NASCO:Using google apps and wikis for collaboration and transparency

When and where to use these tools

1. Multiple people need to work on same file
   
2. Cross-platform compatibility
   
3. File posting
   
4. Frequent updates
   
5. Automatic backups
   

Good Examples

• wiki.sasona.org - Policy documentation and resources

1. Lots of cross reference
2. Mostly text
3. Comparable to 3-ring binder of documents

• [1] - Policy documentation

1. Lots of cross references
2. Mostly text
3. Comparable to a users's manual

• [2] - Meeting agendas

1. Lots of links
2. Mostly text
3. Comparable to a user's manual

• [3] - Job postings

1. Frequently Updated Information
2. Mostly text
3. Comparable to posting flyers on a bulletin board

Bad Examples sites.google.com/a/bsc.coop/health-workers/home Health Worker documents

1. All info in PDFs and Docs - hard to access
2. Front page lacks introductory description
3. Comparable to a file cabinet

sites.google.com/a/bsc.coop/zine/ Online magazine

1. Limited ability to customize layout
2. Not updated enough to stay interesting - blog format would work better. 

Using MediaWiki

1. What is it?
   
2. How to install (hosted vs on own server)
   
3. Demonstrate how to edit
   
4. Permission settings
   
5. Hands on time
   

Using GoogleSites

1. Sharing model
   
2. File posting
   
3. Widget embedding
   

Using GoogleDocs

Sharing model

1. PDF exporting
   

How to Train Users

1. Everyone needs to be trained
   
2. One-on-one sitdown with each member
   
3. Setting up a bio page is a good training exercise
   

Advantages of each system

• Google Docs
  

1. More formatting options
   
2. Printable
   
3. More access control
   

• Google Sites
  

1. Widget embedding
   
2. More access control
   

• Wiki
  

1. Easy to link and integrate pages
   
2. Open source