Group Writing Project Using Google Docs

Organizing the Group Project

Let's face it, group assignments can be difficult and confusing. Without a strong leader and a good organization plan, things can quickly fall into chaos.

To get off to a great start, you will need to get together to make two decisions at the very beginning:

• You will have to choose a project leader and make sure the leadership style is agreed upon.
• Choose a system for organizing yourself.

When selecting a group leader, you will need to choose someone with strong organizational skills. Remember, this is not a popularity contest! For best results, you should choose someone who is responsible, assertive, and serious about grades. It also helps if that person already has leadership experience.

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The Whys and How-tos for Group Writing in All Content Areas

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Using Google Docs

Google Docs is an online word processor that is accessible by members of a designated group. With this program, you can set up a project so that each member of a specific group can access a document to write and edit from any computer (with Internet access).

Google Docs has many of the same features as Microsoft Word. With this program you can do it all: select a font, center your title, create a title page, check your spelling, and write a paper up to about 100 pages of text!

You'll also be able to trace any pages made to your paper. The editing page shows you what changes have been made and it tells you who made the changes. This cuts down on the funny business!

Here's how to get started:

1. Go to Google Docs and set up an account. You can use any email address that you already have; you don't have to set up a Gmail account.
2. When you sign in to Google Docs with your ID, you will arrive at the Welcome Page.
3. Look below the "Google Docs & Spreadsheets" logo to find the New Document link and select it. This link takes you to the word processor. You can either begin writing a paper or you can choose to add group members from here.

Adding Members to Your Group Writing Project

If you choose to add group members to the project now (which will enable them to access the writing project) select the link for "Collaborate," which is located on the top right of your screen.

This will take you to a page called "Collaborate on This Document." There you will see a box for inputting email addresses.

If you want group members to have the ability to edit and type, select As Collaborators.

If you want to add the addresses for people who can view only and cannot edit select As Viewers.

It's that easy! Each of the team members will receive an email with a link to the paper. They simply follow the link to go straight to the group paper.