1. Google Drive

2. What is Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-type drive that enables you to create, modify, save and upload files. The drive allows you to access these files without the use of external type drives such as a flash drive. Google drive includes Apps similar to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. Although these apps are a modified version of the Microsoft applications, they serve the same basic purpose.
At this time our school accounts have unlimited storage.

3. How to access Google Drive
When you log into your Google account on the computer you can locate your drive by clicking on the Waffle (as Dr. Rocco calls it) you can locate the icon for the Google Drive. Simply click on the icon to open the app. Because you are logged in, the drive is your personal drive. I do suggest logging out of Google when finished with your session. When you open Google drive, your files appear on the screen. You can open any of these files and edit as needed.
These instructions are for the computer. Personal devices have similar instructions but they have slight variations.

4. Apps used within Google Drive
When you click on Create (Red button on top left) the five types of files appear in a drop down menu. You can choose any of them to begin a new document.
Documents: For composing letters, flyers, essays, and other text-based files) similar MS Word)
Spreadsheets: For storing and organizing information (similar MS Excel)
Presentations: For creating slideshows (similar to MS PowerPoint)
Forms: For collecting and organizing data
Drawings: For creating simple vector graphics or diagrams

5. Upload files to Google Drive
In order to upload a file into Google Drive click on the red arrow up bottom located next to the Create button. The two options are files or folder. If you choose files it will open an Open dialog box. Find and choose the file you would like to open in Drive. An upload window will open and the file will be listed for you to select and open. The option to share the file is available in the upload window or when the file is open.

6. Compatible file types
These are the file types that can be converted to a Google document, spreadsheet, or presentation:
For documents: .doc (if newer than Microsoft® Office 95), .docx, .docm .dot, .dotx, .dotm, .html, plain text (.txt), .rtf, .odt
For spreadsheets: .xls (if newer than Microsoft® Office 95), .xlsx, .xlsm, .xlt, .xltx, .xltm .ods, .csv, .tsv, .txt, .tab
For presentations: .ppt (if newer than Microsoft® Office 95), .pptx, .pptm, .pps, .ppsx, .ppsm, .pot, .potx, .potm, .odp
For drawings: .wmf
For OCR: .jpg, .gif, .png, .pdf

7. Sharing files
Sharing files with others who have a Google account is quick and easy. With the file opened you can choose to share with others and create collaborative documents. The share button is located on the top right of the document. A dialog box will appear and you can put the address of the person you wish to share with. It also lists those you share with already if you needed to check or adjust sharing privileges.

8. (great for group projects!)
It allows you to share and edit documents with colleagues or students. You can control what they can do with them: view only, comment or edit.
Everyone can simultaneously work on the same page, slide or spreadsheet. With Google Drive you can collaborate with others without having to multiple copies of a file.
(great for group projects!)
Never hit “save” again. Your changes are automatically saved as you type.

9. Benefits of Google Drive

10. Sync Files and Folders
Google Drive has a syncing feature that allows you to sync all your docs and files in real time and from different gadgets: desktop, laptop, mobile, and /or tablets.

11. Work Offline
Install the Google Drive Chrome App to access and work on your files offline. When you have internet connection, Google Drive will recognize this and follow its usual real-time syncing. You don’t have to juggle offline and online files.

12. Ability To Access Files Worldwide
All your information is stored to a cloud server.
This information can be accessed from any computer or device across the globe.
These files are updated automatically so that you always have the latest version available, no matter where you are.

13. Ability To Access Files Worldwide

14. For additional help with Drive: