I’m slowly becoming a fan of Google wave. If you haven’t heard of it, you can read more here, but basically it’s a tool for real-time communication and collaboration. I’ve used it about 4 times now and I’m slowly getting the hang of it and understanding the power of it. Plus it’s kind of fun (and creepy) to watch someone in another state type on your screen.
The best use I’ve found for it so far is project collaboration amongst our staff. But I know there could even be more uses. It’s a tool that has the potential to be immensely helpful for our large organization. I think we should get to know it.
Has anyone else used Google Wave in a way that’s been helpful? What’s the value of this web 2.0 tool?
FYI: You have to have an invite to use it. Let me know if you’d like one to start waving.
Other LTI posts kinda like this one:
I’ve used Wave in at least three value ways.
1. I posted to my blog about the books I hoped to read this year. I created a public wave and invited input from my readers on additional books. People added to the wave and even suggested books I shouldn’t read.
2. I lead a virtual team and have lots of virtual meetings. We’ve found wave especially helpful for taking notes during the meeting. Everyone can help keep a record of the conversation and the real-time editing makes it easy to see just exactly what is being recorded and modify verbally or by editing the wave.
3. My virtual team uses Wave to keep a log of prayer requests and answers from our daily prayer time. If you miss a day, it’s easy to see what happened the previous day(s). It’s always really easy to invite new team members into the prayer log.
Thanks for the ideas Russ. I like the note taking idea for virtual meetings. I need to try that out soon.
Question: You work mainly with people that have a high capacity for technology, etc. Do you think this is a tool that could have bounces for non-operational/tech minding people? Is this a tool we should start asking our staff across the board to use?
Matt – Wave is still very much ‘preview’. I generally do not suggest collaborating on it with just anyone.
My main criteria for suggesting Google Wave to someone.
a. Do they use Gmail? (similar interface, threading concepts)
b. Are they active in social networks? (used to managing streams of info, lots of changes, lots of interaction)
If yes to a and b, then suggest using Google Wave. Even if yes, if doesn’t like change and is afraid of technology then Wave is not a good idea.
Wave can be frustrating at times since it’s in preview, so it’s a bit more of a power-user / early adopter tool at this point.
Add me to your contact list in case you ever want to ride a wave together. nick.runyon@gmail.com I like Russ’ ideas. Good stuff.