Document Updates (Google Tip)

Now that students are fully in the swing of using Google Docs and sharing, collaborating, moving and shaking the world...easy for them, not so much for us...there is one important feature that Google Docs is lacking.  But an easy workaround makes it not so important.

In Google Spreadsheets, there is an option to receive/send email notifications of updates on any Google spreadsheet.  Docs does not have that feature.  To be honest, I am not sure why.  I find it to be an awesomely cool way to receive updates on Docs other than having to go to Google Drive and look at the last modified date or the revision history.

Easy Workaround:

• Students update their document in Google Docs
• Automatically saves.
• Make sure you, as the teacher/collaborator, are listed under their sharing permissions
• When they are ready to share their update, they go to File--Email Collaborators
• Type a short email message.  It is also possible to include the update in the email.
• All collaborators receive the notification and/or update via email.

This is a real quick and efficient way (and time-saver for you) to receive notifications of updates/changes/revisions.