Google Workspace PD

Welcome to the Google Workspace Resource Page for New Trier High School. Here you can learn all about the apps that make up Google Workspace, how to use them, and some great ideas and examples of these tools in action. Come for the PD, stay for the inspiration!

Along the top, you can see the site menu, with a page dedicated to each of the tools in the Google Workspace. Each page will provide an Overview, a link to a How To section and a selection of Classroom Use suggestions and examples.

In the How-To section you will see a list of features, each with a link to more detailed information on using that feature.

Just getting started with Google?

Below is a quick menu of Google Workspace offerings, along with a short list of the things for which that app is ideal. Click on any of the icons for more information on that app, or use the menu across the top of the page.

Good for:

  • Collaborative writing

  • Response journals

  • Shared notes

  • Worksheets

  • Lesson planning

Good for:

  • Data collection

  • Assessments

  • Surveys

Good for:

  • Analyzing data

  • Sign-up sheets

  • Formulas and calculations

  • Grading

Good for:

  • Collaborative presentations

  • Digital notebooks

  • Lesson overviews

Good for:

  • Collaborative projects

  • E-portfolios

  • Photo essays

Good for:

  • Note taking

  • To-do lists

  • Reminders

Good for:

  • Web-browsing

  • Online research

  • Web-based applications

Good for:

  • Video projects

  • Flipped classroom lessons

  • Additional learning videos

Google Suite (Now Google Workspace) For Beginners

For a whole host of instructional videos on each app in the Google Workspace, navigate here.

Why use Google?

You may be asking "Why should I use Google when I already have Microsoft Word for word processing, Excel for spreadsheets or Keynote for slideshow presentations?"

Well, Google offers many advantages over these applications:

  • Your files are available anywhere you need them. Need to finish up a document at home, but forgot your laptop at work? With Google Drive, you can access your files wherever you are. Just log in to your account from any computer (or tablet/phone) and continue working.

  • Google automatically saves your work as you go. Can't remember if you recently clicked "Save" before the battery on your laptop died? With Google Workspace apps, you don't need to worry about losing an hour's worth of work on your lesson plan because of a power mishap. Everything gets saved as you go. You can also access your Revision History to restore earlier drafts.

  • Unlimited storage. With an educational account, Google gives you unlimited storage for all of your files. You can archive all of your files (not just those created in Google apps) in Google Drive to free up space on your computer.

  • Collaboration made easy. Google makes working collaboratively on projects a simple process. Simply share your files or folders with your colleagues or students, and they will be able to access your files. You can even set different permissions for those you wish to edit your files, or simply view or comment on it.

Caution - If you use a Gmail address for personal use, you need to be aware of which account is logged in (personal vs. work). The browser will remember you.

Think you've got the Google Workspace chops? Become a Google Certified Educator!

Google offers two levels of certification for educators. Use the content in their training course, along with your own personal Google experience, to prepare you for the Level 1 and Level 2 exams.

Certify me!