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Cool Online Tools
Boise Public Library
What is an online tool?
• Web Application
• Generally accessed remotely (but could be a download to your computer)
• Your files stored remotely on provider’s server
• Designed for work productivity or recreation, collaborative or solo
• Includes “social networking” tools
Productivity types of tools
• Word processing• Spreadsheets• Maps• Web Design• Conferencing/Communication• Wikis/Groups – project collaboration• Money Management• Photo sharing• Office Suites of multiple tools
Google suite of tools
• Google Docs– Word processing software, similar to Word
• Google Reader (RSS)• – subscribe to websites and have content delivered to you
• Google Calendar-– Organize your schedule– Share your schedule
• Google Scholar (articles, patents, legal opinions)
• Google Books – limits, etc.
• Google Groups – shared discussion pages using online chat or email; build a collective knowledge base
Other Google tools
Getting Started
• Requires a Google account (not just email anymore)
Google Docs
Google Docs
• Google Docs compatible with MS Word
• Create word processed documents, spreadsheets, or presentations
• Allows for easy document collaboration
Creating a new document or
presentation or spreadsheet
Saving a document
• File Save
• File Save as
• File Save and Close
• Share (as attachment)
Upload a document
• Click on Upload in the menu bar
• Browse to locate the document you wish to upload
Google Docs
• Searching for Templates– Google Docs contains thousands of templates
• Resumes• Finance• Legal• Business
Google Reader
Google Reader
• Web-based reader for RSS feeds. Set up to receive news feeds from any web site. Updates constantly
• You don’t need to go to the web sites once you set up a feed
• What is a Feed?– simplified view of a page’s Web content
Google Reader
• Managing Folders
• Managing Subscriptions
Google Calendar
Using Google Calendar
• Add Events
• Sharing events and calendars
• Sync to other devices
Calendar Features
• Views
• Creating and editing events
Google Groups
• Discussion groups
• Collaborative
• Group web pages edited by all group members
Google Scholar
• Proprietary database– Articles, patents, legal opinions
Cloud Computing: a definition
• Remote servers, remote software
• Delivering “hosted” services over Internet
• Sometimes a “suite” of tools from one provider
• Sometimes a stand alone product
Online Tool Issues
• Is a really free?
• Does it require a download and installation to your desktop?
Other non-Google tools
• Weebly – a website building tool for the non-technical
• Ning – create a social network for like- minded interests
• PBworks – online collaboration using a Wiki – create group projects, events, etc– Freemium – basic versions free but advanced
features $$$
More Online Tools
More Tools