Wildcat Computing Support
Wildcat Computing Support Desk

Meriam Library 2nd Floor
wildcatcomputing@csuchico.edu
530-898-3532

Spring 2023 Hours
Monday 10:30-2:00 ~Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:00 - 3:00 ~ Fridays 10:00 - 2:00

Google Workspace

Google Workspace (formerly known as Google Apps and later G Suite) is a collection of cloud computing(opens in new window), productivity(opens in new window), and collaboration(opens in new window) tools, software(opens in new window), and products that can enhance your learning experience. All Chico State students have free access to the various features listed below.

Tutorials

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  • Google Calendar

    What is Google Calendar?

    With Google Calendar, you can quickly schedule meetings and events and get reminders about upcoming activities, so you always know what's next. Calendar is designed for teams, so it's easy to share your schedule with others and create multiple calendars that you and your team can use together.

    How to Access

    Your Chico state Google Calendar can be accessed here using your campus Google account. Make sure to use your student email which should be your Chico State Portal username followed by @mail.csuchico.edu. 

    How to Use

    The basic features of Google Calendar are fairly simple. Google Calendar is an excellent way to organize your time. You can share calendars with classmates, student organizations & clubs, family, and friends.

    More extensive and specific help can be found by searching through Google’s official help articles.(opens in new window)

    If the link does not work, you can copy and paste this address: https://support.google.com/drive/?hl=en#topic=14940(opens in new window)

    Here is a recommended resource to get started with essential training for Calendar(opens in new window).
    In case the link above did not work you can copy and paste this link:
    https://www.linkedin.com/learning/google-calendar-essential-training

    You can also explore more Linkedin Learning Calendar resources designed to help enhance what you are learning in your courses, or to achieve academic and personal goals.


    Videos(opens in new window):  Range from 1 minute to 59 minutes.

    Courses(opens in new window): Range from 1 hr to 15 hrs.

  • Google Docs

    What is Google Docs?

    Google Docs is a word processing software, comparable to Microsoft Word. It can be used to write up essays for classes and is especially useful for group projects as it features the ability to have multiple people work on the same document in real time.

    How to Access

    Google Docs can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/(opens in new window) If you aren't logged into your campus account it will prompt you to do so. Make sure to use your student email which should be your portal username followed by @mail.csuchico.edu.

    How to Use

    More extensive and specific help can be found by searching through Google’s official help articles.(opens in new window)

    If the link does not work, you can copy and paste this address: https://support.google.com/docs/topic/9046002?hl=en&ref_topic=1382883(opens in new window)

    Converting MS Office and PDF to Google Docs Format During Upload

    Docs settings for word

    Prior to uploading documents, consider changing the conversion settings so that MS Office files and PDFs are converted to the Google Drive format. Converting to Google format enables multiple people to collaborate on a single document without having to download and re-upload.

    Sharing a Document or Folder

    1. Select the Share icon.
    2. Select Get Link.
    3. If appropriate, share with specific people; or choose “Anyone with the Link” or “Anyone at CSU Chico” if you want to be sure that you are sharing with someone logged in through the Chico State portal.
    4. Copy the link and make it available (email, web link, etc). 

    Google Docs drive links

    Collaborating on a Shared Google Doc

    You can collaborate with other team members on the same document.

    Determining who else is working on the document

    Names of other team members will appear in the upper right with an associated color as shown below. There will be a flag of the same color to indicate as they are typing in the document. The document shifts as they are typing.

    Chatting with other team members 

    There is a Chat window on the bottom-right section of the screen to chat with other viewers in real-time - assuming they are logged in.

    Commenting on others work 

    To comment on something specific, select the text and choose Insert > Comment (you can also right click and choose Comment). To type in general comments, click the Comments button on the upper-right side of the screen. This displays the entire discussion thread, including comments that were resolved.

    Viewing a revision history

    Choose File > See Revision History to see a color-coded view of others' work. This brings up the Revision History window on the right-hand side of the screen. You can view each change that was made and revert back to that version of the document. Note: you cannot restore just one page; it has to be the entire document.

    Docs options for collaboration

    Downloading a Google Doc as Microsoft Word or PDF for
    Submission to a Blackboard Learn or Canvas Assignment 

    Instructors typically want you to submit to Blackboard Learn or Canvas assignments using MS Word or PDF format. 

    1. Choose File > Download.

    2. Select either Microsoft Word or PDF. 

    Here is a recommended resource to get started with essential training for Docs(opens in new window).
    In case the link above did not work you can copy and paste this link:
    https://www.linkedin.com/learning/google-docs-essential-training-4

    You can also explore more Linkedin Learning Docs resources designed to help enhance what you are learning in your courses, or to achieve academic and personal goals.


    Videos(opens in new window):  Range from 1 minute to 59 minutes.

    Courses(opens in new window): Range from 1 hr to 15 hrs.

  • Google Drive

    What is Google Drive?

    Google Drive is a cloud based storage tool you can use to store any kind of file so you can access it again from anywhere with an internet connection. Google Drive is commonly used to store projects or documents for class so they can easily be accessed on any library computer or at home. Google Drive is also the place where all Google Docs, Slides, Forms, and Google related content is stored. Google Drive folders can also be shared with classmates to store group projects.

    How to Access

    Every CSUC student has a gmail account ending with mail.csuchico.edu. This provides access to Google Applications for Education, which include all of the applications listed below.  

    Accessing Google Drive from the Portal 

    1.     Go to Google Drive.
    2.      Log in using your Portal Username and Password if you are not logged in already.

    How to Use

    The basic features of Google Drive are fairly simple. Once logged into https://drive.google.com/drive/(opens in new window) files can be dragged and dropped in from your computer to upload them, or by clicking the large “NEW” button with a “+” icon in the upper left corner. This button also allows you to create folders to organize your Google Drive like you would organize files on your computer. 

    More extensive and specific help can be found by searching through Google’s official help articles.(opens in new window)

    If the link does not work, you can copy and paste this address: https://support.google.com/drive/?hl=en#topic=14940(opens in new window)

    Creating & Uploading Documents on Google Drive 

    Once you are in your shared folder on Google Drive, you can create new documents, or upload documents to the folder. 

    Uploading file in drive

    Here is a recommended resource to get started with essential training for Drive(opens in new window).
    In case the link above did not work you can copy and paste this link:
    https://www.linkedin.com/learning/google-drive-essential-training-2021 

    You can also explore more Linkedin Learning Drive resources designed to help enhance what you are learning in your courses, or to achieve academic and personal goals.


    Videos(opens in new window): Range from 1 minute to 59 minutes .

    Troubleshooting.

    Why can’t I access a Google link someone sent to me? 

    Many people have personal gmail accounts and may be signed in to the Google Chrome browser with their personal Gmail. If that is the case, you will see something like the following:

    troubleshooting page available options

    Why am I prompted to “Sign in to continue to Google Drive?” 

    If you see the following Sign in prompt, please enter your [portal id]@mail.csuchico.edu

    email login with campus id

  • Google Forms

    What is Google Forms?

    Google Forms is a survey software. It is often used by professors to poll the class for information on topics in and out of class. It can be used for both anonymous and identified surveys. 

    How to Access

    Google Forms can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/forms.(opens in new window)  If you aren't logged into your campus account it will prompt you to do so. Make sure to use your student email which should be your Portal username followed by @mail.csuchico.edu. 

    How to Use

    More extensive and specific help can be found by searching through Google’s official help articles.(opens in new window)

    If the link does not work, you can copy and paste this address:

    https://support.google.com/docs/topic/9055404?hl=en&ref_topic=1382883(opens in new window)

    Here is a recommended resource to get started with essential training for Forms(opens in new window).
    In case the link above did not work you can copy and paste this link:
    https://www.linkedin.com/learning/google-forms-essential-training-2

     

    You can also explore more Linkedin Learning Forms resources designed to help enhance what you are learning in your courses, or to achieve academic and personal goals.


    Videos(opens in new window):  Range from 1 minute to 59 minutes .

    Courses(opens in new window): Range from 1 hr to 15 hrs .

  • Google Jamboard

    What is Google Jamboard?

    Google Jamboard can be accessed here: https://jamboard.google.com/ If you aren't logged into your campus account it will prompt you to do so. Make sure to use your student email which should be your portal username followed by @mail.csuchico.edu.

    How to Access

    Google Jamboard can be accessed here: https://jamboard.google.com/(opens in new window).   If you aren't logged into your campus account it will prompt you to do so. Make sure to use your student email which should be your portal username followed by @mail.csuchico.edu. 

    How to Use

    A video tutorial on using Jamboard.(opens in new window)

    More extensive and specific help can be found by searching through Google’s official help articles(opens in new window). 

    If the link does not work, you can copy and paste this address:

     https://support.google.com/jamboard/?hl=en(opens in new window) 

  • Google Mail

    What is Google Mail?

    Google Mail, or Gmail, is the campus digital mailing system. It is used to communicate with other students and your professors and can be used on many devices.

    How to Access

    Your Chico state Google Mail can be accessed either from your student portal(opens in new window) or at https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/(opens in new window)  and logging in with your campus account. Make sure to use your student email which should be your portal username followed by @mail.csuchico.edu.

    How to Use

    More extensive and specific help can be found by searching through Google’s official help articles(opens in new window).

    If the link does not work, you can copy and paste this address:  https://support.google.com/mail/?hl=en#topic=7065107(opens in new window) 

    Here is a recommended resource to get started with essential training for Gmail(opens in new window).
    In case the link above did not work you can copy and paste this link:
    https://www.linkedin.com/learning/gmail-essential-training-2021

    You can also explore more Linkedin Learning Gmail resources designed to help enhance what you are learning in your courses, or to achieve academic and personal goals.


    Videos(opens in new window): Range from 1 minute to 59 minutes .

    Courses(opens in new window): Range from 1 hr to 15 hrs .

  • Google Sheets

    What is Google Sheets?

    Google Sheets is a spreadsheet application, comparable to Microsoft Excel. It can be used for accounting and other classwork. Google Sheets also features the ability to have multiple people work on the same spreadsheet in real time. 

    How to Access

    Google Sheets can be accessed here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ (Google Sheet) (Google Sheet) If you aren't logged into your campus account it will prompt you to do so. Make sure to use your student email which should be your portal username followed by @mail.csuchico.edu. 

    How To Use

    More extensive and specific help can be found by searching through Google’s official help articles.(opens in new window)

    If the link does not work, you can copy and paste this address:

    https://support.google.com/docs/topic/9054603?hl=en&ref_topic=1382883(opens in new window)

    Here is a recommended resource to get started with essential training for Sheets.
    In case the link above did not work you can copy and paste this link:
    https://www.linkedin.com/learning/google-sheets-essential-training-2021

     

    You can also explore more Linkedin Learning Sheets resources designed to help enhance what you are learning in your courses, or to achieve academic and personal goals.


    Videos(opens in new window): Range from 1 minute to 59 minutes .

    Courses(opens in new window): Range from 1 hr to 15 hrs .

  • Google Sites

    What are Google Sites?

    Google Sites is a website building application that is often assigned by professors for larger projects. It can also be used in group work as it supports multiple people working on the same website in real time.

    How to Access

    Google Sites can be accessed here: https://sites.google.com/new. If you aren't logged into your campus account it will prompt you to do so. Make sure to use your student email which should be your portal username followed by @mail.csuchico.edu. 

    How To Use

    More extensive and specific help can be found by searching through Google’s official help articles.(opens in new window)

    If the link does not work, you can copy and paste this address:

    https://support.google.com/sites/?hl=en#topic=7184580(opens in new window) 

    Here is a recommended resource to get started with essential training for Sites(opens in new window).
    In case the link above did not work you can copy and paste this link:
    https://www.linkedin.com/learning/google-sites-essential-training-2020

    You can also explore more Linkedin Learning Sites resources designed to help enhance what you are learning in your courses, or to achieve academic and personal goals.


    Videos(opens in new window): Range from 1 minute to 59 minutes .

    Courses(opens in new window): Range from 1 hr to 15 hrs .

  • Google Slides

    What is Google Slides?

    Google Slides (formerly known as Google Presentations) is a free presentation web application. It includes nearly all the capabilities of a traditional presentation program, such as Microsoft PowerPoint. Google Slides offers the benefit of cloud storage, which means that users' documents are saved automatically. 

    How to Access

    Google Slides can be accessed here:https://docs.google.com/presentation(opens in new window) If you aren't logged into your campus account it will prompt you to do so. Make sure to use your student email which should be your portal username followed by @mail.csuchico.edu. 

    How to Use

    More extensive and specific help can be found by searching through Google’s official help articles.(opens in new window) 

    If the link does not work, you can copy and paste this address:

    https://support.google.com/docs/topic/9052835?hl=en&ref_topic=1382883(opens in new window)

    Here is a recommended resource to get started with essential training for Slides(opens in new window).
    In case the link above did not work you can copy and paste this link:
    https://www.linkedin.com/learning/designing-a-presentation-14176816

    You can also explore more Linkedin Learning Slides resources designed to help enhance what you are learning in your courses, or to achieve academic and personal goals.


    Videos(opens in new window):  Range from 1 minute to 59 minutes and are designed to help enhance what you are learning in your courses.

    Courses(opens in new window): Range from 1 hr to 15 hrs and are collections of videos designed to help you achieve academic and personal goals.

  • Youtube

    What is Youtube?

    Youtube is a video hosting website where users can watch many different videos. Professors will often link educational videos for students to watch on youtube.

    How to Access

    Youtube can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/.

    How to Use

    More extensive and specific help can be found by searching through Google’s official help articles .(opens in new window)

    If the link does not work, you can copy and paste this address:

     https://support.google.com/youtube/?hl=en(opens in new window) 

    Here is a recommended resource to get started with essential training for Slides.
    In case the link above did not work you can copy and paste this link:

    Or visit Linkedin Learning for resources designed to help enhance what you are learning in your courses, or to achieve academic and personal goals.

    Videos(opens in new window):  Range from 1 minute to 59 minutes .

    Courses(opens in new window): Range from 1 hr to 15 hrs .