Google Docs

Today I learned how to uploard a document (my resume) to Google Docs. I have used Google Docs before, but only as a shared user where I could make changes to the document. This is the first time I have actually uploaded anything to be published.

The uploading process was very simple and user friendly. After my resume was uploaded, I did have to reformat the spacing so that my resume fit on one page.  Other than that, there wasn’t anything else I needed to fix, which was nice because I think resume formatting can be tedious and time consuming.

Once my document was formatted correctly, I then attempted to share the document. What I found in this process is that Google Docs gives you many different parameters to set for accessing your document.  I didn’t want anyone to be able to change my information, so I had to make sure the public access was set to “view only”. My next question was if I did it correctly, because how do you know if the document was posted as a web page if you are the owner?  Through chatting with my professor, I found that my document was published and my resume was now a public record so to speak.

Analyzing Google Docs

Advantages

• Accessibility
• Capability to share with others and edit as needed
• Uploading or creating ability (much like a word processor)
• It is FREE to Google users

Disadvantages

• Document security, what’s on the web stays on the web
• Not everyone has a Google account
• Online applications may not provide the extent of tools that a traditional desktop application would
• How will Google keep up with so many documents on the server when so many people are switching to online publishing?
• Lost-in-Space! Items may disappear or get lost

Sharing my resume on Google Docs was fairly simple.  This process ties into the ISTE.NETS.T standard three, Model Digital Work and Learning. After this activity, I have learned how to share my documents through the use of digital age media.

Resume Link:  https://docs.google.com/a/su.edu/document/d/1L-MKHjld6eYFAweoIlTcQqqdwomH61lp1Q5Bdd-Ri-8/edit

Introduction

First, I have to say that I have never blogged before and this is pretty exciting! I am looking forward to learning new things about technology on this journey through cyberspace!

With that said, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy Heflebower. I am currently attending Shenandoah University to obtain my Teaching License and Master's Degree in Elementary Education. I have always wanted to become a teacher and slowly but surely, my goal is becoming a reality. Before Shenandoah, I earned a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree from Shepherd University in December, 2011.  When I started at Shepherd in 2010, it had been 15 years since I was in college and I can honestly say, coming back to finish my undergrad was difficult, but definitely a worthwhile achievement.

Now that I am in graduate school, I am soaking everything in and hoping to learn enough to become an effective educator so that I can make a difference in a child's life as many before me have done. In this course I hope to learn about different technology and how it can be used in the classroom. I want to be an educator that knows how to manipulate a Smart Board, blog about classroom happenings and present/teach cool presentations like Prezi. Technology is the way of the future and better to embrace it now than to suffer later!