This document discusses various collaboration tools including Google Drive for documents, spreadsheets and presentations; Google Calendar for scheduling; Google Hangouts for video conferencing; Dropbox for sharing files in the cloud; and others like Slideshare, Skype, Evernote, Trello, and messaging apps. It recommends understanding cloud computing and choosing a tool first that addresses your most pressing collaboration need.

1. Collaboration Tools
Cindy Royal, Ph.D
Associate Professor
Texas State University
School of Journalism
and Mass Communication
croyal@txstate.edu
cindyroyal.com
@cindyroyal
slideshare.net/cindyroyal

2. Collaboration Tools
• Many tools exist that can help you
collaborate and manage projects
• Many are free, at least for basic usage
• Understand “the cloud”
• Decide your most pressing need and focus
on tool for that first

3. Google Drive
• Includes a range of productivity products, docs, spreadsheets,
presentations
• Upload and share files
• Create forms and surveys
• Fusion Tables

4. Google Calendar
• Free calendar tied to your gmail account
• Set up appointments, events

5. Google Hangout
• Best feature of Google+
• Video conferencing for up to 9 people
• Can have private conferences or Hangouts “on air”
• Can record and post to YouTube

6. Dropbox
Share files in the cloud

7. Pixlr.com

8. Others
• Slideshare – post presentations, pdfs online
• Skype – video conference
• Evernote – notes and organization; business card snaps
• Trello – project management
• Messaging – WhatsApp or GroupMe