Google+Drive+(Docs)

= GOOGLE DRIVE: formerly known as GOOGLE DOCS =

====Google Drive is a really easy way to incorporate technology into lessons. All you need is a Google account (which is fast and easy to set up!) and a compatible browser (Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Safari). ====

__ CLASSROOM EXAMPLE: __
====A lesson embedded within a Google Drive provides students with an opportunity to participate in flexible student group tasks where students collaboratively engage in a 'big idea'. In the example below, a 3-part Math lesson is presented in a Google Presentation.====

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====Students were grouped into multiple intelligence groupings. These groupings helped students engage in the task and provided each student the venue to excel at their strengths. Groups were provided with a computer and a white board. Verbal learners tended to take on the leadership role. The visual and oral learners utilized the computer and the white boards to work through the task. Each student was immersed in a role and engaged in the task.====

====The presentation was pre-created and linked to the classroom blog. (www.pfedorco.edublogs.org). Students were presented with the minds on and asked to tackle the task on whiteboards independently at first and finally asked to discuss within their groups the similarities and differences. This opportunity allowed the students time to reflect on the task and develop a better understanding of what the action task and learning goal was asking of them. Once presented with the learning goal, students developed the success criteria as a class while the teacher uploaded their points. Throughout the action task, students added to the success criteria points they believed were left out. The addition of success criteria provided feedback to other groups and helped guide the completion of the action. Finally, consolidation occurred when groups were asked to scroll through the slides and point out any similarities and/or differences in the computational strategies, communication, and methods used in the class.====

====Google Presentations are visible to the audience as a working Power Point Presentation when they are formatted and linked in editing format. Each group is allocated a slide to work within. The benefit of this format is that it provides students with an opportunity to view other group's slides. The viewings tend to initiate and lead the accountable talk. Most students will 'peek' at other slides to compare and guide their work. The shared forum allows for peer and self assessment.====

====Any Presentations created within Google Drive can be linked to any blog, page and/or various other media resources and can be visible as long as the publisher wishes. Presentation documents have a speaker feedback option that allows for other groups and the teacher to create constructive feedback about the slide. This allows for students to reflect on their work. They are also able to make the necessary changes. It is a fantastic addition to an online profile.====

__ HOW TO GET STARTED __ :
STEPS:
 * 1) Set up a Google Account. Go to google.ca, sign up and follow instructions.
 * 2) Once you have an account and are signed in, scroll the top menu bar for Drives.
 * 3) To begin creating documents, presentations, spreadsheets and more, click create and choose.[[image:Screen Shot 2012-09-27 at 7.49.20 PM.png width="640" height="241"]]
 * 4) Create your document. Have fun with this. It saves along the way!
 * 5) Once you are finished, you are ready to share.
 * 6) Click the SHARE box on the top right. (a window will appear listing your share settings)


 * ==== This is where you pick and choose who can see or edit your work. ====
 * ==== Using the change button for who can access you will be brought to a screen for visibility options (public, anyone with link, private), change to your preference and click save. ====
 * ==== If you change to public or anyone with a link, a new setting will pop up under the private one asking about access. ====
 * ==== Under Access you can choose who can see, edit or comment. ====
 * ==== Remember to click save after any access changes! ====
 * ==== Once back at the Share Setting menu, pay attention to the permissions in fine print on top of the DONE button. Change to your preference. (usually only owner can change permission is best). ====



__ **Some Disadvantages to Google Documents:** __

 * ==== Can't edit Google Presentations from iPads (only view). ====
 * ==== Spreadsheets and documents can be edited, but you must log in with a gmail account, it does not have to be the owner. Editing is limited to text only. ====
 * ==== Must use a compatible Browser (Google Chrome or Mozilla Fire Fox) ====
 * ==== With Google Presentations, MUST ensure that only one computer is editing a slide at a time or else editors are bumped off. ====
 * ==== Bandwidth ====