Link to site: https://onedrive.live.com
What is it
Secure can mean different things to different people, if we take money there are those who feel that storing it under their mattress is a safer place than a bank because they know where it is. Some have the same thought when it comes to their files preferring to save them to a USB key around their neck, again because they can see it they think it is safer !
However anyone who has gone into a blind panic having mislaid their USB key will tell you the reality is anything but the case and with the imminent introduction of GDPR new regulations relating to data protection. Is it not time to embrace cloud storage especially as there are a wealth of providers now offering it.
As the logo hints at OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage offer, it enables the users to access their files from a range of devices connected to the internet. In this post we will explore the it features and consider how it can be used to benefit both students and teachers.
How to use it
You can access OneDrive, via the 9 box icon from other Office 365 apps, if offers unlimited cloud storage. Your OneDrive consists of 5 section, Files, recent, Share with me, Discover and recycle bin. which can be seen on the menu on the left hand side.
Files: is where you find your own files, Recent : is as the name suggests where you see files you have most recently worked on, Discover: shows files that are currently being used by colleagues an. Recycle bin: is where file go once you delete them. OneDrive stores your deleted files and folders in its Recycle bin for at least three days.
You can upload files or folders by either using the upload menu or by using drag and drop. You can also create new documents in the form of, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Forms and Onenote's. You can view your OneDrive files in either List view or Thumbnail view and you can sort files by name, modified, modified by and file size, you can also see wether a file have been shared or is private.
By clicking on the i in the top right corner you can see a summary of recent activity relating to the files you have access to. You can also select a file and then click i it will provide a summary of activity of that file and show who has access to it. You can share your files via a link choices include Anyone with a link, People within you organisation, people with existing access or specific people. You choose to provide them with editing access and set an expiry date for when they loose access.
When to to use it
I could see staff and students both finding it a useful way or storing and accessing files on a range of devices, whilst also easing the process of collaboration. The ability to link to file and folder will make the sharing of resources via a VLE for example a much more straight forward process.
Here is my video guide: