Google Drive is a office productivity suite similar to Microsoft Office.
There are many tools within the Google Drive Suite:
Google Drive is compatible with files that you have previously created in MS Office.
These files can be uploaded to Google Drive to be easily shared.
There are three reasons to switch from using MS Office to Google Drive:
Docs - A MS Word alternative for basic document creation (letters, reports, lists, etc)
Presentation - a MS PowerPoint alternative with transitions and slide animations.
Sheets - a MS Excel alternative complete with functions, charts, and data analysis.
Forms - an add-on to Sheets that allows individuals to submit data to a spreadsheet by completing a user-friendly form.
Drawing - a visual design tool to create simple graphics, flow charts, and diagrams that can be inserted into documents or presentations.
Videos:
Intro to Google by John Sowash
These files can be uploaded to Google Drive to be easily shared.
There are three reasons to switch from using MS Office to Google Drive:
- Collaboration: Google Drive allows multiple users to edit a document, spreadsheet, or presentation in real time on their desktop, laptop, or mobile device. An entire class can be working on a project simultaneously!
- Security: Because your files live "in the cloud" they are automatically saved and backed-up. Additionally, you never need to wonder if you have the most recent copy of a file.
- Sharing: Google Drive is the easiest way to share files with students. Simple add them as a collaborator and give them read-only access or allow them to make changes. Need to make a change to the document? No problem. Make the change it it will automagically appear in everyone's document.
Docs - A MS Word alternative for basic document creation (letters, reports, lists, etc)
- Overview
- Practice: Create a shared document to collaboratively take notes throughout the day with your group.
- Tip: Divide up the page into editing regions with large groups.
- Inspiration: Google docs love story
Presentation - a MS PowerPoint alternative with transitions and slide animations.
- Overview
- Practice: Create a slide highlighting a passion you have.
- Tip: Insert YouTube videos directly into your presentation
- Inspiration: Epic Google Drive Presentation
Sheets - a MS Excel alternative complete with functions, charts, and data analysis.
- Overview
- Practice: collaborative data collection with edible data!
- Tip: Auto sequential numbering shortcut
Forms - an add-on to Sheets that allows individuals to submit data to a spreadsheet by completing a user-friendly form.
- Overview
- Practice: Create and share a simple form with your group.
- Tip: Use QR codes and short URL's to share a form.
- Inspiration: 70+ uses for forms in the classroom
Drawing - a visual design tool to create simple graphics, flow charts, and diagrams that can be inserted into documents or presentations.
- Overview
- Practice: Create the perfect classroom layout.
- Tip: Take a finished Google Drawing and embed it directly into Docs/Presentations.
Videos:
Intro to Google by John Sowash