What Is Google Suite?
Google Suite is a cloud-based platform that allows users to easily share files and work collaboratively.
The full Google suite includes:
- Google Drive; upload, organize, store or share files, images or video
- Google Docs; word processing application, similar to Word
- Google Sheets; spreadsheet application, similar to Excel
- Google Slides; presentation application, similar to PowerPoint
- Google Forms; simplistic form-building application for online surveys
- Google Sites; versatile website building tool with easy-to-build polished webpages or developed sites, no coding required
Why use Google Suite?
- It is freely available to all UCSC students, faculty, and staff.
- Students can work together synchronously or asynchronously on collaborative notes or papers, making it an ideal tool for group projects or assignments in any modality.
- Changes you make to Docs are automatically updated and instantly viewable by students.
- Any Google Drive file can be easily added or embedded into Canvas, providing direct access for students.
- Google Drive files can be used for a special type of Canvas assignment called “Google Assignment,” a kind of digital worksheet that students can answer and submit back directly in Canvas. This assignment type is great for worksheets, templated notes, and more (while avoiding the dreaded “Request Access” issue).
- Google Drive is also compatible with traditional Microsoft Office files (.docx, .xlsx, or .pptx) making it a versatile and accessible tool for a wide range of users across any device or operating system.
Resources
- How to Set up Google Assignments (for Instructors): guide for setting up Google Assignments in Canvas
- Embedding Google Drive Files in Canvas: guide for embedding Google Drive files into Canvas
Support
UCSC Support: For support with this tool, visit Instructional Technology Office Hours or contact ITS (UCSC ITS Google Workplace Services page).