21 Things for Students

Introduction to Google Drive (aka Google docs)

Google drive is an online productivity suite of applications (documents) that share many of the same capabilities as the productivity suite you are probably already using at school. It has been called Google docs for several years, but is being expanded like the wheel shown above and renamed to Google Drive.
Many schools use Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) or Open Office. Both of these are licensed software programs that are installed on individual computers.

Like the other productivity suites of programs, Google drive allows users to create documents, spreadsheets, forms to collect information, and presentations. It also has a calendar and email available as well. Unlike the other productivity suites, the items you create with Google drive are saved online for easy access at school, at home or any place you are using a computer device that has an Internet connection.  With Google drive you can:

Work on your files anywhere without needing to have software installed.

Upload and download documents in various file formats (.doc, .pdf, .odt).

Have access to all of the revisions your documents have gone through.

Share a file - allowing another person the opportunity to edit, comment, or view your work.

Publish your documents for "invitation viewing and editing" or full public viewing.

Your next mission is a big one and it will require you to use many of the tools in Google Drive Productivity Suite! So let's get started learning all about Google Drive! Your SSI Department Chief  will already have a Google Account set up for you and will need to show you how to login. If your school does not allow you to use Google then you can set up your own account at home with a parent if you are 13 years old. Follow the links below to begin your mission!

  Register for a Google Account  (Skip this, if you already have a Google Account)