Program Compatibility

Before the age of Google Suite, there was Microsoft Office. Just like me, many teacher have save documents in Microsoft Office, and struggle to use them within Google. Eric Curts, ControlAltAchieve, explains three ways to make Google Suite compatible with Microsoft Office in his blog, 3 Ways Google Drive and MS Office Can Live Together in Harmony. Each of these options seem like easy ways for teachers to use the old and the new within their classroom with engage students in learning. I'm going to tell you about 2 of the easier options to use.

Option 1: Convert Microsoft Office Files into the Google Format

• After adding the Microsoft office file to your Google Drive. You can right-click, select with with, Google Docs (or the other file type you may be looking for)
• This is an easy way to convert your older documents into Google Documents. However, it can be challenging as Curts points out because not all of the formatting will transfer to the Google Document created. 
• I have used this easy conversion in the past, but did experience these formatting complications. This complications can be fixed fairly quickly if you are familiar with the formatting options of Google. 

Option 2: Do Light Editing of the Office Files with the Office Editing Extension

• After downloading the "Office Editing for Docs, Sheets & Slides", you can use this Google Extension with Google Drive. 
• By double clicking on the file, a light web-based version of Microsoft Office will open and allow you to make your edits. Updates will be save to your drive upon saving. 
• When converting to Google Formats after downloading this extension, you must click file within the Microsoft Office extension and select save as a Google Doc. 
• I have not used this type of converting, but it seems simple. However, I'm not sure if being in a Microsoft Office file is better or worse than a Google Format. I would consider converting with option 1, the better option. 

Hopefully these tools will make your life a little bit easier with using Google Drive in the classroom.