Organizing the newsroom using Google docs

Understanding the power of online file sharingby Starr Sackstein

 ssackstein@wjps.org

World Journalism Prep SchoolFlushing, NY

What is Google.docs?

Google provides an online file sharing program where a person can create a document, edit and track changes, and comment on what is going on in real time. Google also provides:• presentations• spreadsheets• forms

How does it work?

Once you have a gmail account, you have access to google docs - You simply click on documents on the top of your page a new window will open. You will have a window like email where all your documents are stored You click on the "new" menu and like microsoft or any word processing software, you start with a new document. It also has shared calendar, websites and individualized start page capacity. Let me show you what it looks like...

Setting up a document

You have clicked on documents and then a blank piece of paper will come up...  your screen will look like microsoft word with a lot of the same functions but there is much more than microsoft word because you can share and collaborate on documents in real time

Sharing feedback on documents - peer review, teacher feedback

After a student has done some work on a project,  they can share their document with anyone... There is a share button on the top right corner of the page that allows the student/teacher to share their work with others.   Once you have the document in front of you, you can read, edit, give comments (control m) which will appear in a highlighted format. If you change anything, Google docs keeps revision history and you can see all the changes... no more losing earlier revisions.

Benefits of using Google docs in your newsroom

• Student editors can collaborate with other reporters from anywhere there is a computer with internet access

• the teacher can oversee the correspondance and add feedback where necessary

• you can be completely transparent with your staff

•  Revisions are all saved• Can share folders and not

just individual pieces for layout

• avoid the usual excuseso no more lost work o no more "it's in my

locker"o no more "you never

gave me feedback"o no more excuses

• Complete ease in organization and maintenance of articles  (folder system - I will show you)

• it's good for the environment - no more need for paper

Student testimonials

Raymond Arroyo, copy editor for the Blazer, "It's a really great experience having everything in one place and it is open to everyone." Erica Castagliola, senior reporter for the Blazer, "I love using Google docs because all of my work is in one place.  Also because it is easy to get work to teachers and have them send you back feedback quickly." Sarah Bianchi, junior feature editor, "I use Google docs for a lot of classes, especially for group assignments because we can all share the documents.  It makes meeting that much easier to complete assignments.  I also organize all of my newspaper articles there."     

Making Google docs the standard

It's as simple as telling your students you no longer will accept paper... http://www.google.com/a/help/intl/en/edu/k12.html  -Google's education suite has functions for every middle/high school environment that is completely secure... you can even provide your students with email.

Creating leadership using Google docsStudents are inherently empowered when you take yourself out of the teacher role and make yourself a facilitator/advisor.   Let students take responsibility for collecting, and responding to their staff. Make sure deadlines are met whether students are in school or not Give students access to rubrics and feedback examples with shared documents