Google Workspace Basics for FVSD Staff

FVSD uses Google Workspace alongside Microsoft 365. This guide covers the basics of the Google tools you may use.
Signing In to Google
Go to https://google.com and click Sign in
Enter your FVSD email address (e.g., 
jsmith@fvsd.ab.ca)
You'll be redirected to the Microsoft login page — sign in with your FVSD password
You're now signed in to Google with your FVSD account
Key Google Tools
Google Classroom
Used for assigning and managing student work.
Go to https://classroom.google.com
Create a class, add students, post assignments, and grade work
Students join using a class code you provide
Google Drive
Cloud storage for your files.
Go to https://drive.google.com
Upload, create, and organize files and folders
My Drive is your personal storage
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Create and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations — similar to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Create new files from Google Drive (click + New)
Share files with colleagues by clicking Share and entering their FVSD email
Multiple people can edit the same document at the same time
Sharing Files and Folders
In Google Drive, right-click the file or folder
Click Share
Enter the person's FVSD email address
Choose their permission level:
Viewer — can see but not edit
Commenter — can add comments but not edit
Editor — can make changes
Click Send
Tip: Be careful when sharing with "Anyone with the link" — this makes the file accessible to anyone who has the URL. For sensitive documents, share with specific people only.
Google Drive Storage
Your FVSD Google account has a storage limit. If you're running low on space:
Delete files you no longer need
Empty the Trash in Google Drive (deleted files still count toward your storage until the trash is emptied)
Contact IT if you need help freeing up space
Common Questions
Q: Should I save files in Google Drive or OneDrive?
A: It depends on the tool you're using. Google Classroom assignments and Google Docs are best kept in Google Drive. For everything else (especially documents shared with colleagues via Outlook or Teams), OneDrive is typically the better choice.
Q: A student can't access Google Classroom.
A: Make sure the student is signed in with their FVSD student account. If they still can't access the class, verify the class code is correct or try adding them manually by email.
Contact IT
Submit a ticket through the IT helpdesk
Email: helpdesk@fvsd.ab.ca