Google Apps

Message 3 of 4

Greetings from the Gmail Transition Team!  Your migration to Gmail is scheduled to take place two weeks from today, on MIGRATION_DATE. While you will find many things familiar in Gmail, it does have some additional features and different methods of doing things than Zimbra. We are providing a variety of training options so you can use the learning style that works best for you, whether you prefer written step-by-step guides, watching a video show you a process, or working face-to-face with somebody who can answer your questions. We have compiled a set of training videos that will allow you to quickly get up to speed and learn some powerful new things you can do in Gmail and Calendar, as well as offering both workshops  and drop-in sessions immediately following your transition, as well once you’ve had a chance to adjust to the new world. You can see the complete training calendar at this link.

In This Email

  • Self-paced training and learning resources
  • In-person training
  • Further Support

Self-paced training and learning resources

  • Google’s Learning Center
    • This resource has excellent “quick start” guides for learning about Google products, including things like setting up your smartphone to work with your email and calendar. It is also a great place to explore and find cool new tips and tricks.
  • Lynda.com
  • Gmail & Calendar built-in help
    • In both Gmail and Calendar, when you click on the “settings” gear icon, you should see “help” which has a great searchable list of short how-to guides. Here are links to the full lists of help topics for the built-in help sections:

In-Person training

  • Pre-Migration Presentations
    • These 1 hour presentations, offered before your migration date, provide a tour of the Google interface, and a discussion of key Google concepts that are unique to Gmail and Google Calendar, and different from Zimbra.
  • Day-After Migration Training
    • These 90 minute training sessions will be offered multiple times the day after you migrate, and will go in-depth to the basics of Gmail and Google Calendar. If you’re unfamiliar with or have had challenges with Gmail in the past, this is a great session to get your bearings and try out some of the skills in your newly migrated account.
  • Guided exploration and Drop-in sessions
    • We will also offer supported exploration time for you to try things out. Experts will be on hand during these times to answer your questions. These will be offered in CMC110 during the week following your migration.

For a detailed schedule of training sessions, please see the training calendar.

Further Support

  • SuperHero
    • We have designated a “SuperHero” to be your department’s local expert on Gmail and Google Calendar. SuperHeroes receive extra training, have spent time getting familiar with Gmail and Google Calendar, and are familiar with your department’s workflow. Asking your SuperHero is a good first step to finding answers. Find your SuperHero.
  • ITS Helpdesk
    • The staff and students at the ITS Helpdesk have been using Gmail and Google Calendar since mid-April and are prepared to help answer whatever questions you have. You can reach them at x5999 or via email at helpdesk@carleton.edu.
  • The project website
    • You can find training materials, FAQs, and tips and tricks on the project website

As always, if you have questions or concerns throughout this process, please don’t hesitate to contact Austin Robinson-Coolidge (arobinso, x5635) or Julie Anderson (janderso, x6824).