Tech 101
Fast and Easy Tips to Make You Look Like A Tech Genius!
April 2017
Boise School District librarians offer this monthly newsletter to provide tips and information about some of the digital resources available to both teachers and students.
All of these programs and tools are available at the Boise Schools Library Portal Page or on individual school library websites.
All of these programs and tools are available at the Boise Schools Library Portal Page or on individual school library websites.
Get Your Google Drive Cleaned Up
How to Use Your Google Drive
The Google Drive has three main uses. As you become more familiar and comfortable with each level, you'll find your work flow becoming easier and more efficient.
Level One
File Storage: If you are new or unsure of how to use your Drive, this is the most familiar option, as it is similar to using your F: Drive. You can upload and download files and entire folders. Click here for more information on how to upload and download to your Drive.
Level Two
Sharing and Collaborating: Once you become comfortable utilizing the Drive as your storage location, you can start using the Drive to share and collaborate your files with staff and students. For more information on how to Share with Drive, click here.
Level Three
Creation: Now that you are spending most of your time in Drive, you can now start creating files there. Use Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms for assignments, surveys, and even quizzes. Click here for basic instructions on using these Google Applications.
Level One
File Storage: If you are new or unsure of how to use your Drive, this is the most familiar option, as it is similar to using your F: Drive. You can upload and download files and entire folders. Click here for more information on how to upload and download to your Drive.
Level Two
Sharing and Collaborating: Once you become comfortable utilizing the Drive as your storage location, you can start using the Drive to share and collaborate your files with staff and students. For more information on how to Share with Drive, click here.
Level Three
Creation: Now that you are spending most of your time in Drive, you can now start creating files there. Use Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms for assignments, surveys, and even quizzes. Click here for basic instructions on using these Google Applications.
Organization
Try some of these tips to help you keep your Drive clean:
Color Code Your Folders: Keep your folders organized by changing the color of the folder for an easy and quick way to find your information.
Folder and File Names: Utilize the search function by having a consistent naming system for your folders and files. Use brackets at the beginning to identify your folders and files by subject or content to make searches quick and simple. Example: [Cells Unit] Lab Report Rubric-Osmosis.
Shared With Me: The easiest way to deal with the Shared With Me folder, is to find the files or folders you need and add them to your Drive. This will allow you to organize the folders/files however you need.
Starring: Have a file or document that you use regularly? Use the Star function to quickly access folders or files.
Color Code Your Folders: Keep your folders organized by changing the color of the folder for an easy and quick way to find your information.
Folder and File Names: Utilize the search function by having a consistent naming system for your folders and files. Use brackets at the beginning to identify your folders and files by subject or content to make searches quick and simple. Example: [Cells Unit] Lab Report Rubric-Osmosis.
Shared With Me: The easiest way to deal with the Shared With Me folder, is to find the files or folders you need and add them to your Drive. This will allow you to organize the folders/files however you need.
Starring: Have a file or document that you use regularly? Use the Star function to quickly access folders or files.
Change Your Folder Color by Right Clicking
Adding Folders and Files to Your Drive
Star Your Most Used Folders and Files
Adding Google Drive Apps
Google provides dozens of additional apps that can be added to your Drive. These are similar to the add-ons available in Docs and Sheets. They can be found in the Google Chrome Web Store.
Below are some recommended apps:
PDF Mergy: This app provides a simple way to merge PDF files.
DocuSign: Add your own signature or send to docs for electronic signatures.
Save Emails to Google Drive: This feature is an extension to your Chrome browser, and will give you the capability to save your emails, including their attachments, directly to your Drive. This is an excellent option for any emails that may need to outlive our 1 year expiration date.
Drive Migrator: Use this app to transfer your Drive files from one account to another, even outside the boiseschools domain. This is especially useful for Seniors that may want to quickly save their school files to a personal Google account, or for employees leaving the district.
Below are some recommended apps:
PDF Mergy: This app provides a simple way to merge PDF files.
DocuSign: Add your own signature or send to docs for electronic signatures.
Save Emails to Google Drive: This feature is an extension to your Chrome browser, and will give you the capability to save your emails, including their attachments, directly to your Drive. This is an excellent option for any emails that may need to outlive our 1 year expiration date.
Drive Migrator: Use this app to transfer your Drive files from one account to another, even outside the boiseschools domain. This is especially useful for Seniors that may want to quickly save their school files to a personal Google account, or for employees leaving the district.