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