GSuite Pro Tip: Make a Copy Vs Add to Drive

Sharing files with GSuite is so simple. Many presenters will now give you a copy of their presentation or resources. More often than not, these files come with VIEW ONLY permissions. I have noticed that it is teachers habit to go to "File and Make a Copy", but I would like to suggest another way.

VIEW ONLY is the same as READ-ONLY, Don't ask for EDIT access unless you KNOW the owner.

Add to Drive will "bookmark" the file in your Google Drive, but it is still owned by the creator.
File>Make a Copy will create a NEW document in which you are the owner. 

The beauty of the shared link is it creates a dynamic link between you and the document. When you Make a Copy, it removes that dynamic connection and leaves you with a static version. If you are making changes and remixing the resource for yourself - than this would absolutely be the best way to proceed. However, if it is reference material I would suggest using the Add to Drive option. This little button will "bookmark" the file in your google drive while maintaining the dynamic link. Now when the document owner makes changes, you also have the updated version.

Practical Application.

We use the BreakoutEDU facilitator guide slide deck when we present to teachers. BreakoutEDU is the owner of that file and we only have view access. We added it our Drive using the option mentioned above. Just last month, BreakoutEDU did a huge update of their website and resources, including the file we added to drive.  Now we have the updated (and way better!) version to use!