Overview
Creating, editing and sharing documents has never been easier. There are a range of institutional and third-party applications that you can use to create effective learning resources for your students.
How To Get Started
- Google Docs: Set-up a google account, then visit our Google Docs page
- Word: Get a discounted version of MS Word though the University of Toronto, then have a look at our tips for using Word.
- Blackboard: How to add an content to your course.
What's Right for Me?
Use Google Docs to collaboratively create documents with students and/or colleagues.
- Allows up-to 49 simultaneous collaborators to work in a single document;
- Keeps a second-by-second revison history;
- Embedded text-based and video chat options foster synchronous collaboration;
- Streamlined commenting system allows for excellent asynchronous collaboration
- Files can be downloaded and saved in a range of formats, including .docx and .pdf;
- Single account also provides access to spreadsheets, presentation slides, forms and a drawing program.
Use MS Word to create documents that are formatted and styled in specific ways.
- Large range of document formatting options, including fonts, themes and styles;
- Integration with citation managment tools to quickly add references and bibliographies;
- Track changes option for asynchronous collaboration.
Use Blackboard to quickly post information online.
- Paste directly from Word or Google Docs;
- Immediately share content with students, no need to upload files;
- Ability to track views and determine how may students have viewed the content.
Uses and Benefits
| Google Docs | Word | Blackboard | |
| Synchronous Collaboration | Yes | No | No |
| Requires a Thrid-Party Account | Yes | No | No |
| Save File in a Number of Formats | Yes | Yes | No |
| Track Number of Views | No | No | Yes |
| Send Document Over Email | Yes | Yes | No |
| Insert Images | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Insert Tables | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Insert Active Links | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Insert Videos | No | No | Yes |
| Automatic Translation Options | Yes | No |
No |
Other Resources
Google Docs
MS Word
Where To Get Help
There are a number of ways to get help using Google Docs, Word and Blackboard. You can:
- Chat with us using the widget to the right of this page
- Call our help hotline: 905-601-8859
- Drop-by the Library's Technology Center for in-person help.