Jessica Harrison

Blog 3

MWF 9:30

Google Docs for Group Work

Collaboration methods using technology have proven effective for classroom group work.  One method is Google Docs, also known as Google Drive.  Assigned group work has become more effective through the use of Google Docs. Collaboration using Google Docs is most effective in the following three ways; inviting many to the document for revising, using real-time chat, and saving the document.

What is Google Docs? “Google Docs is an online word processor that lets you create and format text documents and collaborate with other people in real time (Google Drive).”  Google Docs has similar features to Microsoft Word such as formatting documents. Similarities consist of adjusting margins, spacing, fonts and colors.  With Google Docs however, other people can be invited to the document for collaboration.   Real time chat is a feature for document writers to collaborate and edit the document. Each member is assigned an editing color that can be seen by others editing at the same time.  If a section of the documents has been changed and does not need to be revised, the writer can lock that particular section.   Google Docs saves after every change made.  A revision history is made for convenience to view any other versions of the document. 

Group work assigned in the classroom can be easily accomplished when using Google Docs.  Work is quickly and effectively done because all members of the group can edit at the same time from different locations.  To ensure that work is not lost, previous or current, Google Docs automatically save the document. For convenience use Google Docs next time a group project is assigned.

Works Cited

Google Drive. 2012. Google. 27 October 2012. <http://support.google.com/drive/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=49008>.

Business Take Responsibility

Going green is a common phrase used to describe the social movement regarding environmental concerns.  Large and small companies have caught on to this trend and are concerned about what impact they have on the environment.  Businesses looking to minimalize their impact on the world have not only saved money, but have increased the annual income. Two ways businesses can save money is through cost saving practices and healthier work environment.

                LEED stands for leadership in energy and environmental design.  LEED certified buildings go through a rigorous qualification process before receiving a rating (Council).  LEED certified buildings have less impact on the environment and although usually more expensive upfront saves the building owner/user money as well as makes the business money due to increased productivity of the employees. "According to the Green Business Bureau website, companies that promote a healthier workplace report a 20 percent decrease in the number of sick days used by employees.  This benefits companies through increased productivity and less money paid  out in medical benefits.  A healthy workplace can feature organic food selections in the company cafeteria or the use of environmentally friendly industrial and cleaning products (Joseph)."

Healthy habits a business can focus on will reduce the annual cost as well as benefit the company. "Companies that focus on reducing energy consumption not only help the environment, but also reduce their cost in the form of lower energy bills (Joseph)."  Carbon emissions are one practice businesses find effective.  Some companies have saved over $1.5 billion over a decade’s time through improving this single practice.  Another habit is “using sustainable resources and employing proper recycling and waste reduction measures can not only have a positive effect on the environment, but can also improve your profitability and your reputation with customers (An Australian Government Initiative).”

Businesses that care about their employees seek to create a better work environment, which in return benefits the business due to increased performance by their employees.  Simple environmentally friendly practices save companies money.  Taking initiative on the concepts discussed enhance a business’s image to all involved with them.  Businesses looking for success will embrace environmentally appropriate behavior and reap the rewards.

Works Cited

An Australian Government Initiative. n.d. 10 October 2012. <http://www.business.gov.au/BusinessTopics/Environmentalmanagement/Minimisingyourimpact/Pages/default.aspx>.

Council, U.S. Green Building. USGBC. 2012. 10 October 2012. <https://new.usgbc.org/leed/developing-leed>.

Joseph, Chris. Chron. n.d. 10 October 2012. <http://smallbusiness.chron.com/benefits-going-green-business-3225.html>.