Google Docs vs Microsoft Word

I have always used Microsoft word to create documents. I feel a bit cheated that I have never been exposed to Google docs. I am really impressed with the level of organization it provides to the ease of sharing. Why would you create and save a document and then attach to send when you can do this in one simple operation? Frequently, I have experienced expired word or office software and to complicate matters the ability to save a document in a specific format can prove to be impossible. However, Google docs allows you to chose your saving format. One weakness that could possibly make Google docs not as accesible for those under 13 was the need for parental assistance in creating an account. This is when a Microsoft word/works/office could be an easier/ better option. I will share a document with my partner and and keep you posted on how that worked!
As I looked into several lesson plans, I really got to experience the advantages of google docs! Again, as long as your students would be over the age of 13. First, I looked at Carol LaRow's Historical Novel lesson plan. This appears to be a great language Arts progject, but it also incorporates a few other subject areas. Fantastic! For example, the students had to use google maps which is a great way to include geography. The peer editing issomething I wouldnt have thought of as an option to do with a google account. Students were able to notify the teacher via internet that they had papers ready to be graded. The teacher created vocabulary worksheets, a document designed for students to list questions from the readings that would later be used for a class discussion, and a great way to incorporate the blogger for class use. My only concerns were how much of this was actually done outside of the classroom because it did appear to be alot of homework. Maybe she was having students use the computer in her classroom periodically during the day and some was to be done at home?
The other lesson plan I wanted to mention was the "Learning New Vocabulary in a Collaborative Way" Which would work great for any subject area, designed for individuals or pairs. This is a great project for students to apply other skills alongside their vocabulary practice because they were asked to define the word in a slideshow page and add an image. I watched a tutorial on how to add videos, images, shapes or drawings and I thought was was really neat. This is definitely a project I would like to use in my class and once it is complete it would be fun to show everyones work in thre slideshow.