Teaching with Technology During a Disruptive Event
Please use UW-Madison's instructional continuity website as your primary source of information and assistance. Consider the information contained in this guide as additive.
5 ways technology can help you during a Disruptive Event
5. Sharing materials
Distributing files is an integral part of most instruction. While email is direct, it may prove to be cumbersome, confusing, or impossible when working under certain conditions. If you have a large number of files or files that are large, for instance, a file-sharing solution is critical to employ.
The best tool for most people is Google Drive
Why do we recommend Google Drive?
We recommend Google Drive because UW students, faculty, and staff can access shared files from any computer with an internet connection and many devices, including smartphones and tablets. Given its collaborative possibilities, UW Google Drive and Google Apps open up additional instructional opportunities should you need them.
Stand out features:
Integration with Canvas allows precise scaffolding of when and where students interact with your materials
Handles a wide range of file types and sizes
Able to account for document versions
Question: How do I start using Google Drive
Log in using your NetID and password at https://apps.google.wisc.edu/. If you’re logging in for the first time, you’ll see a welcome message.
Question: What guidance can I provide to my students?
Students can log in using their NetID and password at https://apps.google.wisc.edu/.
To create and then share a new Google document, spreadsheet or presentation, select "+New".
Students can also upload files or folders to Google Drive from their own computer. More information can be found here: Uploading Files to Google Drive
To collaborate with other students and the instructor in real time, students can share access to their documents. More information can be found here: Sharing Files with Google Drive
Finally, share the UW-Madison G Suite - Get started with Google Drive with your students to make sure they understand how to access and collaborate files.
Question: Is the technology secure and accessible?
Because the UW Google Apps are accessed through the authentication of a NetID, it is a safe and secure tool.
Screen readers and keyboard shortcuts can be used with Google Docs, Sheets, and Presentations. You can find more information here.
Also Great: CANVAS, UW Box, UW Onedrive
Canvas, UW Box and UW OneDrive are also excellent choices for file sharing. UW Box and UW OneDrive have the edge over Google Drive when it comes to editing Microsoft documents (e.g., Word, Powerpoint, etc.), and both have Canvas integrations. You can also share files directly with students by uploading them to Canvas and linking the files within a page or directly within a module. We've highlighted Google in part because it currently dominates the K-12 space, so students tend to be more familiar and comfortable with how it works. Still, your preferences and prior experience will inform your choice of file-sharing technology.
Canvas
Canvas allows you to link files directly within Modules or within pages, discussions, and quizzes to share with students. Access Canvas here. Review the Canvas Primer for more details.
UW Box
Box provides you with a place to easily store, access, and collaborate on your files. You can access files online and manage the users with whom you wish to share your content. Access Box here.
UW OneDrive
OneDrive, an app within Office 365 is provides a space to save files in the cloud, share them, and collaborate on content. Access OneDrive through Office365 here.
Use you wisc.edu email address to log in. Then select OneDrive from the list.