![]() As the name suggests, everything is searchable within your project, including files, chats, and people. Slack stands for Searchable Log of All Conversation and Knowledge. If you’re working more formally in a team, especially on a longer-term project, you might benefit from a tool such as Slack. Even though participants aren’t in the same room, just knowing that everyone else is writing (and not outside having fun) can be wonderfully motivating. A pattern might include 45-minute writing sessions, followed by a 5-minute chat. ![]() They typically start with a 15-minute discussion about what they’re hoping to achieve, then the writing blocks begin. The date and time are advertised in advance, then everyone joins the chat at the same time. Some researchers are now using Google Hangouts to run virtual writing groups. There’s even a built-in dice feature ( /roll) that could help with decision-making. Liven up discussions with some of the Easter Eggs (hidden features), such as romping ponies (type /ponies at the chat prompt) or tiny people with torches and pitchforks ( /pitchforks) - useful if the debate is getting too heated. Just use Google Hangouts as an instant messaging tool if you want to remain enigmatic. There’s no need to be visible or audible. You can also share your screen over Hangouts, so it’s handy for sharing a presentation. Anyone without a webcam will just be a disembodied voice. With a standard free account, you can create groups of up to 10 users for video chat. Google Hangouts facilitates online messaging, video chat, and VOIP (internet-based voice calls). Sometimes you’ll want to actually speak, rather than just type. You can also create your own apps through Google Apps Script, a simple language that’s similar to JavaScript. If your needs are more sophisticated, you can install add-ons for extra tools.įor instance, the Voice Typing app transcribes your words as you speak. This is ideal for giving feedback on writing, planning conference programmes, or drafting ideas. ![]() Google Docs saves the revision history, so it’s possible to rewind to an earlier version – very useful if everyone gets overexcited and there’s a flurry of changes. There’s also a chat box for discussing changes. Files can be opened simultaneously by multiple users and everyone is able to see edits as they occur. Although it lacks the functionality of Microsoft Office, this cloud-based suite is praised for its simplicity and reliability. There’s a good chance you’ve already encountered Google Docs. In this week’s Thing, we’ll explore tools for online collaboration, including Google Docs, Google Hangouts, and Slack. Thanks to a wealth of digital tools, you can pursue all of these activities without leaving your favourite chair. You might join an editorial board, sit on a committee, or start a networking group. While writing a thesis is, of course, an individual endeavour, a PhD also offers many opportunities to collaborate.
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