spreadsheets

Google Docs Spreadsheet are pretty much like Microsoft Excel.  I have used Microsoft Excel before but I am not an expert on the use of it.  It seems that Google Docs Spreadsheet has less functions listed but it still does the same functions as Microsoft Excel.  I really like that Google Docs Spreadsheet all files and folders are stored online and the students and the teacher can create, share the material and at the same time collaborate by giving others editing privileges.  Another important feature is that anyone can have access to the documents wherever they are at.

In the lesson plan Collaborative Lab Experiments, the students will collect data and will recorded on a common Doc/ spreadsheet.  By collecting the data on a spreadsheet the students will be able to compare, contrast, analyze and synthesize their information. they will also determine scientific conclusions about the multiple observations and their results.  Team members will be able to record and graph their data on a share Google Doc/spreadsheet and then will be able to use the "share" drop-down menu and invite fellow students. They can also share the document with the other lab partners by adding their email address to the invite "box" and checking to "edit".  the students can also invite their teacher to be their editor.
In the lesson plan Consumer Product Testing Experiment, the teacher gives the students a project to work on in which they need to work on a consumer product testing and they need to use Google Spreadsheet to turn data into information.  the students will have to work with partners usingGoogle Docs to create an online survey that collect data they need to complete consumer products research.  they will create a form to collect all hyperlinks of surveys available into a single spreadsheet.  this spreadsheet can be used later to make the surveys available to everyone in the class.  This can also be used by the teacher to review and critique each others surveys before they used with the real audience.
I really liked that any of the students that want to access the spreadsheet from home, they can use the "chat feature" to discuss their conclusions.  the teacher can also create a Google form for students to input data and then sharing the spreadsheet withe the class for analysis.
I believe that using spreadsheets in my classroom will be a great asset.  I can use it to keep track of grades, a list of assignments, etc.  I can used to assign students to work on surveys, research, statistics.  Different students can share their input and work in collaboration with their peers and even I has a teacher can be check that they are using all the right sources available for them.