Google began as a search engine that helped organize the pages on the World Wide Web. Since their founding in 1998, Google has expanded into a multitude of resources, including Google Drive. As schools explore new ways to integrate technology into the classroom, many encourage teachers to incorporate Google Drive into their class plans. Drive is widely accessible and easy to use. It’s also an excellent way to facilitate collaboration and peer review — and these are just some of the reasons why and how teachers should use Google Drive.
What is Google Drive?
Google Drive is a file sharing service, like a virtual cloud, that allows users to store and access files from almost any device. Within Google Drive are Docs, Sheets and Slides, which are all like Microsoft Office, and other services. They allow you to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations online instead of paying for the Office Suite.
Why Should Teachers Use Google Drive?
The greatest benefit of Google Drive is that it’s a free service. To use it, students just need to make a Google account. As previously mentioned, you can use the services within Google Drive to add other users to documents, which allows for collaboration. Another great advantage of Google Drive is that Google automatically saves the documents as you work. Computers crash and lose work, but the auto-save feature stores your work in the server in case that disaster happens. Plus, students can access Google Drive files from any device.
How Can Teachers Utilize Google Drive?
Using the Slides service, teachers can upload their presentations and organize them into folders based on specific topics. Drive is also great for assignment submissions. By creating a folder viewable only by the teacher, students can submit their papers or other assignments. Using this feature, teachers can make comments directly on the document rather than shuffling through stacks of papers and writing notes. Teachers can also use the Forms service for students to complete class forms and organize their responses into a spreadsheet. Because the service stores everything in one server, teachers can also utilize Drive to grant access to classroom resources like notes or additional readings.
Google Drive is a great service utilized in many environments. Integrating this service in the classroom can keep paper clutter off a teacher’s desk. And, as more workplaces adopt Google Drive, it can also prepare students for their futures.
By Jonathan Mendoza
