Google Docs Offline Support to Return in 2011

When support for using Google Docs offline disappeared, many Google Docs devotees were disappointed. If you were one of those disappointed people, there is good news on the way. Earlier this week Google announced that they will have a new offline Google Docs product in 2011. Their announcement didn't include any details about a timeline, so we'll just have to keep our eyes peeled for a product announcement in 2011.

Applications for Education

One of the things that keeps some schools from having their students use Google Docs is that they students don't have Internet access at home. We face that in my own school. That leads to some students using Google Docs while other students use a mix of desktop word processing programs on their netbooks which in turn leads to some file compatibility issues down the road. I just experienced this first-hand with some students in one of my classes that were trying to complete a collaboratively written research paper. Each student had used a different desktop word processor and when they tried to combine files, it created havoc for a bit until we were able to convert files. Google Docs offline support could mean that we'll have all students using Google Docs in the future and avoid the moment of file conversion havoc that my students experienced this week.

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