Dropbox
What is Dropbox
Dropbox is a file hosting service that allows files and folders to be saved and shared through the cloud.
What is the purpose of Dropbox
The purpose of Dropbox is to allow access to files from any device through a secure login. Files can be uploaded to the Dropbox folder on one device (i.e. a desktop) and accessed on another device (i.e. a laptop). Users are also able to share folders or subfolders and their contents with others, if they enable file sharing.
How to use Dropbox
After creating an account with Dropbox, users can upload and access their Dropbox folder and files in one of three ways:
- through the Dropbox web application
- through the Installed Dropbox file integrated with their local device
- through the Dropbox mobile app installed on their tablet or smartphone.
Through all three points of access, files can be viewed, uploaded, downloaded or shared with others.
Where to find Support
This tool is not centrally supported
Help and Documentation
For help, please refer to the Dropbox documentation
Supported Tools to Consider
Tool Evaluation
Functionality
| Rating | Rationale |
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ScaleThe tool can be scaled to accommodate any size class with the flexibility to create smaller sub-groups or communities of practice |
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Ease of UseThe tool has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and personalize |
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Tech Support/Help AvailabilityTechnical support and help documentation is available in the form of web pages or videos |
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HypermedialityThe tool allows users to communicate through different channels (audio, visual, textual) and allows for non-sequential, flexible/adaptive engagement with material |
Accessibility
| Rating | Rationale |
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AODA FriendlyDropbox has some limited capacity to be fully accessible for users or for materials to be made AODA-friendly. The Dropbox program may have difficulty working with Screen Readers. Any files uploaded and shared through Dropbox would need to be made accessible by users before sharing. |
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User-focused participationAs a file sharing space, Dropbox has some limited capacity to address the needs of diverse users, their various literacies, and capabilities |
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Required EquipmentProper use of the tool does not require equipment other than a computer and access to the internet |
Technical
| Rating | Rationale |
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OWL IntegrationDropbox users can choose to make their files available through a link, which can be added to OWL |
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Operating SystemsUsers can effectively utilize Dropbox with any standard, up-to-date operating system (i.e. Windows 10, Apple OSX, etc.) |
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Web BrowserUsers can effectively utilize the tool with any standard, up-to-date web browser (i.e. Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer 10 etc.) |
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Additional Tech RequirementsUsers can effectively utilize Dropbox without any browser extensions or downloaded software. While Dropbox can be accessed through a web browser, desktop and mobile app downloads are available for greater access |
Mobile Design
| Rating | Rationale |
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Mobile Operating SystemsThe tool is fully functional with a range of electronic mobile devices (laptops, tablets, touchscreens, mobile devices, etc.) |
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Mobile FunctionalityThere is little to no functional difference between the mobile app and the main tool |
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Offline AccessFiles can be marked for offline access. See How can I access my files offline? |
Usage and Account Set Up
| Rating | Rationale |
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Sign Up/Sign InAn account is needed to create and share Dropbox folders. Dropbox encourages users to create accounts, but it is not necessary - an account is not needed to view and download files that have been made publicly available through a link. |
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Cost of Use2GB of storage is provided to users free of charge. A fee structure allows users to purchase more storage space for their Dropbox account. |
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Archiving, Saving, and Exporting DataUsers can archive, save, or import and export content from Dropbox in a variety of formats |
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Data Privacy and OwnershipUsers maintain ownership and copyright of their intellectual property/data; the user can keep data private and decide if/how data is to be shared. See Is Dropbox safe to use? |
Social Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
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CollaborationDropbox has the capacity to support a community of learning through asynchronous but not synchronous opportunities for communication, interactivity, and transfer of meaning between users |
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User AccountabilityInstructors cannot control student anonymity but the tool provides some solution for holding students accountable for their actions. Folders are shared between users through an email address, which may be an anonymized ID. |
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DiffusionStudent familiarity with Dropbox is likely mixed, some will lack basic technical competence with its functions |
Instructor Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
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FacilitationDropbox is intended for file sharing and has limited functionality specific to supporting an instructor’s ability to be present with students via active management, monitoring, and engagement |
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CustomizationTool is adaptable to its environment: easily customized to suit the classroom context through folder structure |
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Learning AnalyticsAs a file sharing platform, Dropbox was not designed to provide learning analytics. Little data can be collected on a user’s activities within Dropbox (i.e. access, download of shared files) |
Cognitive Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
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Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s)Given the way Dropbox supports file sharing, it is possible that it could contribute to enhanced cognitive performance as a supportive process tool. |
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Higher Order ThinkingDropbox may engage students in higher order thinking skills (given significant consideration to design, facilitation, and direction from instructor) |
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Feedback on LearningOpportunities for receiving formative feedback on learning are available, but infrequent or limited (i.e. poor opportunities for tracking performance, monitoring improvement, testing knowledge on a regular basis) |
Security and Privacy
This tool has not been formally reviewed by Western’s Technology Risk Assessment Committee
Security and Privacy Flags
Accounts
- Users are required to create and use a non-Western account. It is highly recommended that users do not use the same username and password that is in use at Western.
Information Collection
- Application collects information that could identify the user specifically (email address, class schedule, etc..)
- Application collects information that is confidential (physical address, drivers licence number, health card number, social insurance number)
- This application may use profile information and/or provided data for marketing purposes
EULA
- Acceptance of the Application's Terms of Conditions or End User License Agreement may bind the institution to an agreement thereby requiring legal counsel to review the application contract.
Cost and Approval
- The application may require the instructor to enter credit card information
- The application may require students to enter credit card information
Integration
- This application is hosted outside of Canada
Last Updated: January 22, 2020
Rubric
The eLearning Toolkit Evaluations are made available under the terms of the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence
Feedback
Leave feedback to comment or request that the tool be re-reviewed
Topic at a Glance
Dropbox is a file hosting service that allows files and folders to be saved and shared through the cloud.
