Learning with Technology: Making Google Work for You

Everyone appreciates things that make life easier. When you are a busy student with a lot on your plate, it is important to find ways to make learning with technology more accessible and convenient.

Luckily, in this technology-driven world, a lot of products and services are available to help you easily create, store and organize information. Even better, using technology to enhance your learning does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. By using many of the free products offered by Google, you can easily create spreadsheets and documents, gather information, create checklists, create websites and share information for group projects.

If you are looking for ways to enhance your online learning experience, here are some of the many free products that Google offers that can assist when taking online college courses, such as those offered at 100% online Grantham University:

• Google Search
• Google Docs
• Google Sheets
• Google Forms
• Google Slides
• Google Drive
• Google Hangouts
• Google Sites
• Google Keep

How to Get Started

If you don’t already have a Google account, you will need to create one. Since you will potentially be using this account for some time, it is important to choose an account name that is both appropriate and marketable when you are applying for jobs after graduating from Grantham. When choosing your account name, take these tips into consideration:¹

1. If possible, use your first and last name.
2. Do not have a shared account that is used by other family members.
3. Make it easy to remember.
4. If possible, do not use numbers or underscores.
5. Don’t try to make the account name funny, flirtatious or silly.

Once your account is created, you’re ready to start exploring the many products that can enhance your experience of learning with technology.

Google Search

Everyone knows Google is one of the leading search engines, but now you can search Google without even taking your eyes off the paper you are writing. There is an extension² you can download that allows you to talk to Google and ask questions without breaking your stride.

Google Docs

Google Docs is similar to other word processing products, but with several advantages.

1. As with all the Google products listed here, it is free. With all the other expenses associated with going to college, this is one thing you can count on to be a money-saver.

2. It is user-friendly. If you have used any word processing product before, you can easily learn to navigate Google Docs. It even includes helpful templates that allow you to format documents such as brochures, letters and resumes.

3. Google Docs makes it easy to share documents with others, allowing multiple people to access and edit documents at the same time. This is great for group projects.

Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a spreadsheet product. Similar to Google Docs, it is user-friendly and free. It allows you to import data from other spreadsheet products. You can easily share data with others, allowing for easier collaboration. It also allows you to create graphs, which can be then inserted into Google Docs.

Google Forms

Google Forms is a great way to organize any large set of information. It allows you to create questionnaires and polls, which can be answered by anyone who has the link. The responses are then automatically imported into Google Sheets.

Google Slides

You can also create your own slideshows using Google Slides. This can be useful for group projects, especially with the sharing features that allow multiple people to access your project at once. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about being able to access your project when it comes time to present your work. As long as you have access to the internet, you always have access to projects created in Google.

Google Drive

Learning with technology can be overwhelming if your documents, sheets and slides are not organized and easily accessible. Your Google Drive, which was created when you established your account, organizes all your files in one place. You can easily create folders to share with your classmates or instructors.

Google Hangouts

Functioning much like a private chat room, Google Hangouts allows you to collaborate with classmates on group projects, while studying for exams or when you need a little extra support to get through a tough assignment. You can hold group meetings from your own home, which is particularly useful when learning with technology, because your classmates are often from different parts of the country or even the world.

Google Sites

With Google Sites, you can really integrate all the ways you are learning with technology. Google Sites allows you to create your own website. You can import content from Google Docs. Have links to your data in Google Sheets and organize different files you created including Google Slides. The format is user-friendly, and you can create your own website in minutes — perfect for final projects or as a way to organize all the work you produced while working toward your degree and share with potential employers.

Google Keep

Google Keep is a great way to use technology to organize your learning. It allows you to keep to-do lists and other important notes organized and always at your fingertips. This can replace your old planner covered in sticky notes.

Learning with Technology Effectively and Efficiently

This is just a sample of the many free products and services available on the internet. With a degree in information technology, you can learn not only the latest in information technology trends but also explore:

• Technology management
• Business technologies
• System analysis and design

Apply today to learn more about this field and the many ways you can enhance your learning with technology.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit https://www.uagrantham.edu/student-support/student-consumer-information.