GoogleDoc

In last semesters ACOM378 class, I was partnered with a classmate, to look into GoogleDoc. What I learned about GoogleDoc, was very little. I learned that it was a place where people can blog freely, save presentations, spreadsheets and mail. Individuals could even share there information with other people. My Conference presentation, journals and blogs for example could be saved under GoogleDoc. All I needed was an Internet connection and I wouldn't have to worry about carrying my own laptop everywhere, or even a travel drive. Its like having an online Favorites folder. However things have changed from then to now. GoogleDoc has now found a way for people to connect and view their own work OFFLINE.

GoogleDoc has now developed a way to view and edit your documents offline, without an Internet connection. GoogleDoc something called "Google Gears" which is an open source browser, that "adds offline functionality directly to the browser." GoogleDoc will use information stored in your computers hard drive as opposed to information sent to the network. When you view and edit a document, it will be saved on the computer until you do reach an internet connection which will update the documents changes on GoogleDoc. The new version of the GoogleDoc server is very innovative and helpful for people in organizations, schools, or anywhere in the workforce that uses technology.

This new server is very advantageous especially for those in the workforce or school. This is seen as a communication technology because it places all of your work into one safe and secure place. It gives you the ability to "share documents and calendars securely with your co-workers with just one click." GoogleDoc can be accessed from any computer, and even mobile phones. This would be an ideal application to use for Group communication, because BLS still has its bugs to work out. There is googletalk, where groups could chat, a Calendar and an area to share ideas on. A disadvantage of GoogleDoc offline, is that you cannot create documents offline; only fix ones that have already been created. With GoogleDoc, you can publish your work, collaborate, import and export your work however creating a new document is not possible.

The question I ask every time I evaluate a communication technology is "Will we be better without it?". The answer to this question is no. With a technology that can be used offline it makes it better for everyone to have their work in any type of connection failure. Especially when your interviewing and have prepared a presentation for potential bosses. GoogleDoc offers online ,and offline help which many Internet based applications have not offered. Despite the system requirements and size limits, many computers are within the requirements. This is the one technology I've found that is perfect for schools as well. Allowing teachers to edit and grade all in one trustworthy application.