drive
All Google accounts include a limited Google Drive online 'cloud' storage of ~15 GB. GAFE users are able to take advantage of unlimited online storage using Google Drive. This means that all files can be uploaded and accessed by simply logging in to your Google account, from anywhere.
One of the greatest things about Google Drive is that all files and folders - including those built within the Google ecosystem (like Docs, Slides, etc), as well as those made externally (Microsoft files, Photoshop, etc) - can be shared with other users. Students can collaborate with each other, but teachers can also provide important formative feedback on an ongoing basis. |
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THE GOOGLE DRIVE DESKTOP APPLICATION
If you download the Google Drive application, you can automatically 'sync' your online Google Drive with a Google Drive folder on your laptop/desktop. Anything you add to either one, will sync with the other. In other words, if you create a Word file and place it in the Google Drive on your laptop, the application will automatically upload the file to your Google Drive, seamlessly backing up your files. This eliminates the need to 'back up' your files, or carry around a USB drive. When running, the Google Drive application will appear as a small icon, either on your status bar (Mac), or in the Notifications Area (Windows) (click to enlarge):
This is how the Google Drive application appears on my Mac. Note that there appears to be a "10.13 TB" limit. In fact, GAFE accounts have unlimited Drive storage. The total always appears as 10 TB more than what I'm using!
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This is how it appears on my PC at home. I've installed it on my Windows desktop at home. That way, I can access all my files without needing to bring my work laptop home. All files are synced automatically.
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Once you've allowed it to 'sync', you will be able to access any file (not just Google app files like docs and slides) by simply logging into your Google account. Your file organization will also sync (see below). You can even view most files on your iPad/iPhone with the Google Drive app (some files, like Photoshop images with multiple layers, cannot be previewed within Google Drive, and needed to be downloaded and reopened with the appropriate application for viewing). There is also a Google Play version.
I have installed the application on my Mac, my iPhone, my iPad, and my home PC. Here are screenshots of my Google Drive online, the Google Drive folder on my laptop, and on the Google Drive app on my iPhone (click to enlarge):
I have installed the application on my Mac, my iPhone, my iPad, and my home PC. Here are screenshots of my Google Drive online, the Google Drive folder on my laptop, and on the Google Drive app on my iPhone (click to enlarge):
This is what my online Google Drive looks like. If a file is added to any folders here, it will download a copy to my laptop. Files "Shared" with me, from students or staff for example, will only be downloaded to my Mac if I move them from "Shared with me" to one of these folders.
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This is what the Google Drive folder on my Mac looks like. Any files I add to any folder on my Mac, within any of the folders within my Google Drive folder will automatically upload and save online (automatic backups!). Note that Classroom has built a folder on my Drive. This happens automatically when you create a class, along with subfolders for assignments.
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Note that any files made within Google Drive (like Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc) will create a link on your desktop. If you open one of these files from your desktop, your default web browser (e.g. Chrome) will attempt to open the file. Offline file access is also possible.