Jing

Collaborative Writing

By: Jennifer Menees and Stacy Averill

Problems:
Some problems can arise with the use of collaborative document development:

1. In the instance of several editors having extreme differences of opinions. The document can become a constant changing battle.
   
2. Tagging the document as an administrator writes it is not possible. It adds another step to the process of saving the document and creates the issue of what and how to name the tags.
   
3. Internet access is required for google docs to be acquired and edited.
   
4. Google Docs works differently than other word processing documents and creates another program for uses to learn.
   
5. Due to the differences in formatting, companies that choose to use this type of collaborative writing would need to provide extra training for the editors. The training could present a problem if the editors are spread out around the world.
   
6. Users are required to sign up for google services, while these are free, it could create an issue with passwords and user names.
   

Promises:
As with many applications there are quite a few promises that go along with the program. For example:

1. You can have up to twelve people working on the same article at the same time.
   
2. It it convenient because it is very similar to Microsoft word.
   
3. Google docs allows people to edit and look at the document without downloading any other applications.
   
4. Quick access to your documents no matter where in the world you are.
   
5. Google docs is a free program for anyone to use.
   

Possible uses for administrators:
Administrator uses for google docs are plentiful.

1. Live polls with immediate results posted.
   
2. Links to chat rooms for discussion of topics relevant to administrators.
   
3. Allows administrators to ask a question and receive immediate feedback.
   
4. Home for documents/editors can create and collaborate on the document without having only one person keeping up with all the variations of the articles.

References:
Bylund, A. (2006). The pros and cons of central storage. Retrieved on February 16, 2009 from
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061107-8168.htm
Lynette. (2006). The Fun Times Guide. Retrieved on February 16, 2009 from
http://thefuntimesguide.com/2006/10 /google_vs_yahoo.php
Teacher Tube. (2008). Google Docs. Retrieved on February 16, 2009 from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaL9OKoPvPA

Online Image Editing

I decided to use Sumopaint. I feel this site is very similar to using Adobe Illustrator. Due to that reason I found it easy to use sumpaint. I created three different pictures and only used one tool to create each picture. I used the stamp, symmetry and paintbrush tool. Can you figure out which tool goes with what picture?

Sliderocket

This software was very useful. I think it would be great to use within the school system. It is so easy to view the slide show by going to a link or embedding it into a blog. This would take the worry out of not being able to send PowerPoints because the file to to large. The one thing I did not like was that it did not offer a lot of different font choices. Therefore, I took a screen capture of each of my slides. I then inserted them as a picture. Due to that I did not have to worry about readjusting the fonts, colors, and pictures. This made it simpler for me.

"How can a leader of instructional technology use a blog?"

I think there are several ways for a leader of instructional technology to use a blog. For example, the teacher could post assignments, homework, lessons, PowerPoints, etc. This is a quick and easy way to keep communication open between parents and teachers. I do also feel it would be beneficial to create a blog for the school. This would help keep parents up to date on things. Another great use for a blog is one for your grade level or team. This would be a quick and easy way to share information. Not only can you share the information, but it will always be at your finger tips. I feel blogs are beneficial. However, not enough people are comfortable using them right now.