Google Workspace for Education (previously known as G Suite for Education) is an online software platform by Google designed to make teaching, learning, and academic management more efficient. If you’re a teacher or work in management, admin, or IT at any educational organisation from primary school to tertiary level, this article is for you.
We’ll look at what’s in the box with Google Workspace for Education, the potential benefits for your institution, what pricing options are available, and how to get started.
What is Google Workspace for Education?
Google Workspace for Education was originally designed as a way to allow educators to collaborate on projects, but it has since expanded to include a comprehensive student and institution management experience.
For example, staff can now manage email, calendar, scheduling, and attendance through the platform, while students can access their work remotely using any device with an internet connection. Educators can monitor student progress, provide feedback more effectively, and even post and mark online tests, quizzes, and assignments via the platform.
Google Workspace for Education includes tools such as Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Much like the Microsoft Office products like Word and Excel we are all familiar with, these tools by Google allow users to create and share documents, presentations, and spreadsheets with ease.
Some popular apps include:
- Gmail
- Meet
- Docs, Sheets, and Slides
- Forms
- Classroom
- Assignments
- Groups
- Drive
- Calendar
- Admin
- Jamboard
Benefits of Google Workspace for Education
Workspace for Education offers an impressive array of benefits, including:
- Productive Collaboration and Sharing Features– Learners and educators can share, edit, and access documents, resources, and homework from anywhere. Thus an obviously great aid for scenarios of government lockdown restrictions, home-schooling, and remote learning.
- Easy to Learn for Admins, Teachers, and Students– Google offers plenty of free training support documents and videos to get everyone up to speed. Google Workspace for Education is relatively easy to learn with an intuitive interface and minimal learning curve.
- Advanced Data and Cybersecurity Protection– Except at the university level, few South African educational institutions truly have the resources or technical know-how to defend their data from determined cyberattacks. With Workspace for Education, you’re leaving most of the work in Google’s hands!
- Free – The Fundamentals plan is free for any qualifying organisation (government-recognized, formally-accredited educational institutions up to Grade 12). Tertiary institutes may access a 30-day free trial before deciding on a paid plan.
What Pricing and Feature Options Are Available?
Google Workspace for Educations currently has four plans available. Fundamentals is free for qualifying educational institutions, while Standard, Upgrade, and Education Plus are fully paid options with advanced features. These include but are not limited to:
Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals: This is the basic plan, and includes Classroom, Google Meet, Google Docs, Google Forms, and Google Chat.
Google Workspace for Education Standard: Offers advanced cybersecurity features and enhanced administration controls.
Teaching and Learning Upgrade: Adds enhanced virtual-communication capabilities, plagiarism and originality reporting, and Google Classroom add-ons into the mix.
Google Workspace for Education Plus: Unlocks advanced features like attendance tracking, cloud search functions, custom apps, and priority support from Google Workspace for Education experts.
Ready to Learn More?
Partner with iSite Computers, a managed IT services provider established in 2008, to get started with Google Workspace for Education in your South African institute today. Our team of experts are ready and waiting to help you make the most of this incredible platform.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation, or contact us directly on 031 812 9650 / rd@isite.co.za.
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