Google Docs 
What is Google Docs?
Google Docs is comprised of four component applications: Google Documents, Google Spreadsheets, Google Presentations and the Document Management Center. 
- Google Documents allows you to create, share, and edit documents online. You can even upload Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, RTF, HTML or plain text documents into Google Docs. Edit documents online simultaneously with anyone you choose, and invite others to view them. Keep track of who made changes to a document and when, and roll back to any version. Publish documents online to the world, as webpages or post documents to your blog. Email your documents out as attachments.
- Google Spreadsheets allows you to create, share, and edit spreadsheets online. Google Spreadsheets is also an essential part to Google Forms. Google Spreadsheets allows you to import and export these file types: .xls, .csv, .txt and .ods. You can also export data to a PDF or an HTML file. Format your cells and edit formulas so you can calculate results and make your data look the way you want it. Chat in real time with others who are editing your spreadsheet. Embed a spreadsheet, or a section of a spreadsheet, in your blog or website.
- Google Presentations allows you to create, share, and edit online presentations. Import presentations in .ppt and .pps file types and export your online ones. The new PowerPoint 2007 file format of (.pptx) is not currently supported. You can also insert images and videos, and format your slides as you want. Allow simultaneous real-time viewing of presentations, online, from remote locations. Publish and embed your presentations in a website for the world to view.
- Document Management Center allows you to manage all of your Google Documents from one screen. Organize, change permissions, rename, delete, upload or create new Google Docs from the Document management Center.
Login using your Google Apps for Education login and password.
Is there a cost associated with Google Docs?
No. Gmail is free as part of Google Apps for Education to faculty, staff and students.
Can I download Google Docs?
Yes. Google Docs now allows you to view and edit your documents offline, without an internet connection. To do all of this, Google Docs uses Google Gears, an open source browser extension that adds offline functionality directly to the browser. Review the Google Docs Working Offline help article to find out more about using Google Docs offline. You also have the option of downloading files that you create in Google Docs to your local hard drive. Review the Uploading and Exporting: Saving to your Local Hard Drive help article for more information on how to do this.
How do I use Google Docs? 
- Overview - 4.5 min. (requires the free Adobe Flash Player)
- Useful Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
See the Clemson Google Apps for Education FAQ site or the Google Docs Help Center for answers to some of the more frequently asked questions regarding Google Docs.
Do we offer Instructor-Led training for Google Docs?
Yes. CCIT currently offers instructor-led training for employees. Please view our training calendar to register for these available classes. Click the links below to download the class handouts. Email ITHELP@clemson.edu for one one training.
System Requirements
Review the Google Docs System Requirements.
Additional Resources
- Google Docs Tour
- Google Docs Getting Started Guide
- Google for Educators
- Google Tools for Schools
- Google Docs Templates
Articles
- Four Web 2.0 Collaborative Writing Tools by Julia VanderMolen for Tech & Learning Magazine
- Idea: Docs for Teachers
- Gadgets for Google Docs
- Insert Videos into a Presentation
- Function Lists
- Tools: Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia
- General: Table of Contents
- Editing Speaker Notes