Your Gmail account gives you access to more than just email: use your account to access free cloud-based storage on Google Drive; word-processing documents on Google Docs; spreadsheets on Google Sheets; and presentations on Google Slides. Google Workspace services are available anywhere, from any device, while you are logged into your account.
Whether you’re new to Google Workspace or you’re searching for advanced help and tips, start with the free online resources in this guide.
Visit the Upper Arlington Public Library’s event calendar to see upcoming technology training programs, including programs on using Google Docs, Drive, and Sheets.
Websites
Free Online Support
The Google Support website offers step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips for its cloud-based services:
Free Online Tutorials
The following websites offer self-paced tutorials for those interested in learning the basics of Google services, including Drive, Docs, and Gmail.
Applied Digital Skills: A Grow with Google program, Applied Digital Skills offers a free library of on-demand lessons to build digital literacy skills for youth and adult learners. Lessons include:
GCFLearnFree: GCFLearnFree offers thousands of up-to-date lessons covering more than 200 topics, including tutorials on basic computer skills, email, social media, and online safety. Many tutorials are accompanied by videos that you can watch, also for free, through the GCFLearnFree YouTube channel.
- All Google Drive and Docs Tutorials
- Google Docs Tutorial
- Google Sheets Tutorial
- Google Slides Tutorial
- Google Drive and Docs YouTube Playlist
DigitalLearn.org: An online learning hub of self-directed tutorials, from the Public Library Association. Printable handouts for each tutorial are available.
- Intro to Email (6 activities, 15 minutes)
- Intro to Email: Beyond the Basics (8 activities, 28 minutes)
Reference / Resources
The following resources are available as part of the Upper Arlington Public Library’s database resources. They can be accessed with your Upper Arlington Public Library card number and PIN:
LinkedIn Learning: online tutorials and courses that teach business, software, technology, creative skills and more. LinkedIn Learning offers courses and quick tips for Google users, such as the following:
- Gmail Essential Training
- Google Drive Essential Training
- Google Docs Essential Training
- Google Sheets Essential Training
Northstar Digital Literacy: Northstar Digital Literacy defines basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. Online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on these skills. Included are basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in essential computer skills, essential software skills, and using technology in daily life.
- Northstar Digital Literacy offers an assessment for Google Docs, plus links to external resources related to Docs assessment standards.