Exploring Google Workspace --- A Guided Tour
Embedded Files
Course Overview
Ready to feel more at home in the cloud? We’ll explore Google Workspace through demonstrations and hands-on activities, turning digital "how-to" into "I’ve got this."
Bring your laptop (essential) and phone.
Viewing and sharing files across all devices (computers, tablets, phone) and platforms (Apple, Microsoft, Google) is a theme that will be modeled throughout the course.
The “guided tour” includes six sessions, beginning with ensuring everyone has established a secure Google Account. The primary applications we’ll explore include:
Setting up and managing a Google Account (Session 1)
Gmail (Google Mail) and Overview of the Google Workspace
Google Drive (file management)
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Google Photos, Calendaring, Contacts, and AI (Gemini)
The course objectives aren’t as much about mastering a specific application, but gaining confidence to explore independently, bridging the gap between learning the tool to using the tool.
Welcome Letter (prior to Session 1)
Table of Contents (6 sessions)
Shortcut to all 6 sessions: step-by-step slideshows & PDF's
Session 1
Session 1
Session 1
Session 1
Google Account Setup
Just for those who need assistance in the following:
To set up a new Google Acct.
To recover a forgotten password.
Example: Apple ID or Google ID or computer or smartphone login.
With managing their Account (adding security, etc).
Setup Activity: accounts.google.com
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Teaching Step-by-Step Slideshow | PDF | Summary/Followup
Session 2
Session 2
Session 2
Session 2
Demystify the Cloud.
Demystify the Cloud.
Google Workspace Foundations
Google Workspace Foundations
Describe Google Workspace and why it is useful for communication and everyday tasks.
Google Account and Security: Importance of strong passwords and 2-Step Verification.
Navigate the Google Apps “waffle” menu (9-dot menu).
Browser Options: Google Chrome, MS Edge, Apple Safari, Firefox, Comet & others.
Hands-on Activity: Collaborating in a Shared Doc (view only until day 1 of class)
gMail (Google Mail) mail.google.com
Your digital ID; passport to the world of Google Workspace.
Equivalent to MS-Outlook, Apple Mail, Yahoo Mail, HotMail, AOL, others).
Explore anatomy of the Inbox; Managing Settings; Composing/Sending; Labels and organizing.
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Teaching step-by-step Slideshow | PDF | Summary/Followup
Session 3
Session 3
Session 3
Session 3
Google Docs
Equivalent to MS Word, Apple Pages, Libre (open source).
All things writing: creating, editing, real-time collaboration (shared files).
Version history, Voice typing, AI assistance (optional).
Google Drive:
Digital filing cabinet
Equivalent to MS OneDrive, iCloud Drive, Dropbox.
15gb free storage; integrates with Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms and more.
Upload/Preview file types (PDF, images, videos, MS Office files).
Offline access (mark files accessible w/o internet).
Hands-on Activity #1 Download --> Session 3 Practice File
Hands-on Activity #2 Google Docs --> Ashland Story Starters
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Session 4
Session 4
Session 4
Session 4
Google Sheets
Equivalent to MS Excel, Apple Numbers, LibreSheets
A tool to assist in organizing, analyzing and storing data in rows and columns.
Real-time collaboration. Version history. Offline mode.
Features: budgets, inventory, to-do lists, formulas, charts, language translations, alphabetizing lists (names, numbers, dates, etc)
Examples: Managing finances, Health and medication tracking, Travel planning, Book club projects, Logging volunteer hours and responsibilities, Estate planning support.
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Teaching step-by-step Slideshow | PDF | Summary/Followup
Session 5
Session 5
Session 5
Session 5
Google Slides
Equivalent to MS Powerpoint, and Apple Keynotes).
A tool to create, edit, deliver digital presentations.
Templates. Basic features. (Demo, with some introductory hands-on).
Sharing photos and memories, Family history projects, Teaching, Clubs, Event Planning.
Calendar & Contacts
Equivalent to Apple Calendar and MS Outlook.
Address book, Add/Manage Contacts. Creating groups.
Setting appointments, Reminders (family birthdays, appointments), Adding locations, Vacation planning, Sharing.
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Teaching step-by-step slideshow | PDF | Summary/Followup
Session 6
Session 6
Session 6
Session 6
Google Photos
Equivalent to MS Photos, and Apple Photo
Navigating Photo’s organization (inc. Albums, screenshots, favorites, videos, syncing).
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Overview and Examples in everyday life.
Workspace wrap up
Key takeaways from this course.
Time permitting
Overview of other Google App(s) based on participant interest.
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Teaching step-by-step slideshow | PDF | Summary/Followup
Keep in touch. Learning for a lifetime. 🎓
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