As an educator, Google Drive is a useful tool that acts as a hub for all your digital assignments. When utilizing Google Drive, you can either create new, unique assignments, or you can upload existing assignments as Word, PowerPoint, or PDF files. Since Google Drive is a cloud-based sharing tool, these files will stay in your Drive, easily accessible from any smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Uploading Files to Google Drive
Whether you are a new or veteran teacher, Google Drive offers the ability to upload your previously existing Word, PowerPoint, and PDF documents. These files can be sorted into various Google Drive folders, assigned to students via LMS, or downloaded from Google Drive onto other devices. Google Drive allows users to complete a File Upload of single documents or a Folder Upload that transfers and combines all documents into the same Google Drive folder.
Once a file or folder is uploaded to Google Drive, it retains the same format in which it was previously produced. So, PDF files will still appear as a PDF once opening from Drive, while Word Documents, Sheets, and PowerPoints will also stay the same. In order to produce a Google-friendly version of the Microsoft Documents, as you upload files, right click the file in order to transform it into a file that can be edited, shared, and saved with a Google Drive application such as Google Slides, Google Docs, or Google Sheets.
Example: Upload a Microsoft PowerPoint, right click the file and select “Open with Google Slides.” The new Google Slide retains the same PowerPoint layout, which you now can save separately to your drive by selecting “File” then “Save as Google Slides.” Watch an instructional video here!
Steps for Uploading Files & Folders:
Whether you are a new or veteran teacher, Google Drive offers the ability to upload your previously existing Word, PowerPoint, and PDF documents. These files can be sorted into various Google Drive folders, assigned to students via LMS, or downloaded from Google Drive onto other devices. Google Drive allows users to complete a File Upload of single documents or a Folder Upload that transfers and combines all documents into the same Google Drive folder.
Once a file or folder is uploaded to Google Drive, it retains the same format in which it was previously produced. So, PDF files will still appear as a PDF once opening from Drive, while Word Documents, Sheets, and PowerPoints will also stay the same. In order to produce a Google-friendly version of the Microsoft Documents, as you upload files, right click the file in order to transform it into a file that can be edited, shared, and saved with a Google Drive application such as Google Slides, Google Docs, or Google Sheets.
Example: Upload a Microsoft PowerPoint, right click the file and select “Open with Google Slides.” The new Google Slide retains the same PowerPoint layout, which you now can save separately to your drive by selecting “File” then “Save as Google Slides.” Watch an instructional video here!
Steps for Uploading Files & Folders:
- Select the “+New” icon at the top left, under the Google Drive logo.
- Select either “File Upload” or “Folder Upload” and choose your files from your device.
- Once your file has finished uploading to your Google Drive main page, move the files into an existing or new folder.
Creating Assignments in Google Drive
Google Drive provides various tools to create engaging and effective assignments that can be shared with students via email, links, or learning management systems. When creating digital student assignments, it is important to consider how the file is intended to be used. Students have the ability to type directly on Google Drive files, so long as they are appropriately formatted and shared.
Google Drive Tools for Creating Assignments:
How to Access Google Drive Tools:
Google Drive provides various tools to create engaging and effective assignments that can be shared with students via email, links, or learning management systems. When creating digital student assignments, it is important to consider how the file is intended to be used. Students have the ability to type directly on Google Drive files, so long as they are appropriately formatted and shared.
Google Drive Tools for Creating Assignments:
- Google Slides: This presentation tool is a simplified way to create learning documents or even student assignments. To create learning documents, use Google Slides to transform traditional readings and lessons by incorporating various multimedia, including images and video. While Google Slides is intended for presentations, it can also be used for larger assignments, such as weekly journals, notetaking, or worksheets. Watch the attached video in order to see how Google Slides can be used as more than a presentation tool!
- Google Docs: Google Docs is the most common tool for digital assignments. This is the best tool for student open-ended responses, essays, and charts. When creating an assignment, design the document to look like a traditional worksheet, leaving room for students to type, as opposed to write. The document can include images of passage excerpts, graph/charts/figures, or linked websites/media. Not only can students type on these documents, but they can highlight correct answers for multiple-choice responses.
- Google Forms: Do you want to create a multiple-choice quiz or survey? Google Forms are a simply way to compile data and automatically grade assignments. Google Forms are completely customizable and perfect for schools that utilize Google Classroom. In order to understand how to create, send, view and quizzes, click this link to view Google’s support page.
- Jamboard: Google Drive offers the ability to create collaborative assignments. Jamboard is a tool that can be utilized either during a guided full-class, or independent collaboration. Jamboard is a fantastic tool for fueling discussions by previewing units or assignments or responding to discussion questions.
How to Access Google Drive Tools:
- Select “+New” from top left of screen and choose from the list of tools.
- Select the square grid button at the top right of Google Drive home screen and choose from the icons of tools.