Google Applications (GApps) for Online Meetings, Sharing and Collaboration

Google Applications (GApps) for Online Meetings, Sharing and Collaboration

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Gmail is a free web-based email client launched by Google which integrates into various cloud based online tools (GApps). The CIECT team has been utilising the Google cloud-based tools to train and assist UWC staff and students.  Logging into your Gmail account automatically gives you access to Google’s cloud computing services, including:

Google Drive 

Dedicated online storage repository for documents, files and multimedia content. UWC staff members have unlimited access to data storage within this cloud-based repository to store, share and collaborate (documents, audio, videos, files and folders). 

Hangouts

Hangouts is an instant messaging service available for computers as well as portable devices. The online application allows approximately twenty-five (25) participants to connect, share desktop views within a single session. In addition participants will be able to see one another during the live video call. 

Google Docs (Ms Word)

Google Docs provides users with enhanced tools that will assist you in creating professional looking documents. The software will allow you to insert graphics and text to enhance your completed documents. A Google Doc can be shared within Google Drive, with multiple users who will be able to update the document simultaneously; as well as at their own convenience.

Google Slides (PowerPoint)

Google Slides is a presentation creation software package. It provides you with enhanced tools to create professional presentations. The software will allow you to insert graphics, sound and video to enhance your presentations. A Google Slide (Presentation) can be shared within Google Drive, with multiple users who will be able to update the slideshow simultaneously; as well as at their own convenience.

Google Sheets (Ms Excel)

Allows one to enter numerical values or text into a spreadsheet. These numerical entries can be used for calculations, graphs, and statistical analysis. Sheets are used to retain data that can be updated. A Google Sheet can be shared within Google Drive, with multiple users who will be able to update the spreadsheet simultaneously; as well as at their own convenience.

Google Forms (Survey/Q&A/Registers/Feedback)

Google Forms enables one to develop various forms which can be used for data collection, including: 

• Surveys help users to collect data via surveys. The responses can be downloaded to an Ms Excel user-friendly spreadsheet. The spreadsheet can be used to generate charts, calculate data and utilise Ms Excel embedded formulae to complete data queries. 

• Question and Answer (Q&A), can be setup to evaluate students' progress around a specific topic.

It should be noted, the use of Google’s various cloud-based tools gives users the ability to compose, read, send emails, create and store digital content. The digitised content can be shared with various staff members from within the Google cloud. This will allow users to access the content from any geographical space where internet connectivity is available.