Create and collaborate for free with Google Drive
Community Review for Google Drive
My Take
Google Drive is a cloud-based collection of tools that allow students to use tools to create word processed documents, spreadsheets, presentations, surveys and drawings. Google Drive is easy to use and although does not have all the accessories of paid programs and apps, does have enough for most purposes. One of the most useful features of Google Drive is the ability to easily share your documents with someone else, who can view and edit them. You can also view and edit simultaneously with someone else, making it an excellent collaboration tool. Google Drive is a great resource for students who can't afford expensive software on their personal devices. Google Drive is also a way to store documents in the cloud--accessible from any internet connected device--which helps to eliminate forgotten homework and other issues such as "my printer was out of ink" and the like.
How I Use It
I have used Google Drive in education for a number of purposes. If I have a document I want accessible to parents and students, I create it (or save it in) Google Drive so all I have to do is share a link. Students have turned in work via Google Drive by "sharing" the document with me and I can edit and comment right on the assignments. Finally, I have used Google Drive to allow students to collaborate and work together. They can be in the same room or miles apart and work on the same document at the same time.