Google Drive – Mobile App Review (2 of 5)

Reviewed by: Zach Lonsinger

Details

  • Seller: Google, Inc.
  • Category: Productivity
  • Current Version: 4.2
  • Current Version Updated: Oct. 1, 2015
  • Release Date: July 24, 2013 (1.5.0)
  • iOS, Android
  • Cost: FREE

Review

Google-Drive-Icon

Google Drive is cloud storage at its finest. I’m a user of several cloud services (e.g., Dropbox, Box, iCloud, Drive). They all have their advantages and disadvantages, but what I like most about Drive is the seamless integration of Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Not only can you store Google files, but users can store any files they choose and also invite others to view, edit, or leave comments on any of their files or folders.

One great use of Google Drive for education is the power of sharing. This could be used for an entire class of 500, or even small groups of 3-5. Users can create central repositories of documents and folders, and even have sub-folders within those for document storage and organization. Permissions could also be set up to allow anyone to add documents to create an ultimate repository of information, that everyone can access.

Similar to the Google Docs App Review, Drive shares the similar privacy concerns. College-age learners posit no immediate concerns, but high school age and younger would raise privacy concerns. Utilizing an app like Google Drive, a cloud storage service, one must acknowledge Turkle’s “always-on/always-on-us” idea. Storing information in Drive means that anything the user wants is always at his or her fingertips, on any device, at any moment. Group projects would always be a swipe away. Does this start to blur the line between school and personal lives, similar to the “work and personal life” argument? Or is this something we shouldn’t worry about? Learning, after all, should be a lifelong pursuit.

Specific 21st Century Skills Utilized (p. 25-28)

  • Learning and Innovation Skills
    • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
    • Creativity and Innovation
    • Communication and Collaboration
    • Visual Literacy
    • Scientific and Numerical Literacy
    • Cross-Disciplinary Thinking
    • Basic Literacy
  • Information, Media and Technology Skills
    • Information Literacy
    • Media Literacy
    • ICT Literacy
  • 21st Century Themes
    • Global Awareness
    • Financial, Economic, Business, and Entrepreneurial Literacy
  • Life and Career Skills
    • Flexibility and Adaptability
    • Initiative and Self-Direction
    • Social and Cross-Cultural Skills
    • Productivity and Accountability
    • Leadership and Responsibility

One thought on “Google Drive – Mobile App Review (2 of 5)

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