Linking a Google Doc into Moodle: Using Google Document links in Moodle allows changes to be made directly on the Google document and immediately reflected in the Moodle link. Google Docs operate in real time. The link from the Moodle page opens up the actual document. For example, if you are accustomed to creating your syllabus in Word, you must create the document; then upload it to Moodle. Students must download it to see it. Subsequently, the following semester, when we reset your course, you must make your changes on the Word document and upload it again to Moodle. In fact, any change you want to make must go through these steps. With Google docs, the link is already in place. Simply change the Google document and have the changes immediately reflected in the Moodle course. If you want to see a past version of the syllabus, simply click on Version history and select the point in time you want to view.
Use the URL Resource in Moodle to provide the link to the Google document.
File Picker: When uploading documents into Moodle, the File Picker will offer Google Drive as a choice. If selecting this option, Google Drive will upload an RTF document, NOT a link to the Google Document. The RTF file will then reside in the Moodle environment and require the same updating as a Word document.
To convert a Word document to a Google Doc: Drag the file into Google Drive. Click on the file to open. At the top of the screen, click on Open with, and in the drop down menu, choose Google Docs. A Google Doc will be created in the same folder. Warning: the Word document stays in the folder and the new document will have the same name but different icon to the left of the file name.
Accessibility Tip: Practice inclusive settings in Moodle. The Moodle default setting to open Resources is to open them in the same window rather than a pop-up. Popup windows present a challenge to students using screen readers. Consider keeping this default setting to provide accessibility to all students.