Google Docs now Google Drive

In April, Google announced the long-awaited Google Drive, which is an enhancement of Google Docs. Biggest change: similar to Dropbox, there is now a Google Drive application for desktop computers to "copy" the files to your desktop (although there are only links to the Google Docs). Instead of the 1 GB limit of Docs free storage, Drive allows 5 GB for free. Any document can be shared and can have a URL for hyperlinking from an ePortfolio (in Dropbox, documents with URLs need to be in the Public folder). GoogleDocs/Drive uses Collections which act like "tags" rather than folders... which means a document can be assigned to more than one collection (i.e., English and Portfolio).

Here are some interesting comparisons of the difference online storage services:

• http://blog.gsmarena.com/cloud-storage-comparison-google-drive-vs-dropbox-vs-sugarsync-vs-skydrive-vs-box-net/
• http://www.gottabemobile.com/2012/04/25/google-drive-vs-dropbox-cloud-syncing-showdown/
• http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/24/2954960/google-drive-dropbox-skydrive-sugarsync-cloud-storage-competition
• http://www.labnol.org/software/compare-google-drive-skydrive-dropbox/21214/
• http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505143_162-57420569/comparing-google-drive-skydrive-and-dropbox-storage/
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2012/apr/25/google-drive-cloud-storage-compared
• http://lifehacker.com/5904731/desktop-file-syncing-faceoff-dropbox-vs-google-drive
• http://gizmodo.com/5904739/google-drive-icloud-dropbox-and-more-compared-whats-the-best-cloud-option
• http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/dropbox-skydrive-google-drive-which-one-is-right-for-you/4918

Google Docs refresh to the Documents List

Today Google Docs updated the Documents list, with some neat new features. I really like the way they have changed the Folders into Collections, which really act like Tags for classifying docs, combining the best features of labels and folders. In a portfolio collection, any file can be uploaded and assigned to more than one Collection (i.e., subject collection, portfolio collection, etc.). The new name fits better within the portfolio process. Bravo, Google!

Google Docs stores & plays video

Today, Google make the following announcement: Google Docs Now Allows Streaming of Uploaded Videos. The following are the formats that can be uploaded into Google Docs:

• WebM files (Vp8 video codec and Vorbis Audio codec)
• MPEG4, 3GPP and MOV files - (h264 and mpeg4 video codecs and AAC audio codec)
• AVI (many cameras use this format - typically the video codec is MJPEG and audio is PCM)
• MPEGPS (MPEG2 video codec and MP2 audio)
• WMV
• FLV (Adobe - FLV1 video codec, MP3 audio)

Here is a Aimee's first Lucy video, which I uploaded to GoogleDocs. This is really good news for schools that block YouTube. Now we can have student-created videos uploaded to GoogleDocs. While these videos open in a new window, rather than being embedded on a page, maybe that will happen soon.

iPad Authoring Advances

I've noticed some increased editing capability with my iOS devices. I can now create and do basic text editing in GoogleDocs (Documents and Spreadsheets) using Safari and the docs.google.com/m website with my iPad. The editing is very basic (no formatting) but it works better than a few months ago. But Google Sites is a different story. Here is a Twitter conversation I had today with @Lenva (Lenva Shearing, deputy principal at BBI in Auckland):

• lenva: Trying to edit a google sites new page made on iPad (os4.2). Cannot edit. Anyone know how or have an app?
• lenva: Does anyone know of an iPad app that let's you edit google sites
• eportfolios (me) @lenva I haven't been able to edit Google Sites text with iPad. Google Docs editing getting better but prefer using Office2HD (not free)
• lenva: @eportfolios I also use Office2HD for G docs. Was hoping there was something similar for G sites. Rolling out ipads next yr, so its a pain.
• eportfolios: @lenva U can create&name Sites pages w iPad...just not edit-yet. Workaround: embed Docs into Sites page w/laptop. Then edit Docs w/iPad?
• eportfolios: @lenva Can now edit WikiSpaces with iPad. Couldn't do that 6 months ago: see example: http://eportfolios.wikispaces.com/Mobiles

It sounds like BBI will be implementing a new iPad pod next year (their new school year starts at the end of January!). I am excited to see how this learner-centered school implements iPads. I spent two weeks visiting their school last March, to observe the creative ways that they implemented e-portfolios. I shared my passion for digital storytelling with the teachers and some of the students. Maybe I'll have to go back for another visit next year, to see how they implement digital storytelling with their iPads.

I've downloaded a couple of iPad/iPod apps for digital storytelling: Storyrobe, Splice (Video Editor for 3GS and iPhone 4 - US$.99). How soon will Splice and iMovie (US$4.99) be available on the iPad? I have them on my 4G iPod Touch! Last summer, some Apple Distinguished Educators put together a great site on implementing digital storytelling with the iPad: https://sites.google.com/site/digitalstorytellingwiththeipad/home. I've received other iPad software recommendations for e-portfolios, including Evernote, which I will include in a future blog entry. I've established a Google Site for exploring mPortfolios (m=Mobile) between now and June: https://sites.google.com/site/mportfolios/

Editing GoogleDocs on iPhone & iPad

I found a 3rd party solution for editing GoogleDocs with both my iPhone and my iPad. There are apps available that make this possible: Office2 (squared) for the iPhone ($5.99 in the iTunes App store) and Office2 Pro for the iPad ($7.99 in the iPad App store). There is a free version for the iPhone/iPod Touch, but it doesn't allow saving. The Doc2 app is $3.99 (saves documents); same price for the Sheet2 app (saves spreadsheets). 

I was able to open GoogleDocs Document and Spreadsheet files, edit them, and save them to the web. All changes were made to GoogleDocs. I also created documents on my iPad and iPhone, and was able to copy and paste text between those documents and my GoogleDocs, so I am able to work off-line. I can also open files stored in Box.net, Mobile Me (iDisk), and myDisk.se.

I bought the Bluetooth keyboard and the VGA cable. I also downloaded Keynote for the iPad, and my daughter has challenged me to do my next presentation with my iPad. I have three weeks to prepare! It looks like I can't plug the iPad into power while using the VGA cable. But I am getting more than 10 hours on the battery! Just need to start with a fully charged iPad.
Next I will explore online storage from the iPad/iPhone!