Just recently Google Drive has updated to allow all users to easily create docs, sheets, slide, and forms from a template. This is done simply by pressing the New button, mouse over any app and click on the arrow on the right side. Check out this short video on how easy this is for you or your students to efficiently create files from Drive.
Note: if you are in touch with your Google Admin have them check out Manage Templates for Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms.
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