Shared folders in Google Drive

Here's a tip that can save you a lot of clicks!  If you create a folder in Google Drive and change the sharing/visibility of that folder, any document that you put in that folder will inherit those properties.  This can be very useful in the classroom setting.  Say, for example, that your students are working in groups on a project.  You can create a folder for that group that is shared with all group members.  When anyone in the group adds to the folder, the document will be automatically shared will all other group members.  Some teachers have gone the route of creating and sharing individual folders for each of their students-- essentially creating a "drop box."  This process has even been automated by a tool called GCLassFolders that was developed by a Vermont educator.

Here's the process:

1. In Google Drive, click "Create," then "Folder."
2. Name the Folder.
3. Hover over the folder name and click the pull-down arrow to the right.
4. Choose "Share."
5. Share just as you would any Google Doc-- with specific individuals or an entire group.
6. Now if you move an existing document, presentation, etc. to that folder (or create a new one within the folder), it will be shared with the same people.

And here is a screencast of the process:

Let me know if I can help you get started with this!