So here is the deal, there are so many free collaboration tools now from Google, yet so few people I knew seem to make use of them. Two major tools I know about are the Google Docs and Google Wave (though wave is rumored to be shut down soon). Here is the problem a majority of people I know don't have a Google account and when I try to explain the benefits of Gmail to them they seem to like the idea of getting a Gmail account but they are already cemented into using their existing e-mail client so much so they dont want to change. Only my "geek" friends tend to have the accounts and fortunately they know how to use the tools that Google has to offer. We have already benefited greatly from using the tools with each other as we have discussions which benefit from our ability to show visual representations about what we are discussing. Just last night Scott and I had an in depth conversation about the tax laws in the U.S. and how they are slated to benefit the wealthy. Our collaboration tool of choice for this discussion was Google Docs spreadsheet, and Gmail video/voice chat. Scott was leading the conversation and entering numbers into the spreadsheet, and I was able to easily follow as I could see the spreadsheet being updated in real time while Scott was typing away. I dont feel like we would have had such an in-depth and constructive conversation if it were not for the tools we had at hand, I might add Scotts ability to explain a subject matter is quite good which also adds to our ability to have thoughtful and rewarding discussions.
Imagine if everyone you knew was already using these collaboration tools and could easily pick them up and begin using them mid way through a discussion, the added element of clarity brought to the discussion can help motivate others to stay engaged and feel like they can easily add to the discussion. In the work environment one can set policies and make alterations to the work flow which encourages employees to use these tools. How can one effectively encourage friends and family to learn these tools without taking large amounts of time out of their own life to train them how to use the tools and build them into a daily habit? Will the work place be responsible for enlightening people of these tools and molding these habits or will the employees pick these skills up from friends and family?
