Photo retrieved from: http://www.otxwest.org/technology.html

Sara BallantineEdTech 522Fall, 2012

What is Google Drive?

Anyone who has ever forgotten their flash drive before a presentation, or emailed themselves an important file only to discover that it is “incompatible,” knows the panic that ensues in the search for “plan b.”

Enter Google Drive…

Drive allows you to store your files on Google’s server (otherwise known as “the cloud”).

Users can download Drive to their computer and save files directly, or create files using the artist formerly known as Google “Docs” (Needlemen, 2012)

Want to know more?

What can you do with Google Drive?

Photo retrieved from: http://moneyctl.com/blogging/how-to-use-google-drive-better/

• Create a class folder and have students collaborate on projects

• Facilitate the development of 21st century skills

• Streamline workflow of digital content

Photo retrieved: http://edudemic.com/2012/04/a-must-have-guide-to-google-drive/

Google in the Classroom

Strengths

• Storage (5GB of free storage, additional storage available at low cost plans)

• Advanced technology makes searching for and locating files easier

• It can be used with Mac, Windows and Android platforms

• Quickly syncs offline files• Access and share files remotely• Working collaboratively is much easier (no need to

email files back and forth as attachments) (Peckham, 2012)

Weaknesses• File sharing requires other users to have an account/login• Not all features of MS Office available• Requires the use of tricks/shortcuts to do things like cut/paste,

etc.• It is not always clear who modified a project if working in

collaboration with others• There are still some questions regarding terms of service and

intellectual property ownership• The switch from Google Docs to Google Drive can make some

files difficult to locate (initially)• Requires access to computer (which may be difficult if using

with several students in a classroom)(Peckham, 2012)

References• Needlemen, R. (2012, April 24). The google drive faq. Retrieved from http://

news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57420402-93/the-google-drive-faq/

• Peckham, M. (2012, April 25). 5 reasons to give google drive a shot. Time Techland, Retrieved from http://techland.time.com/2012/04/25/5-reasons-to-give-

google-drive-a-shot/