Thing #13

Before this assignment I had never even heard of Zoho writer and had never given much thought to Google Docs. I think both sites have their pros and cons but one thing that I really liked about both of them is that by using one of these sites you eliminate the need to purchase Microsoft Word, which can be a bit pricey.  Students will be able to type up their homework and print it out for class without having to spend a lot of money on a product that their families may not be able to afford.  Also, with either of these programs students can work together on projects, even when actually getting together may not be an option, through the share feature.  This would be extremely helpful for students in completing group assignments.  After trying both of them out, I have to say that I like Google Docs better.  There was one feature that it had that Zoho writer did not and that was the Translate feature.  With Google, you can type up your document and then use the translate icon to translate it into any language in a separate document.  I think that this feature alone would be invaluable to teachers who do not speak any other languages but who have students whose parents/guardians struggle with the english language.  Here is an example:

March 31, 2012

Dear Parents,

    We will be having an Easter party next Friday, April 5.  Please send 24 candy filled eggs to school by April 4 for our Easter Egg Hunt.  We also need parents to sign up to bring refreshments, plates, napkins, etc.  There is a sheet in your child’s folder for this.  Please fill it out and return it to school as soon as possible.  

Thank you!
Mrs. Stevens

de marzo de31 2012

Estimados padres de familia,

    Vamos a tener una fiesta de Pascua el próximo viernes, 5 de abril. Por favor, envíe 24 huevos rellenos de dulces a la escuela el 4 de abril para nuestro Easter Egg Hunt. También tenemos a los padres a apuntarse para traer refrescos, platos, servilletas, etc Hay una hoja en la carpeta de su hijo para esto. Por favor, llénelo y devuélvalo a la escuela tan pronto como sea posible.  

¡Gracias!
La señora Stevens