Welcome to Google Drive. Please ensure you read each section carefully. Estimated time to completion are below. It is expected that you will work on this module on both Monday and Thursday:
Section 1: Microsoft vs. Google (1 hour)
Section 2: Getting to Know Google Drive (1 hour)
Section 3: Google Docs Basics (1 hour)
Section 4: Google Sheets Basics (1 hour 30 minutes)
Section 5: Google Slides Basics (1 hour 30 minutes)
Section 6: Google Forms Basics (1 hour)
Section 7: Google Calendar Basics (1 hour)
Total estimated time: 8 hours
In today’s professional world, different companies use different tools to get their work done. Some rely heavily on Microsoft 365, while others operate entirely within Google Workspace, and many use a combination of both. As a new employee, it’s important to be familiar with both platforms so you can adapt quickly and collaborate effectively, no matter where you work. Knowing how to use both Microsoft and Google tools not only helps you stand out as a candidate but also makes you more confident and flexible in the workplace.
In today's digital workplace, organizations often choose between Google Workspace and Microsoft 365—two leading productivity suites that offer a range of tools for communication, collaboration, and document management. Some companies prefer Google Workspace for its cloud-native design and real-time collaboration features, while others opt for Microsoft 365 due to its robust desktop applications and advanced functionalities. Understanding the differences between these platforms is crucial, as familiarity with both can enhance your adaptability and effectiveness in diverse professional environments. The following video provides a comprehensive comparison to help you grasp the unique advantages of each suite:
After watching the video, review the following comparison table to reinforce your understanding:
Feature Google Workspace Microsoft 365
Collaboration Real-time editing and commenting across Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Real-time collaboration in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Accessibility Browser-based; accessible on any device with internet. Desktop applications with robust offline capabilities; also offers web versions.
Storage Google Drive with varying storage based on plan. OneDrive with 1TB storage per user in most plans.
Integration Seamless integration with Google services (Gmail, Calendar, Meet). Deep integration with Microsoft services (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint).
Cost Generally more affordable for small teams and startups. Offers a range of plans; some advanced features come at a higher cost.
Security Strong security measures; widely used in education sectors. Advanced security features; preferred by many enterprises for compliance needs
Now that you’ve explored both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, imagine you’ve been asked by your manager to share your thoughts on which platform the company should use. Your task is to write a professional email making a clear recommendation and backing it up with persuasive reasoning.
Your Task:
Write a short email (4–6 sentences) to your boss recommending either Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for your company. Use principles of persuasion and professional communication to make your case.
Your Email Should:
Be addressed professionally (e.g., “Dear [Manager's Name],”)
Clearly state your recommendation
Include 2–3 strong reasons that support your choice (e.g., collaboration, cost, security, ease of use)
End with a professional closing
Helpful Hints:
Keep your tone respectful and confident
Focus on what would benefit the company most
Use specific examples if you can
How to Submit Your Email Recommendation
You’ll be writing your email directly in Google Docs. Follow the steps below to create a new document, adjust the sharing settings, and get your link ready to submit.
Step 1: Create a New Google Doc
Go to https://docs.google.com
Make sure you're signed in with your Google account.
Click the blank document (a big white rectangle with a plus sign).
Title your document something like: “[Your Name] – Workspace Recommendation Email”
Step 2: Write Your Email
Follow the instructions from the activity and write your email directly in the document. Be sure to include:
A professional greeting
Your recommendation (Google or Microsoft)
2–3 reasons
A respectful close and your name
Step 3: Make the Document Public
Click the “Share” button in the top right.
In the popup, click “Copy link” but don’t paste it yet.
Just below the link, click “Restricted” and select “Anyone with the link”.
Make sure it says “Viewer”.
Now click “Copy link” again to get the public version.
Step 4: Test Your Link
Make sure the link works by opening it in a private browser window.
You'll move this document to a folder in the next section that you'll submit as part of your self-evaluation.
Google Drive is more than just a place to store files—it’s your digital backpack for work and collaboration. Knowing how to navigate it efficiently will save you time, keep your projects organized, and help you make a good impression at work. In this section, you'll explore the structure of Google Drive and practice using folders, naming files, and sharing content.
Watch the video below for an introduction on how to use Google Drive. From uploading files to organizing folders and sharing documents, this tutorial covers all the basics you need to get started.
Let’s build a basic folder structure you can use for school or work. Follow these steps in your Google Drive:
Create a new folder in Google Drive titled:
Google Drive Tier 1 Module
Inside that folder, create three subfolders:
Docs
Sheets
Slides
Inside each folder, create a blank file of the corresponding type.
Example: Inside the Docs folder, create a Google Doc titled Sample Document.
Practice renaming your files and folders with clear titles.
Right-click the folder and change the sharing settings to “Anyone with the link can view.” You'll share this link in your self-evaluation.
Move your email from the first activity into the Docs subfolder. Make sure the sharing permissions don't change.
Create another Doc in the folder you just created. Name the document "Build Your Workspace Reflection." Answer the following:
What are two things you learned about organizing files in Google Drive?
How might keeping a clean folder structure help you in a future job?
Google Docs is one of the most popular cloud-based word processors used in many modern workplaces. While Microsoft Word is still dominant in some industries, many organizations prefer Google Docs because of its real-time collaboration features, automatic saving, and accessibility across devices.
In this section, you’ll get hands-on practice with Google Docs by creating a simple document that could be used in a real workplace. You’ll also learn how to comment, suggest changes, and review version history—all key features when working in a team environment.
In today's digital workplace, proficiency in cloud-based tools like Google Docs is essential. Whether you're drafting reports, collaborating on projects, or sharing documents, understanding how to effectively use Google Docs can enhance your productivity and communication. This beginner-friendly tutorial will guide you through the basics of creating, formatting, and sharing documents using Google Docs, helping you build a strong foundation for success in any professional setting. Please watch the video below.
For this activity, you’ll create a professional meeting notes document, as if you were the notetaker in a team meeting. This is a common responsibility in internships and entry-level jobs.
Instructions:
Use the transcript below to create meeting notes.
Go to Google Docs.
Click Blank to start a new document.
Title the document: Weekly Team Meeting Notes - [Your Name]
Include the following sections:
Meeting Date
Attendees
Agenda Items (bulleted list)
Discussion Notes (paragraphs)
Action Items (numbered list with names and deadlines)
Format it professionally—use bold headers, align text neatly, and use bullet/number formatting.
Share the document with "Anyone with the link can view."
Include the document in the self-evaluation folder.
Transcript
Jordan (Team Lead): Alright, thanks everyone for joining today’s weekly team check-in. Let’s go ahead and jump into project updates. Alicia, do you want to start us off?
Alicia (UI/UX Designer): Sure! The new homepage layout is complete, and I sent it to QA yesterday. I already got a few notes back—small stuff, mostly spacing and mobile responsiveness. I should have the final version ready by Thursday.
Jordan: Great. Marcus, how’s the database migration going?
Marcus (Dev): We’re about 85% there. I ran into a few errors when transferring user data with special characters, but I’ve isolated the issue. Should be resolved by end of day tomorrow.
Jordan: Awesome, thanks. Tasha?
Tasha (Marketing): The engagement on the “Meet the Team” campaign is up 15% this week—Instagram reels are performing best. I’m planning a follow-up campaign using those same visuals.
Jordan: That’s a solid boost. Samuel, I know you’ve been working on client feedback—anything urgent?
Samuel (Client Relations): A couple things. The client is happy overall, but they’re asking us to tighten our response time on support tickets. Right now, we average 2 days. They’d like us closer to same-day resolution.
Jordan: Yikes—okay. Do you think that’s possible with our current workflow?
Samuel: Probably not without some changes. I’ll put together a proposal this week on how we could improve that.
Jordan: Sounds good. Before we wrap—next sprint planning is Friday. Any priorities we need to note?
Marcus: I’d like to focus on bug fixes before we move into new feature work.
Alicia: Agreed. I also think we should review the mobile design updates—some of the feedback from QA is relevant to the whole app.
Jordan: Noted. Also, remember we’ve got that quarterly team presentation coming up in two weeks. Tasha, could you own the first draft of the slide deck?
Tasha: Yep, I’ll start on that and have something rough ready by Friday.
Jordan: Perfect. Anything else?
[Silence]
Jordan: Okay, thanks everyone. I’ll send a summary with action items after this call.
[End of Transcript]
Google Sheets is a cloud-based spreadsheet tool that’s especially useful for real-time collaboration, automatic saving, and cross-device access. It offers many of the same features as Microsoft Excel but excels in teamwork and accessibility. If you've used Excel before, you’ll find Google Sheets familiar, with a few cloud-first advantages.
In this section, you’ll get hands-on practice with Google Sheets by creating a task tracker commonly used in project management roles. You’ll learn how to enter and format data, use basic functions, apply filters, and share your spreadsheet with others.
Even in roles that aren't math-heavy, being able to organize, track, and analyze simple data sets is a huge advantage. This beginner-friendly tutorial will walk you through the essentials of using Google Sheets in a professional setting.
For this activity, you’ll create a professional task tracker in Google Sheets that could be used by a small project team. This type of spreadsheet is commonly used in internships and entry-level jobs to keep track of assignments and deadlines.
Instructions:
Open Google Sheets
Go to sheets.google.com
Click Blank to start a new spreadsheet
Title the sheet: Team Task Tracker - [Your Name]
3. In Row 1, create the following column headers:
Task Name
Assigned To
Due Date
Status
Priority
Notes
4. Add at least 6 sample tasks. Use realistic task names and fill out each column with appropriate data.
5. Create dropdown menus for 'Status' and 'Priority' using Data Validation:
Here’s how:
Select the cells under the Status column (e.g., D2:D7)
Go to Data > Data validation
Under Criteria, choose Dropdown
For Options, enter: Not Started, In Progress, Complete
Click Done
Repeat for the Priority column (e.g., E2:E7) with these options: High, Medium, Low
6. Format the spreadsheet professionally:
Bold the column headers (Row 1)
Freeze the top row: Click View > Freeze > 1 row
Apply alternating row colors: Click Format > Alternating colors
Format the Due Date column to show dates:
Select the cells under "Due Date"
Click Format > Number > Date
7. Share your spreadsheet:
Click the blue Share button in the top-right corner
Under “General access,” select Anyone with the link can view
Click Copy link
8. Submit:
Ensure the document is in your Google Drive Tier 1 Module folder.
Google Slides is a cloud-based presentation tool that allows real-time collaboration and easy sharing across devices. While similar to Microsoft PowerPoint in many ways, Google Slides is especially useful for group projects and dynamic editing on the go.
In this section, you’ll learn how to create and format a professional slide deck and explore features like themes, slide layouts, and collaborative commenting. These skills are valuable in both academic and professional settings, whether you’re preparing a team presentation or pitching an idea to stakeholders.
Watch the video below to learn more about Google Slides.
For this activity, you’ll create a short, professional team presentation in Google Slides, as if you were preparing to update stakeholders on a project’s progress.
Instructions:
1. Open Google Slides
Go to slides.google.com
Click Blank to start a new presentation
2. Title your presentation:
Project Update - [Your Name]
3. Create the following 5 slides:
Title Slide
Project Name
Your Name
Date
Project Overview
One paragraph summarizing the project purpose or goa
Team Members & Roles
List 3–5 fictional team members and their roles
Progress Update
Use a bulleted list to share 3–5 key accomplishments so far
Next Steps & Deadlines
Use a table or bulleted list to show what’s coming next, who is responsible, and the due date
4. Format your slides professionally:
Choose a clean, professional theme
Use appropriate slide layouts (title, two columns, bulleted list, etc.)
Align text and elements neatly
Keep text concise—aim for clarity over clutter
5. Add a comment on Slide 4:
Click on an element (e.g., a bullet point or textbox)
Use Insert > Comment to leave a note for a teammate, such as:
“Do we need to expand this point for our meeting?”
6. Share your presentation:
Click the Share button
Set access to “Anyone with the link can view”
Copy the link
7. Submit:
Ensure the document is in your Google Drive Tier 1 Module folder.
Google Forms is a powerful tool for collecting information—whether you're running a survey, managing event RSVPs, or gathering feedback from a team. It automatically organizes responses and can be linked to Google Sheets for deeper analysis.
In this section, you’ll learn how to create a form from scratch, use various question types, and customize the form's appearance. You’ll also explore key settings that control how responses are collected, whether anonymous or named.
Please start by watching this video.
For this activity, you’ll create a professional-looking feedback form, as if you were collecting input after a team presentation or training.
Instructions:
1. Open Google Forms
Go to forms.google.com
Click Blank to start a new form
2. Title your form:
Team Presentation Feedback - [Your Name]
3. Add the following questions:
Full Name (Short answer) – Required
How would you rate the overall clarity of the presentation? (Multiple choice)
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
What was the most helpful part of the presentation? (Paragraph)
Do you have any suggestions for improvement? (Paragraph)
Would you recommend this presentation to others? (Dropdown)
Yes
No
Maybe
4. Adjust settings:
Make sure Collect email addresses is turned off (for anonymous feedback)
Under Presentation, enable “Show progress bar”
Under Responses, toggle “Limit to 1 response” to off
5. Customize the look of your form:
Add a simple header image (optional: choose a theme color if preferred)
Choose a professional font style (e.g., Basic or Formal)
6. Preview and test:
Click the eye icon to preview your form
Submit a test response to make sure everything works
7. Share and submit:
Click Send, then click the link icon
Change access to “Anyone with the link can respond”
Copy the link
Ensure the form is in your Google Drive Tier 1 Module folder.
In most workplaces, managing your time well is just as important as managing your tasks. Google Calendar is a simple but powerful tool that helps you schedule meetings, set reminders, and stay organized.
In this section, you’ll get familiar with the Google Calendar interface and learn how to create events, set recurring meetings, invite attendees, and adjust event settings. These are all essential skills for working in a digital, collaborative environment.
Watch the video below to get started.
Create a new calendar
Go to calendar.google.com.
Select “+ Add other calendars → Create new calendar.”
Name it Tier 1 Mastery and pick any color you like.
Add key events in Week view
Mon 10 – 11 AM: “Project Kick-off”
Wed 2 – 3 PM: “Client Review”
Fri 1 – 1:30 PM: “Weekly Retrospective”
Edit Project Kick-off → More options → Does not repeat → Custom → Every Monday → 4 occurrences.
Insert a task
On Thu, add an all-day Task called “Draft report.”
Publish an appointment schedule (bookings page)
Click Create → Appointment schedule.
Title it Tier 1 Office Hours.
Slot length: 20 minutes.
Availability: Tue & Thu, 3 – 5 PM.
Copy the booking-page URL.
Share your calendar & set reminders
Hover Tier 1 Mastery ⋮ → Settings & sharing.
Under Share with specific people, add practice@email.com with “See all event details.”
Open Client Review → Edit and add a 10-minute email reminder.
Submit your evidence
Take a screenshot in Week view showing all three events and the task.
Windows: Win + Shift + S • macOS: Cmd + Shift + 4
Paste the booking-page link into a doc.
Upload both items to Google Drive folder.
You have reached the end of this module!