Google Transition
To: Transportation Employees
From: Albert Samora, Executive Director of Transportation Services
Date: December 10, 2020
RE: Google Transition
The DPS transition from Microsoft to Google is almost here. DPS will switch over to Google on Friday, December 11th. Please make sure you are familiar with your .net Google account before the switch as that’s where we will send our official staff communications. Again, starting this Friday, we will begin sending important updates to your .net account instead of your .org account.
Below we have provided resources to help with the transition
Please go through the Google Resource Library before December 11th, which is when Microsoft will be uninstalled from all DPS devices. You will still be able to access your .org account, it will just be online instead of a desktop app. Click here to set up your .org webmail account.
When DPS transitions away from Microsoft, you will lose access to common applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc. However, you will still be able to open files from those applications if you need to. Click here for more information on that process.
Beginning December 11th, you will be expected to use Google’s version of Microsoft apps: Sheets, Docs, Slides, etc. As you familiarize yourself with those applications, you’ll likely discover they make collaborating with coworkers much easier.
Please go through the below links to help create a smooth transition to Google.
|
Collaborate with your Support Network |
|
|
● Talk with your School Leader, Team Manager and/or Google Champion(s) about your transition. Each school and team is moving to Google; please ensure you’re working together to transition and establish best practices. |
|
|
Outlook on the Web |
|
|
● Consult this guide to familiarize yourself with Outlook on the Web. |
|
|
● Add all shared email accounts (if applicable). |
|
|
● Create a new email signature (instructions and DPS branding). Consider inserting a tag at the bottom that states, “Note: My DPS team uses Google's G Suite exclusively and does not have access to Microsoft Office Programs. Please limit the Microsoft Office attachments sent. Please visit here for more information." |
|
|
● Learn how to schedule and add a Google Meet to an Outlook calendar invitation. |
|
|
Google Suite (G Suite) Training |
|
|
● Own your part of the Google Transition by reviewing these Transition Resources, which include links, tips and supports for both new and veteran Google users. |
|
|
● Ensure awareness of and familiarity with Student Data Privacy as it relates to your use of Google. |
|
|
Making the Switch |
|
|
● Follow this guidance to switch from Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) to Google (Sheets, Docs, Slides, etc.) |
|
|
● Upload your personal Microsoft files onto your My Drive |
|
|
● Ensure you’re using the best and safest sharing settings for all files in your My Drive. |
|
|
● Decide when and why to use Shared Drive for files. |
|
|
● Install File Stream on your computer so you can easily access your Drive files from Windows Explorer. (Think of it as Windows Explorer for your Google Drive files). |
|
|
Messaging and Conferencing |
|
|
● Use Google Chat for messaging and create a team chat room in Google Chat to replace Skype for Business chat groups. |
|
|
● Use Google Meet to set up conference calls or video meetings. |
|
As a reminder, DPS is transitioning from Microsoft on December 11th. If you need help moving over to Google, please contact Chandra_Lutz@dpsk12.net.
Thank you,
Albert Samora
Executive Director of Transportation Services
