(Nov. 13, 2008) Write and collaborate on documents simultaneously, demonstrate and explain edits or grading to students in real time, change fonts and securely share documents with anyone online. The latest TechHEds video cast demonstrates how Google docs can be a useful, quick and easy online application that lets faculty and staff do all of the above and a whole lot more.

Working with internal communications in the Office of Integrated University Communications, the TechHEds at CU Online have produced and released the second in a series of informational and possibly entertaining videos -- this one demonstrating how Google docs can be a boon for academics. 

"We want to show faculty how user-friendly this online tool can be and how it makes working with students and colleagues that much easier," explains Brian Yuhnke, instructional technology and web media production coordinator. "Through the TechHeds videos, we reach faculty without having to run to their office or try to explain the process over the phone."

Anna Thai, academic technology coordinator, adds, "While our weekly audio podcasts focus on the latest news and advancements in education technology, our videos detail universally beneficial applications that can aid everyone from our top techies to the technologically challenged." 

Other advantages of using Google docs include:

• Your work is saved automatically every few seconds
• Documents are accessible from work, home, Nepal . . . anywhere you can access the Internet
• You can invite as many or as few collaborators as you want either to write with you or just as readers
• Create as many documents, spreadsheets or slide-show presentations as you want
• It's free

Check out the video or learn more about Google docs and TechHEds podcasts. See the first video about the many uses of Twitter.