Getting+Started+with+Google+Docs

 **Getting Started**

 Google Docs is Google’s online document creation and management application. Being able to use and manage your documents well can save lots of time. Here are a few tips to help you be more versed with Google Docs.  //**Creating a Google Account**// In order to use Google Docs you will need to register for a Google account. If you already have one through Gmail then you can use the same login to access Google Docs. If you do not have a Gmail account you may want to consider signing up for one so you can also use the Gmail and Calendar feature within Google. Otherwise you can just sign up for a Google account with an email address of your choice and a password. (This type of account does not provide the use of Gmail.) Note that while it's possible to view a document, spreadsheet or presentation without a Google Account (via an invitation), you'll need to create a Google Account to edit the document, spreadsheet or presentation, and to continue accessing Google Docs.  **Signing up with Google**  1. Go to http://docs.google.com. If you haven't already signed up for an account you should see the screen below.  2. If you already have a Google account type in your email and password to sign in. Otherwise click on the **Get Started** button to sign up with Google.  3. Fill in all of the required form fields to sign up for the account, read through the Terms of Service, and click on **I Accept. Create My Account.** 4. You will need to verify your email address you used to create the account by signing into it and clicking on the link that Google Docs sends you. By doing so you will be taken to a page that looks similar to the one below.

 **Create an account for yourself and your students:** **How to create accounts for your classroom if your students have email addresses provided by the school:** **If your students already have email addresses:** **If you need to create email addresses for your students:**  **Please note:** Students must be 13 or over to use Google Docs, in compliance with Google's Terms of Service
 * 1)  If your students are given email addresses by the school, all ending in the same domain, you may consider signing up for Google Apps Team Edition . This is a quick and easy solution, which will allow you to sign up, then add your students' addresses to one account quickly and easily.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"> For an introduction to Google Apps Team Edition, and to see if it's right for you, watch the video.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"> If needed, have your students create a Google Account ( http://www.google.com/accounts ) using the email address they intend to use. Creating a Google Account is easy, and simply involves registering any email address and choosing a password specific to your Google Account.
 * 2)  <span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">While you'll need to compile a list of email addresses from your students, we recommend that you don't ask for their passwords, since these will now be connected with their personal Google Accounts.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;"> There are a number of free email clients ( Gmail at http://mail.google.com being one) that will allow you to create accounts for each of your students, or allow your students to create an account for themselves.