Using Google Docs For Papers and Projects

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Google Docs is a free online program that allows users to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations online and share them with others for collaboration. It also allows you to create files and access them from any computer with Internet access without having to use a storage device like a usb drive. Google Docs has 3 programs. One is similar to Word, one works like PowerPoint and one works like Excel. If you know how to use any of these programs, the free google programs are easy to learn how to use.

One of the coolest things about Google Docs is that you can share files with other Google Docs users from the home screen. When you share a file with someone, you can edit files at the same time, a useful thing for group projects! Think about the possibilities- you could be working on a powerpoint presentation with someone from your class while you talk on the phone and both have the file open in front of you!


Step 1: Creating a Google Account & Signing Up with Google Docs

1.      In order to use Google Docs you will need to register for a Google account. Go to
http://docs.google.com. You can also find google docs at any time by going to google, selecting the drop down menu under “more” at the top of the screen and choosing “documents.”  

2.      If you already have a g-mail account, just type in your email and password to sign in and SKIP TO STEP 2! Otherwise click on the Get Started button to sign up with Google Docs. You can use any e-mail account to create a login. (If you do not use a g-mail address, you will need to verify your email address you used to create the account by signing into it and clicking on the link that Google Docs sends you.)

3.      If you prefer, you can set up a g-mail account for free at
https://www.google.com/accounts/ . Once you have a g-mail account, just login using your e-mail and password. Now you are ready to start creating and sharing documents.

Step 2: Get working!

The fastest way to learn how to use a program is to practice using it. Below you will find specific directions for how to type a research paper using Google Docs, but like I said before, it is very similar to the Microsoft Office programs, so you should be able to figure out most of what you need to know how to do.  

typing_your_research_paper_with_google_docs.doc
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