Why use Google Docs if MS Word files are already available?

Other Questions Google docs
1

I’m exploring new methods to arrange the lessons I teach. Recently, I watched an impressive video showcasing how Google Docs can be utilized to compile lesson plans in spreadsheets with links to various resources such as materials and videos, which is exactly what I need.

After logging into my Google Drive for the first time in several years, I attempted to grasp how files are organized. I uploaded a random .docx document I had about nuclear physics, but upon opening it in Google Docs, it became practically unusable. I received a message indicating that certain features from Word were lacking. Images and graphics were misplaced, and the equations didn’t translate correctly (for example, it displayed “4 2 He” instead of the correct Helium formula).

I can see some benefits for users who only work with Google Docs to create content, but its incompatibility with MS Word renders it impractical for my needs. Is there a solution for this issue? Am I alone in facing this challenge? I appreciate the hyperlink feature, but I can’t abandon my reliance on MS Word.

2

While it’s true that Google Docs may not perfectly handle Word documents, it is continuously improving and offers several compelling advantages. One significant benefit is the ability to collaborate in real-time, which can transform the way lessons are planned and executed. Many educational institutions use it because it facilitates seamless collaboration among multiple users. It also automatically saves your work in the cloud, which minimizes data loss risks. With continued use, you may find that over time, it becomes a valuable tool in its own right, especially for tasks centered around sharing and collaboration.

3

I totally feel ya, transitioning can be challenging. One workaround could be using Google Docs for creating new docs with hyperlinks and collaborative feautures. For converting Word docs, try using “Download as” option in Google Docs for changing them back to .docx after editing. It might preserve more of the formatting.