When you upload a PDF or Word file to AsULearn, if you need to make changes, you must delete the original file posted and add the updated file. If you are already using Google Docs, you can create a shareable link to the file and post that link. Then if you make updates to the Google file, they are reflected in AsULearn as well, eliminating the need to upload a more current version.
Sharing Google Docs
You can share the Google Docs associated with your Gmail account in a number of ways:
No one - you alone see the file
Only the people you specify (through their Gmail account)
Anyone who has the link to the document
Public - anyone can see it
For each of these methods of sharing, you can also determine what rights you give with the share. Each person can be granted the following permissions:
View only
View and comment (only some types of documents allow for commenting)
View, comment, and edit
Owner (all of the above, plus ability to delete it completely)
Steps for obtaining shareable link to a specific file in Google
To share a Google Doc, you must sign in to Google and locate the specific file.
Click theSharelink in the Google document.
Click theGet shareable linktext.
Once you have a shareable link, you add it to your course via the URL resource in AsULearn. SeeLink to a Web Site.
The default setting is to share within the university with various permissions. If you selectAnyone at Appalachian State,the person must be signed in to their Mountaineer Apps Google account in the same browser they are using for AsULearn to be able to access the file.
Clicking the More... link provides additional options. Some faculty prefer to selectAnyone with the link in order to avoid the potential Google sign in issue - if a student isn't signed into Google in the same browser, they see a link saying they need to 'Request Access' -- and you get an email you don't need.
Advantages of linking to Google Doc
By linking to the file and not uploading it, any changes to the Google Doc appear in AsULearn.
With Google Drive, users have unlimited space, so storage space is not an issue.
The AsUlearn course backup stays lean and trim because the file resides on Google Drive.