Google Spreadsheets

As part of the Google Docs suite, Google Spreadsheets is a remotely hosted spreadsheet application intended for collaborative works. At first glance, Google Spreadsheets is like Microsoft Excel with less toolbar capabilities and to some a less friendly user interface. But to uncover its true potential it should be viewed as a live data collector rather than for static data compilation.


My Experience
I’ve used Google Docs a great deal in the past, as far back when it was still Writely. Mostly I used Documents with classmates to take notes in college classes. Google Wave has improved upon this real-time concept and I see that as the next generation of the remote based collaborative document.
Spreadsheets I have used less frequently, but lately I have become very interested in the forms element of the application. When I have a classroom again I would really like to use forms to collect contact information from parents. Sending out forms (either via email or embedded on my website), would be both paperless and better organized than the traditional contact card method.
Something to be weary of is that if most of the information is being provided by one user, the interface is not worth the frustration. I would much rather use Excel or OpenOffice Calc if I was making a spreadsheet with very little input from others. But again, if thought of as a collaborative tool only, you can minimize this frustration.


Student Knowledge
In order for students to use this software in the classroom they will need to have a basic knowledge of spreadsheet software. Students must know that a spreadsheet is a grid with vertical columns, horizontal rows, and each individual box is called a cell. Students should know that each cell can simply hold data or hold equations that reference other cells. These equations are hidden so as to show the data seamlessly.
Students need to also be taught how to create and use forms as this is perhaps the best unique feature that Google Spreadsheets offers in comparison to other spreadsheet software.

Sharing
Spreadsheets can be shared by simply clicking on the “Share” button in the upper right corner of the spreadsheet and then choosing one of the share options (Seen at right). Collaborators can be invited via email and/or the creator can choose to make the document public and establish a web link for it.



 
Teaching Social Studies with Google Spreadsheets
Google forms can be used quite effectively for surveys which would be good for collecting opinion data. The information can be displayed graphically to the class as a whole to illustrate the range of responses. Teachers could design forms for their students to respond to, or students could create their own surveys to collect opinion data from friends, family, and community members.




Check out this two part tutorial on how to create a self-grading quiz using Google Forms:
Part I | Part II


Helping Students Collaborate
Unlike Google Documents, the collaborating benefits of spreadsheets are not as easily apparent. It will be important to model the use of forms for students, for this might be the most foreign concept.


Organization
With remotely hosted collaborative applications it is important to establish appropriate editing etiquette. Students should use comments to indicate rationale for changes. A great environment all stems from good communication. You have to be overly detailed in your statements so that there is no misinterpretation.