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Introduction to Computer Basics

March 3, 2026

⭐ Session 1 — Google Drive Essentials

Introduction to cloud storage fundamentals—the core skill needed to organize, protect, and access their digital files anywhere. The purpose is to ensure learners understand how to store documents, manage folders, upload and move files, and share them responsibly. These skills act as the foundation for everything else in the course.

Welcome & Orientation

• Quick overview of Google OS setup
• Confirm everyone is logged into Google accounts.
• Dive into the terminology of cloud-based computing: “Today, we learn cloud storage and organizing digital files.”

Google Drive Tour

• What is Google Drive?
• Where files live in the cloud
• Differences: My Drive vs. Shared with Me vs. Recent vs. My Local Drive
  
  
  Demonstrate:

• Creating folders
• Renaming
• Moving files
• Uploading a file
• Searching Drive
  

Hands-On Activity: Build a Digital Filing Cabinet

Students create:

• Folder → “My Practice Files – March 2026.”
• Subfolders: “Personal,” “Work,” “Class Projects, “Journal,”, “Budget”
• Upload 1–2 files or create a blank Google Doc to practice.

Sharing & Permissions

• Share a file with View Only.
• Share a file with Editor rights.
• Explain safe sharing practices (avoid “Anyone with link” unless needed)

Quick Challenge + Q&A

• Prompt: “Create a new Google Doc file, give it a descriptive name.”
• Move it into one of the folders you created or create a new folder for it.
• End with Q&A and preview next session: Google Docs

⭐ Session 2 — Google Docs and Google Sheets Basics

Create and format digital documents/spreadsheets using a web-based word processor/spreadsheet. The purpose is to provide hands-on, practical skills such as editing text, inserting images, using templates, and exporting PDFs to enable more accessible sharing. Collaboration features reinforce modern workplace and everyday communication skills, helping learners become comfortable with digital writing tools.

Warm-Up

• Open Drive → Create New Google Doc
• Rename it: “My First Google Doc.”

• Open Drive → Create New Google Sheet
• Rename it: “My First Google Sheet.”

Google Docs/Sheets Fundamentals

Demonstrate:

Docs:

• Text editing basics
• Formatting: bold, italics, underline
• Alignment
• Font/size
• Bullets vs. numbered lists
• Undo/redo
• Zoom and viewing modes
• Keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+Z, Ctrl+S not needed, etc.)

Sheets

• Add
• Subtract
• Multiply
• Divide
• Create chart

Hands-On Activity: Recreate a Simple Flyer

Students build a flyer such as:

• Yard sale
• Birthday invitation
• Community event
• Personal profile sheet

Skills practiced:

• Insert → Image (from web or upload)
• Insert → Table (1×2 or 2×2)
• Formatting headings
• Using color and layout
• Downloading as PDF
• Saving automatically to Drive

Collaboration Demo

• Partner up
• Share the flyer
• Watch real-time collaboration
• Use “Comments” and “Suggestions” mode.

Wrap-Up

Preview Session 3: ChatGPT + Google Search Digital Literacy

⭐ Session 3 — ChatGPT vs. Google Search

Explore digital information literacy—how AI assistants differ from traditional search engines, when to use each, and how to evaluate results. The purpose is to build critical modern skills: comparing answers, assessing credibility, and applying AI to personal tasks such as trip planning and document creation. This empowers learners to use AI confidently and safely.

Search Engines vs. AI Assistants

Clarify:

• Google Search = list of websites (keyword search interaction returning information presented by the source’s link)
• ChatGPT = generates step-by-step explanations (customized information and feedback based on the user’s questions, providing a conversation-based interaction)
• When to use each
• Importance of fact-checking

Comparison Activity

Students compare both tools for:

1. “How do I reset my email password?”
2. “Write a short message to congratulate a coworker.”
3. “Symptoms of a computer virus.” (Followed by safety talk.)

Students evaluate:

• Clarity
• Accuracy
• Usefulness
• Bias or missing details

Day Trip Planner

Steps:

1. Use ChatGPT → create an itinerary.
2. Copy into Google Docs
3. Format with headings, bullets, and images
4. Save to Drive
5. Share with a partner.

Optional Bonus Tools (Quick Demos)

• Google Photos — auto backup & albums
• Google Keep — simple notes & checklists
• Google Calendar — appointments & reminders
• Google Maps — saving places & directions
• Gmail tools — filters, labels, attachments from Drive
• Chrome bookmarks — organizing web links

Final Q&A + Course Wrap-Up

• Review what we covered across 3 sessions.
• Highlight digital safety best practices.

Further Exploration Suggestion:⭐ What Else Can Students Do With Their Google Accounts?  

Note: We use Google Workplace for demonstration purposes; however, there are alternatives to the Google tools we explored.

These bullet points highlight the additional tools and benefits available with a Google account—photos, notes, calendars, maps, email, and more. The purpose is to show learners the broader ecosystem they can use for daily life, organization, communication, and productivity beyond the classroom. It helps them see that their Google account is a digital toolkit, not just a login.

Below is a popular list to explore:

✔ Google Photos

• Store unlimited photos (compressed)
• Auto-backup from devices
• Create albums & slideshows.

✔ Google Keep

• Notes and checklists
• Shopping lists
• Voice notes
• Color-coded organization

✔ Google Calendar

• Create events
• Set reminders
• Share calendars with family or groups.

✔ Google Sheets

• Budgeting
• Lists & logs
• Simple data tables

✔ Gmail

• Organizing inbox with labels
• Searching email efficiently
• Sending Drive attachments directly

✔ YouTube (via Google Account)

• Create playlists
• Subscribe to learning channels.
• Upload personal videos if desired.

✔ Google Maps

• Save favorite places
• Get directions
• Explore Street View

Oracle Cloud

https://gbbc386fafe6ff5-muxzj7ay8uvq4qg3.adb.us-ashburn-1.oraclecloudapps.com/ords/r/adulted_ws/adulted-actions/login?session=1255768263926

Let’s explore the computer system!