so it makes it very easy to communicate without any third party software.
Since the documents are saved online or "in the cloud" there is no worry about who needs to hold onto the finished product. The creator of the document just invites those who need to see it. Also, as a Mac user, I don't have to worry about compatibility issues between different word processing software.
One has to wonder how long a product like this will be available for free, as I'm sure people would be willing to pay for it. This kind of product does much to lessen the tide of email correspondence we all have to deal with on a day to day basis. No more back and forth emails about the various drafts and changes that need to be done on a document. Everyone just logs in and can see the work in progress for themselves and change things as needed.
Of course there could be concerns about privacy issues. Where do these documents get saved, and are they in a secure place? Plus, we have no idea how long they will stay saved. Until we know more about the future of Google Docs I would not recommend using it as a long-term place to store important information.
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