Google is Good Part IV: Google Groups

What can you do with groups?
Discuss online or over email
Create rich, custom pages
Customize your look and graphics

Google Groups is a really cool tool that you can use for a number of things. Say you have a group project for school. You can use Google Groups to create message boards, online discussions, and more. It'll keep all of your work in one place and make it easy for everyone to collaborate on group projects.

Here's an tutorial video if you're interested.


If you have any questions, stop by the library and feel free to ask me (Justin The Librarian).

Google is Good Part III: Google Calendar

Let's face it. We're all super busy these days...whether it be school, work, or just personal stuff we've all got a full plate.

Why not organize your life?

(from Google)
Simplify. Organize. (And relax.) Organizing your schedule shouldn't be a burden. That's why we've created Google Calendar – our free online shareable calendar service. With Google Calendar, it's easy to keep track of all your life's important events – birthdays, reunions, little league games, doctor's appointments – all in one place.

Using Google Calendar, you can add events and invitations effortlessly, share with friends and family (or keep things to yourself), and search across the web for events you might enjoy. It's organizing made easy.



I can't say enough good stuff about Google Calendar. We even use it here at the library.

CLICK HERE FOR THE TEEN ZONE GOOGLE CALENDAR




This playlist of videos will help you get started with Google Calendar.

...and oh yeah! CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE CALENDAR!

(this blog post was originally posted on Monday March 2)

Google is Good Part II: Google Sketch Up

Welcome to the second installment of Google Is Good!

WHAT IS SKETCHUP?
(from Google)
Google SketchUp is software that you can use to create, modify and share 3D models. It's easier to learn than other 3D modeling programs, which is why so many people are already using it.

WHAT CAN YOU USE IT FOR:
Well, if you're a budding designer it is obvious this is the tool for you. It will give you experience in 3D modeling programs that you will need in your future. If you're not a budding designer, think of SketchUp as a really cool toy. If you're looking to redecorate or redesign your room, you can use SketchUp to see the results before you move everything.

As far as use goes, anyone can pick up on SketchUp. Don't let it intimidate you!
I'm a librarian (not a graphic designer!) and I had no trouble using it...plus it was lots of fun.
Click here for Google SketchUp

Here's a small example of what you can do with SketchUp


Need some help learning SketchUp?

Google is Good! Part I: Google Docs

Welcome to the first installment of the new series Google is Good! at the Cape May County Library Teen Zone Blog!

On the first Monday of every month in 2009, I'll be bringing you this new feature to teach you about how Google can help you at the library with both your school work and everything else!

First up...GOOGLE DOCS!

Have you ever been typing up some homework on a computer only to realize later that you don't have a flash drive or something to save your work on? It's quite a bummer, but with Google Docs you now don't have to worry about that.

See, Google Docs is like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Powerpoint all rolled into one. You have all of these programs at your fingertips and the best bet is this...you can save your work at any time and you can also access Google Docs from ANY computer (just as long as you're connected to the internet). All you have to have is a Google account (see below for a video on how to sign up for a Google account) and you're ready to go. No more flash drives needed.

For more information on how to use Google Docs, watch this handy video from Google themselves:



Need to set up a Google account? Check out this video: