Utilización de los servicios de Google Apps para mejora del trabajo colaborativo en la elaboración de los informes de las prácticas de laboratorio de Química

Abstract

This investigation aims to carry out laboratory practice reports in Chemistry by using Google Apps services and to determine if the team work was improved when comparing with everyday writing which does not involve this type of service. Google drive was used to write the reports collaboratively in internet. Work was done synchronically and asynchronously, that is, all the students in a lab group take part in writing their report without getting together. In addition, students can see their tutors at any time for the report composition. The issues in everyday writing were tried to overcome in general. A team work guide was posed for these tools to be used in this activity. These tools are as follows: Google Drive, Academic Google, Gmail, Google translator, Google books, Blogs browser and Movie Maker which is the most useful tool for videos. Google Sites and Blogger as information management and publication tools are top notch for teachers and students. Guides for Google apps use were done, especially Google drive, Google site and Blogger. The reports of laboratory practice using Google improved team work in 46 %, the report quality was improved in 22 %, and the understanding in 40 % in relation to the everyday report writing. The improvement determined in the team work, the guides for the team work and the guides for the Google tool handle show the importance of the Google Apps use when writing reports of laboratory practice in Chemistry.