Cloud-based programs such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive are important tools for a classroom in the digital age. Understanding how these different platforms work and which is the right choice for your classroom can make all the difference in creating an organized and efficient shared system for students both in-person and virtually.

Your school may already have a preferred program in place, but let’s highlight the key differences:

Microsoft OneDrive - With a greater focus on security than its competitors and a user-friendly interface featuring fast syncing, OneDrive allows students to work collaboratively online across the Microsoft Office Suite, but offers minimal free storage options.

Google Drive - Highly focused on customer service and ease of access, Google offers students the largest amount of free storage space and a variety of tools for collaborative work like Google Docs and Google Sheets, but it’s also known to be the most susceptible to privacy issues.

Dropbox - The originator of cloud-based storage, Dropbox does not offer students a suite of programs or email services like Google and Microsoft, but it does offer seamless collaboration across the cloud as it is fully compatible with files from Google and Microsoft, making it easy to switch between services.

Understanding and implementing the use of collaborative cloud-based programs in your classroom is a great way to allow students to work together across a variety of projects and environments. Hopefully understanding the key differences between these services helps you choose the one that’s best for your classroom.

For more on cloud-based programs, check out these links:

A Framework for Thinking About Tech Integration

30+ Virtual Learning Platforms and Tools for Teachers and Kids

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