Advanced Google Drive Features for Educators

In the last few years, how people save things to computers or tablets has changed drastically. You can now get onto to any computer or tablet and your files and folders could possibly be right there!

You might ask yourself, HOW??? 

The answer is Google Drive. Google Drive has many components to it, but to put it in simpler terms: it is your hard-drive that can be accessed anywhere with internet. Educators benefit from this for many reasons. 

1. You are able to access lessons, resources, and notes from anywhere. You don't have to be in your classroom!

2. Google drive allows you to collaborate. You can share folders, files, etc. with students and your colleagues. For example, my team and I are building a unit in science for forces and interactions. We are all adding resources and lesson plans to the unit without being in the same place. 

3. No matter how many computers and tablets you have, all your files are stored in one place! 

Here is a video that helps you get started as an educator:

My favorite features as an educator are:

1. Google Forms - This a great way to send students questions. It might be a quiz, test, exit ticket, or just a poll for the classroom. The teacher can receive immediate feedback from students. Below is an exit ticket I have created for my students on a math lesson. I am able to alter my lessons based on the feedback the students give me. 

Google Form - Exit Ticket

2. Google Slides - This tool is very similar to PowerPoint. However, students can share with each other, so both students can add to the presentation at the same time. I love using this feature for presentations in my classroom. 

3. Shared folders - This feature allows me to share notes and resources with my students easily. I have a folder named "Math Notes." My math notes are automatically backed up to my Google Drive, then students have the ability to access this folder to read my notes. This is perfect for when students are absent.