This Tech Goes Home lesson covers 10 different topics. To quickly skip to a different topic, click on one of the buttons below.

OLDER ADULTS HOMEPAGE

1. Intro to Google Docs

What is Google Docs? 

Google Docs is a free, web-based word processing tool from Google that allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents online. It automatically saves your work to Google Drive and enables real-time editing and commenting with others from any device. Learn more at the link below:

WHAT IS GOOGLE DOCS?

Video: Getting Started with Docs

Bonus Resources

GOOGLE DOCS CHEATSHEET

ORGANIZING GOOGLE DRIVE FILES

2. Installing Gmail on Smartphones

Install Gmail on Android phone

Follow the steps in this tutorial to install Gmail on your Android smartphone.

SET UP GMAIL ON ANDROID

Install Gmail on iPhone

Follow the steps in this tutorial to install Gmail on your iPhone or iPad. 

SET UP GMAIL ON IPHONE

3. Google Doc Templates

Explore Docs Templates

Tech Goes Home's Rachael Morrow shows you how to use Google Docs templates in this video. 

VIDEO: MORE ON GOOGLE DOCS TEMPLATES

4. Google Docs for Beginners 

Google Docs Tutorial

Google Docs: Getting Started

Google Doc Scavenger Hunt

Follow the prompts in this Google Docs scavenger hunt to learn more about changing fonts, text colors, text placement, and more. 

GOOGLE DOCS SCAVENGER HUNT

5. Changing Formatting & Fonts

Changing How Fonts & Paragraphs Look

You can use the buttons in the toolbar at the top of a document to edit and format text, change the font and background color, bold or underline text, and more.

GOOGLE HELP CENTER: CHANGING FONTS & PARAGRAPHS

Video: How to Change and Format Text in a Google Doc

Video: Advanced Google Docs Text and Document Formatting

6. Text & Toolbar Options in Google Docs

Text Basics

If you’ve used word processing programs like Microsoft Word before, using Google Docs will feel familiar. If you're new to word processing, Google Docs is straightforward and easy to learn. This tutorial will explain more: 

GCF TUTORIAL: TEXT BASICS

7. Using the Insert Tool

Chromebook Accessibility Features

Learn how to insert links, bookmarks, images, videos, emojis, and special characters in Google Docs with this Google help page. 

GOOGLE HELP CENTER: HOW TO INSERT

Video: Google Docs Insert Options

8. Using Text & Keyboard Shortcuts

Learn Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to work more efficiently in Google Docs. Since they differ between Windows and macOS, this lesson will explain how to use them and where to discover more.

GCF TUTORIAL: KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

Using the Tools Menu

9. Typing Practice

Typing Games

Want to become more proficient at typing? Both of these websites offer fun tutorials and games to help you hone your typing skills. 

TYPING.COM

NITROTYPE.COM

10. Enabling Reading Assistance

How to Turn on Reading Assistance in Google Docs

1. Select Tools ----> Accessibility ----> Select Enable Reader Support
2. Select Tools ---> Translate ----> Select desired language to translate a document.