How to Share a Google File on Blackboard

When to Use?

This article walks you through how to share a Google Drive file to your Blackboard course.

• Sharing Permissions
• Share with Specific People
• Share with Anyone
• Add a Web Link
• Add in a Document

Sharing a File

Sharing Permissions

There are three sharing permissions to choose from:

• Choose Editor if you want to give full editing access to the people you share with.
• Choose Viewer if you just want the people you share with to be able to see, but not modify or delete, the document.
• Choose Commenter if you don't want the person or people you share with to make changes to the file, but you want them to be able to view and leave comments.

Share with Specific People

1. You can share any of your Google Drive files, either by clicking it in your Google Drive, or by signing in to Google Docs/Sheets/Slides/Forms and clicking the file there.

   • To access the file in your Google Drive, go to https://drive.google.com in a web browser. If you're not signed in to your Google account, sign in, and then click the file to open it.

     • To open the file from Google Docs, go to https://docs.google.com in a web browser, sign in to your Google account if you aren't logged in, and then click the file to open it.

     • To open the file from Google Sheet, go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/ in a web browser, sign in to your Google account if you aren't logged in, and then click the file to open it.

     • To open the file from Google Slides, go to https://docs.google.com/presentation/ in a web browser, sign in to your Google account if you aren't logged in, and then click the file to open it.

     • To open the file from Google Forms, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/ in a web browser, sign in to your Google account if you aren't logged in, and then click the file to open it.

     • To open the file from Google Jamboard, go to https://jamboard.google.com/ in a web browser, sign in to your Google account if you aren't logged in, and then click the file to open it.

2. In the top right corner of your Google file, click on the Share button to access the Share settings.

   • Note: Google Forms will have a Send button instead of a Share button. You can share the Google Form by email, HTML embedded, and share the link with anyone.

3. In the Add People and Groups field, type a name or email address to begin populating results. When the person’s name or address appears in the search results, click on it to add the person's name to the recipient list.

   • Note:  GVSU Google accounts have @mail.gvsu.edu ending. You can share with multiple people by entering more names/addresses.

4. A drop-down menu to the right of the individual's name will determine whether they can view, edit, or leave comments on the document.

   • Click the gear at the upper-right corner to set more advanced settings, including whether you want to allow editors to change permissions and share with others, and/or allow viewers and commenters to download, print, and copy the document. 

5. By default, people will be notified via email that you have shared a file with them. If you choose to notify people, you can type a message into the Message box to explain the document or provide further information.

6. Once ready, click the Send button to share the document. If you choose the Notify option, the recipient will receive an email containing a link to the document.

Share with Anyone

1. You can share any of your Google Drive files, either by clicking it in your Google Drive, or by signing in to Google Docs/Sheets/Slides/Forms and clicking the file there.

   • To access the file in your Google Drive, go to https://drive.google.com in a web browser. If you're not signed in to your Google account, sign in, and then click the file to open it.

2. In the top right corner of your Google file, click on the Share button to access the Share settings. 

   • Note: Google Forms will have a Send button instead of a Share button. You can share the Google Form by email, HTML embedded, and share the link with anyone
3. Under General Access, click the drop-down menu to change the permissions to Anyone with the link. This permission means that anyone who you send the URL link to (or who gets the link from anyone else) can view the document.

4. Select a permission level from the second drop-down menu.

   • Click the gear at the upper-right corner to set more advanced settings, including whether you want to allow editors to change permissions and share with others, and/or allow viewers and commenters to download, print, and copy the document.

5. Click on the copy link button to copy the link to your clipboard. Navigate to your desired destination to paste the link.

Posting on Blackboard

Add a Web Link

1. Go to your course's Content tab and click the plus icon (+) to access content options.
2. From the content list, select Create.
3. The Create Item layer opens. Click on Link to open the New Link layer.
4. Provide a display name for the link and type or copy/paste the desired URL for the Google Docs/Sheets/Slides/Forms. Add a quick description if desired.
   • Note: We recommend opening the link in a new window.
5. Make the link visible to students and click Save.

More information can be found here: Adding a Web Link

Add in a Document

1. Go to your course's Content tab and click the plus icon (+) to access content options.
2. From the content list, select Create.
3. The Create Item layer opens. Click on Document.
4. Enter a title for the document, by default the document is tilted New Document [date]. Click enter to save the title.
5. Click on the Add Content button to access the text editor.
6. On the text editor toolbar, click on the link icon to access the Insert Link panel.
7. In the top field, type or copy/paste the desired URL for the Google Docs/Sheets/Slides/Forms. Add a name/text for the link if desired.
8. When ready click Insert to save and insert your Google Doc link within the document. If necessary, additional text, videos, attachments, etc. can be added to the document.