1: Introduction to Google Docs

Overview

You have already spent many years in school, and chances are you have worked with word-processing software throughout your schooling and on your home computer. Many students feel that they are already skilled in word processing, and don't see how they can benefit from a word-processing course. Word-processing programs are some of the most widely used computer applications, but there might be a lot you don’t know about them. This course will teach you how to use word-processing software efficiently to produce many of the kinds of documents that you will use in all aspects of your life. Mastering the power of word-processing software will save you time and make your work look great. Think of the benefits of doing your school assignments faster, and of the many uses of word processing as you enter the workforce.

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Let's begin with some basic word-processing software skills before we move on to document production. If you have experience with word-processing software, a quick review of the basics may be beneficial—you might discover an alternative way to perform a task, or learn shortcuts to speed up your work.

In this section you will:

• • learn key features of Google Docs

  • use help functions and online references

  • learn how to navigate a document

  • learn how to edit, spell check, and print documents

  • read and watch demonstrations to discover some of the main features of Google Docs

  • access additional help functions and online references should you require more instruction or software assistance

Key Features of Google Docs

Watch the “Google Docs Overview” video to see how to use various features.

Shortcuts

Review the shortcut keys for Google Docs. These are similar to but sometimes different from those in MS Word or Pages.

Working Offline

1. Go to docs.google.com (or sheets.google.com or slides.google.com).

2. Click on the menu icon at left.

3. Select Settings.

4. Look for "Offline Sync" and click "Turn on."

Images

To insert an image that is already deemed fair use (not copyright protected) just click 'insert' and then 'image' and, from the tabs along the window, select search. The search is filtered.

Text Boxes

To insert a text box, insert a drawing, and within the drawing application, create and type in a textbox. Then click the save & close button.

Paste Special

To copy+paste text over without wrecking the formatting, use ctrl+shift+v on PCs and command+shift+v on Macs.

Use Help Functions and Online Resources

Resourceful, adaptable, lifelong learners know where to look for information. There are several ways to find information and teach yourself how to use your word-processing software. You can

• • use the built-in and online help functions

  • access online resources and demonstrations

Ready?

Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you are ready to move on in the course:

• • Can I identify the parts of my word-processing screen?

  • Was I able to access the Help feature?

  • Can I navigate a document using the cursor and shortcut keys?

  • Do I know how to edit text?

  • Can I use Print Preview and print my documents?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you are ready move on to the next assignment and start document production.