Google Tutorials

Google Workplace (formerly know as GSuite for Education) is a rich suite of tools that allows you to organize create and share multimedia content, manage your tasks and time, communicate and collaborate across devices!  To get started, select the product you would like to explore, from the options below.


Accessibility & Privacy Statements:


Getting Started with Google

The Google suite of productivity tools, called Workplace (formerly GSuite for Education) has a lot of helpful tools--and some that are essential to your success! That is probably why you can access 3 directly on the launchpad of your myUMPI portal.

Connect your Google Tools to Brightspace for Easy Access!

If faculty use Google tools like Docs, Slides, Sheets, or Jamboard, you may have trouble seeing them if you have not given Brightspace permission to interact with your Google account.

When you scroll to the bottom of your Brightspace homepage--or any course homepage in Brightspace, you will notice a box (widget) titled "Access Google Workspace", link your Brightspace and Google accounts here, to access Gmail, calendar, and Drive from any course in Brightspace.  You should also complete this step, to be able to access Google files your professors share with you in Brightspace.  Do not worry, you can see or access your Google tools, except for you! 

Luckily, this process is easy, and only takes a few seconds (and you only have to do it when you update your @maine.edu passwords)!

Easy Access to Tutorials for Google Tools


Google Chrome 

Chrome browser is the recommended browsers for most UMS applications

Gmail

Gmail is our UMS-system email.  Check it regularly to stay up-to-date!

Drive

Drive is our file storage space, which can be accessed across devices

Calendar

Organize and schedule events, tasks, due dates and Zoom calls 

Meet

Make and take video calls for group projects, classes and more!

Chat

Chat instant messaging synchs with Gmail & allows you to IM & share documents

Docs

Google Docs is a word processing program perfect for sharing & collaboration

Slides

Slides is the Google presentation creator, similar to MS Powerpoint.

Sheets

Google Sheets is a spreadsheet program, similar to Excel

Sites

Sites allows you to makes easy websites for projects and portfolios

YouTube

Google's Youtube lets you create and share video content

Forms

Forms let's you quickly create and share surveys and visualize results

Troubleshooting Tip: Log into Your EDU Chrome Acct

If you are having trouble viewing or opening course documents or multimedia in your Chrome, double-check to ensure that you are logged in with your @maine.edu, in the browser:

Troubleshooting Tip: Access Common Google Training

Feeling overwhelmed?: Fear not--you can access free, certificate-wielding training in the most common Google tools through UMS Academy.  Simply log in with your @maine.edu credentials to the following training: 


Troubleshooting Tip: Share a Google Doc So That People Can View It

Your professor, groupmate, or another can't see your Google Doc, Slide, or Sheet?: Did you know that Google Docs are private to only to you until you change the sharing settings? Just sharing a URL will not allow others to see your work, unless you allow 'all with the link' to 'view'. Here's how:


How to share your document so that others can open it

Troubleshooting Tip: Use Turnitin Draft Coach on Google Docs

You can use Turnitin Draft Coach for Docs to check your writing before you turn your assignments in! Here's how: 


Where to Get Help

If you have technical or Google access difficulties, or trouble with your @maine.edu account, please reach out to  our UMS:IT Support team by: