Google Drive

Google Drive scored a 19 out of 24 on our communication tool assessment rubric.  It offers a free and comprehensive platform that links to many other online media applications.  It is accessible with a free Google account and is compatible with any media including documents, images, and video.  It also offers Google Hangouts which is video conferencing with multiple users simultaneously.  Users can edit cloud-based documents collaboratively although the sharing and retrieving functions can be confusing. It is compatible with some learning management systems including Google Classroom, Schoology, and others.  Posting documents or linking to other media on the Drive otherwise needs to be downloaded to the hard drive first before uploading to the LMS for student access.  

	Bubble.us	Dropbox	Google Drive	Padlet
Purpose and ease of use	Creates mind maps that are collaborative on their website 4	Download app Can be editing docs within 15 minutes 3	Some tutoring and practice needed for file sharing and collaboration 2	virtual wall to share information and media 4
Accessibility	3 mind maps free any device 4	others must have app 3	Need free google account 4	need to sign up with email- free 4
Support	email support for free subscription 2	chat, email, phone with paid subscription.  Email only for trial verison 2	2	4
Audience	global possible 4	must have app 3	4	3
Media Formats	4	4	4	4
Compatibility with Learning/Course Management Systems	can be posted or linked but collaborative function is only on website 2	does not sinc to LMSs but files can be shared 2	compatible with a few including Google Classroom, Schoology, and others 3	can be posted or linked but collaborative function is only on Padlet website 2
TOTAL COMMUNICATION TOOL SCORE	Bubble.us 18	Dropbox 19	Google Drive 19	Padlet 21