Sharing an Editable Google File
This demonstrates how to create a shared Google document that students can edit collaboratively, but the process is the same for shared slide shows, spreadsheets, and so on.
First, create the file you want to share in your Google Drive. Once it's set up, locate the "Share button" in the top right corner of the screen.
Click the "Share" button and edit your sharing settings. Under the "General Access" heading, select "Anyone with the link" from the dropdown menu.
Then, select "Editor" from the Role dropdown menu. This will allow all of the participants in your class to access and edit the file.
Click the "Copy link" button; the link will be copied to your computer clipboard. Click the "Done" button when you're finished.
Navigate back to your Canvas course.
You can add this link to a Canvas page, assignment, quiz, or anywhere a content box is available. If you are using modules, you can add the file as a module item using these steps:
If you are using modules, click the "+" button in the module where you want the shared file to be accessed.
Select "External URL" from the dropdown menu, paste the link that you copied from the Google file, and give the item a name. Click "Add Item" when you have finished filling in the fields.
Your editable file will appear as an item in the module (in this example, it is "Sample Shared Editable Doc."
When students click on this item in the module, they will see an editable file embedded in Canvas, and can add to it as they would any Google Drive file. If they want to access the file in Google Drive, they can click the rectangular icon next to the file name in the gray bar at the top of the document.