Colleagues unsure about Google Apps or Docs?

I am the trainer for our district's implementation of Google Apps for Education going on now through the summer and fall.  Lots of folks in different places on this.  A few things I am trying to tell my colleagues as we make this transition:


1.  If you make the attempt, Apps is really easy and intuitive.  It
takes a little trial and failure, but it comes along pretty well.

2.  It is not Word, but similar.  Nor is it Excel, Powerpoint, or
Survey Monkey.  They are Google Apps, and they behave differently.  This
isn't a bad thing.  In fact, it's usually beneficial.  The online
nature of everything Google makes for possibilities not available on a
program that lives on your hard drive.

3.  It is SO mobile.  We moved past a LAN-based email server a few
years ago, but Docs and Calendar are going to be a new experience for
some.  Yes, you can get it from home, too.  Yes, you can get it from
your phone.  XBOX 360? Sure.  Probably even from your Flatscreen TV if
it is new enough.

4.  In the end it will benefit students.  No more flash drives or
printer blow-ups at home.  Just need an internet connection (which
recent studies indicate most homes have, unlike homes which have
Microsoft Office or a decent printer).  Kids can bring their
presentations up live in class, or share assignments.  Everybody can
share a calendar.  This will help everyone be on the same page.

5.  It's the wave of the future.  Well, online tools are at least. 
Currently Google is the industry standard in online editing tools, but
others such as Microsoft Office 10 and OpenOffice, and the like may
soon cut into that market share. 

Read more at:

teachingwithgoogledocs.blogspot.com

Thanks!