Module 2: The Google Suite

Introduction to Google Drive

Google Drive is a free service from Google that allows you to store files online and access them anywhere using the Google Cloud. Google Drive also gives you access to free web-based applications for creating documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.

Watch: This is Google Drive.

Why use Google Drive?

Google Drive is one of the most popular cloud storage services available today. If you've never used a cloud-based storage service like Google Drive before, take a moment to consider the advantages of keeping your files online. Because files can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection, Drive eliminates the need to email or save a file to a USB drive. And because Drive allows you to share files, working with others becomes much easier.

Accessing Google Drive

Once you've set up your Google account, you can access Google Drive by going to http://drive.google.com in your web browser.

You can also navigate to Google Drive from any Google page (such as Gmail or Google search) by selecting the grid icon near the top-right corner, then clicking Drive.

Creating files on Google Drive

Google Drive doesn't just store your files; it also allows you to create, share, and manage documents with its own productivity apps. If you've ever used a suite like Microsoft Office, some things about Google Drive's apps might seem familiar. For instance, the types of files you can work with are similar to files that can be created with various Microsoft Office programs.

Below are the types of files you can create and share on Google Drive:

Documents: For composing letters, flyers, essays, and other text-based files (similar to Microsoft Word documents)
Spreadsheets: For storing and organizing information (similar to Microsoft Excel workbooks)
Presentations: For creating slideshows (similar to Microsoft PowerPoint presentations)
Forms: For collecting and organizing data
Drawings: For creating simple vector graphics or diagrams

In Module 3, you will learn more about HOW to create Google Docs.

Let's Chat!

Write or type your answers to the following questions:

What is Google?
What do you use Google for?
What can you do with Google Drive?
What other Google applications do you want to learn more about?

We will discuss more in the next class meeting.

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