Google Drive

Upload, create, share files/folders and gain tips on file management within Google Drive.

District Google Account

Unlimited storage
Students have the ability to transfer school Google Drive files to a personal Google Drive when students leave the district
Provides a protected domain for minors in the Google ecosystem
No ads
DISD Google does NOT store student data
Complies with federal COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)
Complies with federal FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Agreement)

Personal Google Account

15 GB of storage
Creates a closed environment between teacher/student that other adults cannot access
Open to the public. Anyone can share inappropriate content to students.
Has ads
Google tracks and collects data on users
Does NOT comply with federal COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)
Does NOT comply with federal FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Agreement)

Structure

My Drive - files created or uploaded are stored in My Drive. This is similar to a C: Drive on a computer.

Shared with me - all of the files that have been shared with you can be located in "Shared with me". The most recently shared item can be found toward the top of the list of files.

Recent - Select this to view most recently viewed files.

Google Photos - allows you to backup your photos from your phone. (This more for personal use.)

Starred - add files by right clicking the file and select "add star". Use this feature to quickly access certain files.

Trash - once a file is removed from Drive, they can be found in the trash. They can be restored from the trash or permanently removed.

Upload a file

1. Select New.

2. Select File upload.

3. Find and file to upload.

4. Click Open.

Converting vs. Storing

Determine if you always want to convert uploaded to documents to a Google Docs editor or if you are choosing to use Google Drive as a storage place. If you choose not to always convert, you do have options to open files with Google Docs editor.

To choose to automatically convert ALL files to Google Docs/Sheets when uploaded.

1. Select Gear icon.

2. Select Settings.

3. Place a checkmark in Convert uploaded files to Google Docs editor format.

4. Click Done.

If you choose not to automatically convert, you can right-click and "Open with Google Docs/Sheets" and make changes to a file.

Sharing

1. Select the Share button.

2. Select Advanced.

3. Add email addresses to share the file with specific people.

4. Choose whether they can VIEW or EDIT.

5. Click Done.

Alter rights for individuals by selecting the drop-down menu next to the pencil.

For more options on sharing, select "Change" link as seen in the image on the left.

As seen, in the image on the right, you can allow options for larger audiences to access the document.

DO NOT forget to indicate whether they can EDIT, COMMENT, or VIEW.

Commenting

1. Highlight information to comment about.

2. Click on Comments.

3. Select Comment.

4. Type comment, then click "Comment."

Shared with Me

Users can add the file to "My Drive" instead of moving it. This is not a copy of the file. It's literally the same file located in multiple folders, which allows for each person's own organization of their Drive. For example, renaming the file in My Drive will rename it for everyone because it is the original file.

Users can choose to add files to multiple folders as well. To do this, select a file and press Shift+Z to display the "Add To" dialog box.