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If you assign group projects that utilize Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or Excel - consider the option of "collaborative software."  With collaborative software, all group members can access and edit their project at any time from any computer with an Internet connection.  

Collaborative Software through Gaggle

Students currently have access to Zoho software through their Gaggle accounts.  There is no set-up required and students can be given instructions on how to open a collaborative project in about 10 minutes of class time (see right).  I did this in two classes last week and students launched into using the software as it is quite straightforward and easy to use.  

Also, Gaggle provides great video tutorials and has an informative help section.  See the following:
Whole-Class Instructions

To create and share a collaborative project file:    
  1. All students login to Gaggle
  2. Groups select ONE student to do the following:
  • Applications > Digital Locker > New File > Presentation (or Text Document or Spreadsheet
  • Type in the name of the project > New > Close
  • Not Shared > in the To field,  begin typing the last name of a group member and click on their name when it appears to add it > keep adding group members in this way and click Invite and Send after you have added them all
To edit the file - all group members do the following:
  • Applications Digital Locker  > double click on the file you wish to open > Edit > Multi User Mode