Copying Folders in Google Drive

Google Drive is great. It really is. I love the collaboration. The access on all devices. Never having to hit CTRL+S to save (unless you're working in Sites, C'mon Google!). But sometimes you just want your own copy of something. If it's a single file, not a problem. Just right click and select "Copy". Done. What about a folder? Well now there's something that Google thought you'd never want to make a copy of even though you could copy folders (directories) since DOS!

Doing a quick, and ironic, Google search found a few ideas. First, was to use the desktop app for Google Drive. That works, but I feel we can do better. Next I came across a Google Script, which looked interesting, but I had the cold sweats thinking about how to train students and staff how to use a script. It's not really that hard, but can it be easier. 

Recently, I came back to the search and I found a Google Add-On written by EdListenscripts (built using scripts, but much more user friendly for the average user). This feels like the solution I've been looking for--short of Google simply making a "Copy" menu selection for folders! 

Why is this important?

My main priority was to look for a way for teachers to easily share digital copies of files they need to share with their classes. Each teacher would need their own copy of the file in order to not have the internet slowed down when, in theory, a hundred students could access a single file at the same time during the day and several hundred could access that file in the evening. This makes a 1:1 student to computer classroom more manageable.

This is also a great tool if you are ever leaving the district and you want access to the files that you've created in the district (and you don't want to download Google Drive--or switch which account it is attached to). Graduating? Make a copy of a career of K-12 files. Leaving your district (either students or teachers)? Make a copy of all of your work so far.

How to do it?

1. You need to identify the folder you want to copy. If it is shared with you, you need to move it to your Drive (simply find the folder in "Shared with me" and then move it to "My Drive")
2. Follow these instructions.
3. Did you watch the 2 minute video that walk you through how to use the Copy Folder add on for Google Sheets? Well repeat step 2!