Workspace Navigator: Building a Functional Digital Learning Environment with Google Workspace
About This Course
Many educators use only a fraction of the digital tools already available to them, switching between disconnected apps without a coherent workflow. This course changes that. In one hands-on day, participants build a fully operational Google Workspace setup, Classroom, Docs, Slides, Forms, Sheets, Sites, Drive, Gmail, and Chrome, all working together to support teaching, communication, and collaboration. Unlike generic digital literacy courses, this course requires participants to assemble an integrated digital teaching environment rather than learn isolated platform features.
What makes this course distinctive is its anchor in IAL’s ADAPT, which keeps every tool tied to a clear pedagogical purpose rather than adopted for its own sake. Participants leave not with scattered tips, but with a working digital learning environment and the confidence to apply it immediately. As the foundation of the IAL-Google (ADAPT) Certification Programme, it prepares educators for the AI-enhanced practice introduced in later courses.
What You'll Learn
Participants are introduced to the core Google Workspace tools: Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, Forms, Sheets, Sites, Drive, Gmail, Chrome, and selected Chrome extensions. Grounded in IAL's ADAPT framework, which operationalises TPACK, the course emphasises purposeful technology integration to enhance pedagogy, collaboration, and learner engagement rather than technology use for its own sake.
Through guided activities and collaborative exercises, participants establish a functional digital learning environment, develop practical workflows, and learn strategies to integrate Google Workspace into their everyday teaching and training practice. By the end of the course, they will have a fully operational Google Workspace setup ready for immediate use.
This course is the first step in the IAL-Google (ADAPT) Certification Programme, Movement 1: "I can do this." It focuses on building a strong digital foundation, with AI integration introduced in the subsequent AI Explorer course. Participants earn the "Digital Workspace User" capability, providing the confidence to navigate collaborative digital tools and prepare for AI-enhanced teaching.
The course develops Basic-level proficiency across three ADAPT domains: Digital Literacy & Resources (3.1–3.4), Teaching, Learning & Empowering Learners (1.1–1.2), and Professional Engagement (4.1), establishing the foundation for the more advanced AI and learning design courses that follow.
Entry Requirements
This programme is designed for professionals in teaching, workplace learning, and learner support who want to build confidence and foundational skills in using Google Workspace. It is suitable for:
- Adult educators, trainers, and facilitators new to Google Workspace or seeking to strengthen their digital skills
- Instructional designers and curriculum developers looking to enhance digital collaboration and learning resource creation
- Learning and Development (L&D) professionals managing workplace learning and digital workflows
- Team leaders and managers facilitating communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing using digital tools
- Education professionals seeking a structured foundation in Google Workspace to support future digital and AI-enhanced teaching practices