Google Docs

Google Docs may be that hidden gem for the classroom teacher. Google Docs has a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentations software that is available on any computer that has an Internet connection. That means, students can begin typing a paper in class using Google Docs' word processor and finish it at home if needed. The student could work on an assignment at home and at school over several days collaborating with other students. Google Docs allows for people to share documents and edit them live as they work.

Teachers may create quizzes and essay questions or forms right in Google Docs for students to access and complete. Teachers can evaluate group project work to see how each member of the group has participated by looking at the document's history to see which students are
editing them and how they are participating.

Here are two great resources to start:
Google for Education and Using Google Docs in the classroom: Simple as ABC

Each student will need a Google account. Before you start using Google Docs, ask if your students already have a Google or Gmail account. I bet some will have an account. For those that already have an account, have them give you their Gmail address to use. For those who don't have an account, have them create an account in Google. For uniformity, have the students create an account similar to their school accounts. For example: Thomas Smith who graduates in 2012 would use 2012smitht@gmail.com. I recommend that you keep a list of all your students accounts (why not use a Google Doc spreadsheet!).