Google Drive – free online storage from Google

Google Drive provides users with a tool for creating, storing, and sharing items (e.g. documents, spreadsheets, and presentations). To begin, users will need to log into the Google Drive app using their Google username and password. Users will then be able to see all the items already included in their Google Drive. Users can also tap the “Lined” button on the top left of the screen to access additional content and options. If users wish to create a new item, they must tap the “+” button on the bottom right of the screen to create a document, spreadsheet, presentation, or folder. (Please note, users will have to download separate apps that connect with Google Drive to create and view these items. Users will need to download the Google Docs to create a document, Google Sheets to create Spreadsheets, and Google Slides to create presentations.) Users can also tap the “Use Camera” option to take and upload a picture. Google Drive connects to other online storage areas, so users are able to upload items from places such as iCloud Drive and Dropbox. Once users begin creating an item, they must first title it and then they can begin adding content. (If users are editing a pre-existing document, they skip this step.) As they do, their work is automatically saved, and users can view it in Google Drive. If users tap the “dots” below the item in Google Drive, they are able to access options so they can share it with others, move it into a folder, rename it, delete it, or print it.

Instructional Ideas

1. Teachers can assign students a project that requires them to create a paper, presentation, or spreadsheet. Students can create this document using a Google app that connects with this app. That way, the work is automatically saved. When students complete their work, they can submit it by sharing it with their teacher.
2. If students are assigned a project that requires them to work with one or more additional students, they can use this app to collaborate and share ideas as they complete the project. When completed, students can submit their project using this app by sharing it with their teacher.
3. Teachers can have students create folders using this app and then place work they complete in the different folders. This strategy will help keep students organized as they progress through a course.
4. Teachers can create a presentation or document and share it with this students using this app. That way, as teachers discuss the presentation or document, students will be able to take notes directly on it.

Screenshots