What are Google tools and what are they for?

The Google Workspace includes a suite of applications that can be used for collaborative learning. Instructors and students can easily create and share Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets (if you are familiar with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, these tools are comparable). Users can also create shared folders to maintain group access to files and Google Forms forms to collect anonymous feedback.

How can you use Google tools for teaching?

You can use the following Google tools for real-time co-authoring, collaboration and brainstorming in your classes. Documents created in Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets can be saved in Google Drive to be shared with others for real time collaboration. Google Forms can also be created to collect feedback anonymously. Below are some guidelines to get you started

• Sharing files and documents for collaboration in Google Drive
• Sharing folders for collaboration in Google Drive
• Get started with Google Forms

You might also want to check out Jamboard, a digital whiteboard created by Google. This is a great tool for collaborative and active learning. You can embed notes, images, and documents on the Jamboard for students to interact with collaboratively.

How do you access Google tools?

• Log in to TUportal
• Under TUAPPLICATIONS on the left hand side, click the Google Workspace (Google Apps)
• Click Go to Drive

Alternatively, go directly to Google Drive and sign in with your TU AccessNet email and password. Please note that your account is limited to 3 GB of storage. As long as you remain under this limit, your use of Google Tools for teaching will not be affected.

You can also use the Canvas Collaborations feature to quickly create collaborative Google Documents, Sheets, and Slides for individual students or groups. 

Accessibility

In addition to being able to create Google documents using accessibility tools, Google has also provided a useful resource exploring how to make your Google Documents more accessible.

Help support

• For teaching support
  • The CAT is here to help. For drop-in consultations, visit one of our Educational Technology Labs, or schedule a one-on-one consultation with an educational technology specialist.
• For technical support 
  • Temple’s Help Desk 
    • Request Help
    • Phone: 215-204-8000
    • E-mail: help@temple.edu
• Google support
  • Visit the Google Help webpage for more assistance.