Why and How to Use Google in Education

Here are a few reasons why we should use Google Docs 

• Free (or really cheap for Apps for Education compared to Microsoft) and less IT support needed. Also runs better on older computers.
• Easy to use - students and teachers probably use some of it already 
• All work together - all the apps work together and have similar menus and functions 
• Cloud based - backed up on Google’s servers, accessible from any computer and mobile device, runs fast, no lost flash drives or corrupted drives. 
• If you need to do it, there is probably a Google app for it. 
• Engage your students with Google+, Google Earth, classroom sites and blogs. 
• Have your students create new projects with a blog or site, Sketchup, Docs etc. 
• Keep informed and connected with Google+, Google Reader, and Google News 
• Search more efficiently with Scholar, Safesearch, and other custom searches. 
• Get organized with bookmarks, iGoogle, Calendar, Tasks and more. 
• There is a huge amount of resources from Google on using their apps in education. 
• There is a huge amount of resources, tips, ideas, and lessons for using Google’s apps in education from educators. 
• Connect and communicate using Gmail.
• Collaborate on projects at same time using Docs (student projects, collaborative lesson plans, meeting notes and projects) 
• Docs eliminates need for flash drives, emailing versions, software issues (cloud stored, work collaboratively, export variety of formats, share online) 
• Google Voice - communicate with colleagues, students, email of messages, and more 
• Google Translate - translate work or memos for ESL students. Mobile apps will translate spoken word too. 
• Docs can be used to store any file - free online file storage is a great thing. 
• Use Sketchup to create 3D models for class, of classrooms and schools for remodeling, and more.