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Google Drive

Introduction:

Google Drive is a free service from Google that allows you to store files online and access them anywhere. Google Drive gives you access to free web-based applications for creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.  Google Drive also lets you easily share files with others and collaborate.

To receive 2 hrs credit for this lesson, please complete this lesson by the last day of the month at 11:59 pm CST.  This lesson should take 1-2 hours to complete.

Content:

In this lesson you will learn:

  • What Google Drives is.
  • How to use Google Drive.
  • How to edit files in Google Drive.
  • How to share files in Google Drive.
  • How to collaborate on files in Google Drive.

Exercises:

What you’ll need:

  1. A google account.  You most likely already have a G Suite (formerly Google Apps) account.
  2. A computer with an internet connection.
    1. You can also use a tablet or phone, but a computer would be easier.
  3. A printer (optional).

Activity 1:  (5-10 min)

  1. Print off the Google Drive Cheat Sheet.

Activity 2:  (30 – 45 min)

  1. Complete the GCFLearn Free.org’s Lesson 1-7 on Google Drive.
    1.  When completing Lesson 6 on Sharing and Collaborating think about:
      1. what kind of files you might want to keep private.
      2. what files you might collaborate with others.
      3. and which files you would like to share publicly but not let people edit.

Activity 3:  (15- 20 min)

  1. If you plan on sharing files within your library and also sharing files with the public (online), a good folder and file structure is essential.  Watch the video below for more information.

Activity 4:  (10 – 15 min)

    1. Several libraries use Google Drive to share files on their library websites.  Some of these files include policies, Google Forms for signups for library programs, etc.
    2. Check out a few of the examples below:
      1. Cimarron City Library Policies
      2. Cimarron City Library Storyhour Registration
      3. Cimarron City Library Facility Contract
        • One of the best things about the policy documents that are on Cimarron’s site is that they are live documents and whenever they’re updated by a staff member, they automatically update on the site.
      4. Stevens County Recipe Swap Form

Activity 5:  (10 – 30 min)

    1. Upload or create a document in your Google Drive.
      1. Share the document with someone outside of your library or online.
      2. Email the document to Janelle at jmercer @ swkls.org .
    2. Post a comment down below answering the following:
      1. What you learned in this lesson?
      2. What do you like the most about Google Drive?
      3. What do you like the least?
      4. How do you see yourself using Google Drive?

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