What is Google Workspace for Education?
Whether you are brand new to Google or a seasoned user, there are probably a few things you don’t know about Google Workspace for Education.
If you want to become a Google Certified Educator or Trainer, you need to learn the basics of Google Workspace for Education. (It will be on the Level 1 exam.) What is it? What does it include? How does it help teachers and students?
Below is an explanation of the Google Workspace for Education program for teachers.
What is Google Workspace for Education? – An Explanation for Teachers (FREE Download)
What is Google Workspace for Education?
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What is Google Workspace for Education?
Google Workspace for Education is available in many different editions, including free and paid options.
- Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals: a suite of tools that can help you increase opportunities for critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, all while supporting the learning objectives that you have for your students. These tools are free, ad-free, reliable, and secure. They are already used by millions of students in schools around the world. Of course, free is great, but the best thing is that these tools are relevant to students, easy to use, and open doors to many new ways to learn.
- Google Workspace for Education Standard: a paid upgrade that includes everything in Education Fundamentals plus advanced security and analytics.
- Teaching and Learning Upgrade: a paid upgrade that includes everything in Education Fundamentals plus advanced video communication, enriched class experiences, and tools to drive academy integrity.
- Google Workspace for Education Plus (formerly G Suite for Education Enterprise): a paid upgrade that includes everything in Education Fundamentals plus advanced security and analytics, enhanced teaching tools, and more.
Learn more about what’s included in each edition here.
To qualify for Google Workspace for Education
K–12 schools, higher-education institutions globally, and homeschool co-ops in the U.S. are eligible for Google Workspace for Education if they meet certain criteria.
K–12 and higher institutions must be a government-recognized, formally-accredited educational institution delivering nationally or internationally-approved certifications at primary, secondary, or third level. The institution applying for Google Workspace for Education must submit the application.
Google Workspace for Education offers:
- ad-free,
- reliable,
- and secure.
- 24/7 Access
- One Login for EVERYTHING!
- Collaborative
- Use on Any Device/Cross-Platform
What Applications are Included?
Every edition of Google Workspace for Education includes Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Classroom, Assignments, Sites, Groups, Drive, and the Administrator Dashboard.
Google Classroom is a collaboration tool for teachers and students that helps organize and streamline the classroom experience. With just a few clicks, you can create a class, add your students, and create assignments or announcements. You’ll be able to see who’s completed an assignment, who’s still working on it, and assign grades when it’s finished. You can also instantly offer feedback to students, and see their questions or comments on their assignments.
Google Drive is like an online hard drive where you can store all your files – stories, designs, drawings, recordings, videos – anything! You can access your files from any device, and, best of all, you never have to save: Drive automatically saves every time you make an edit!
Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals also includes a number of Google products that promote collaboration among students and with their teachers. Students can work together, in class or at home, to complete assignments and group projects. All of their work is auto-saved, and they can even edit without WiFi.
- Google Docs: documents come to life with smart editing and styling tools to help you easily format text and paragraphs. Choose from thousands of fonts, add links, images, drawings, and tables
- Google Sheets: spreadsheets for analyzing, visualizing, and charting data
- Google Forms: quick & easy surveys to gather information
- Google Slides: a presentation tool that makes it easy to tell stories
- Google Drawings: Graphics and flowchart creation with shapes, text, and images
Additionally, Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals includes tools that can be used to save you time and increase student engagement. These include:
- Gmail: Email, contacts, tasks, and communications
- Google Calendar: Scheduling, calendars, and appointments
- Google Meet: Live video conferencing and messaging
- Google Sites: Webpage creation and publishing
- Google Groups: Group communication and web forums
Finally, Google has other tools outside of Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals that can be used in the classroom, which you may be able to access with your same username and password. These are consumer products and are not covered by the Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals Terms of Service. They include:
- Chrome: Internet browsing
- YouTube: Online video hosting and sharing
- Google Maps/Earth: Interactive maps and satellite imagery
- Blogger: Publishing blogs
Access to other advanced features and additional tools will depend on which edition of Google Workspace you are using. Here is a comparison chart.
Google Workspace for Education Support
- Google for Education Support Center: support.google.com/edu
- Product Forum: productforums.google.com
- 24/7 Email and Phone Support: gsuite.google.com/support
Google A to Z: The Google Glossary for Teachers
Want to Learn More About Using Google Tools in the Classroom?
Learn more about all the Google tools available for teachers and students in Google from A to Z: The Google Glossary for Teachers!
Technology doesn’t have to be complicated, especially with the Google from A to Z 40-page handy reference guide in your back pocket.
If your school has “Gone Google,” then chances are you are aware of some of the most popular productivity tools, such as Docs, Slides, and Gmail. But Google offers so much more!
There are so many fun and engaging tools that you may not know about, and no matter what digital devices you use to support teaching and learning, you will find valuable tools to add to your teacher toolbox in this handy supplement.
Think of this as your Google dictionary–a glossary of Google tools and programs just for teachers and students!
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