Newsletter
School will be starting back up for many students and teachers soon, and Google has just introduced a new update to Docs which begins rolling out to users today that aims to make using Docs as a classroom tool that much easier. Despite how much some may hate it, writing papers is a big part of the classroom and depending on your courses, you may be writing more papers than others. In the Google Docs for Android update Google is introducing a new Research tool inside of the app that is aimed at writing papers all the easier, allowing users to search Google for related material to help them write a paper (or anything else) without ever having to leave Docs. This can keep the efficiency flowing while still being able to utilize tools to make the job easier.
Whatever you’re typing up in Docs, Google makes it easy to do some research on the topic right from within the app. Users will find the tool located in the overflow menu, and tapping it brings up a search bar where you can type up what you’re looking for. The search results bring up an overlay window from the bottom of the screen with Google Search weblinks results as well as images and you can swipe between the two tabs to grab what you need. If you tap on images they bring up a larger view and an “insert” option to easily add the images to your document. This insert action can also be used for inserting text as well after you highlight and copy what you need. When you’re done simply close out the research and get back to typing.
Google has also added in a voice typing feature which allows you tap the mic button and either record notes or even type up a complete document just by speaking to your device. This could be an extremely useful tool for teachers in the classroom who may have a need to add stuff to a shared doc that students are currently viewing, allowing them to stay hands free but still add relevant content. For those who are working on a document with others, it’s now simpler to see what and where changes have been made, and who made any specific alterations. As part of this new functionality you can exit a doc and come back at any point, simply tap the “see new changes” option and it’ll immediately highlight the changes for you.
