Google is King

The Web as Application.  The Read/Write Web.  The Office Web.  The Cloud.

No longer are users denied software applications because of high cost or limited hard drive space.  Many applications that used to be installation-dependent are now offered online, often free to any user.  Whether at home, at school, or at work, the availability of word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and database software online levels the technology playing field for any age group, organization structure, educational setting, retail or manufacturing business.  Local or global, English or French, north or south - the availability of these tools in the cloud offers a platform free of storage issues, compatibility issues, and accessibility issues.

Online productivity tools such as Google Docs, Think Free, Buzzword, Zoho, and Open Office have changed practices in the classroom and in the office.  Files can be created and shared, with multiple collaborators.  Presentations can be streamed, used for conferences, and embedded in partner applications.   Worksheets, and even databases, online provide financial data and graphic charts.   Most productivity suites offer file storage in the cloud with upload and download capabilities.  Most offer free services, with enhanced tools provided through paid subscriptions.

Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences are listed as linguistic, mathematical, kinesthetic, auditory, graphic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.  Most people have not just one, but several, prominent learning styles.  

Highly linguistic learners rely on the written word for comprehension and are often strong in Interpersonal skills as well.  These online productivity suites of tools are perfect for learners who read and write well and can take advantage of collaboration and sharing capabilities that enhance efficiency in school or in the office.  But these tools also provide creative tools in spreadsheet and presentation files for the graphic and auditory learner.

My choice?  Google Applications:

• Security is a top priority - files, mail, everything
• Stay connected anywhere and on anything - laptop, desktop, or mobile device
• Real-time collaboration with multiple users
• Efficiency tools - calendars, invoices, scheduling, budgeting
• Invisible IT - rely on their techs, reduce yours
• Green - reduce school and company carbon footprints

Not only does Google provide the usual office applications - word docs, presentations, and spreadsheets - but their other applications provide a means to seam, embed and mash them all together to create new and dynamic learning.  Nearly any learning style is met through these tools:

• Linguisitic - Gmail, Docs, Sites, Blogger, Moderator
• Mathematical - Spreadsheets, Analytics, AdSense, Apps Scripts
• Kinesthetic - Presentations, Maps, Calendars,
• Auditory - YouTube, Voice, Translate, Video
• Graphic - Maps, Fusion Tables, Picasa Web Albums, Drawings, Chrome

Interpersonal and Intrapersonal - all tools provide the capability to work alone or with others.  Collaborate THEN share...Collaborate AND share.  Work together, work alone - Google provides the flexibility to do either and both.  Apps can be used before, during, and after work is created.