Why+use+Google+Apps?

Google, the internet search giant, has developed many applications that can replace typical office suites like Microsoft Office and Open Office, and email/calendar clients like Outlook and Entourage. Both the software, and the files produced, exist "in the cloud," so files, correspondence, and calendars can be accessed anytime, anywhere one can connect to the internet -- there's no need to access a network, thumb drives, or a particular hard drive. Documents can be shared and edited by multiple users, showing changes in real time, while maintaining the ability to revert to previous versions.

Interested in setting up Google accounts to explore the possibilities? Click here.

Anyone can register for a free Google account once they have set up a free Gmail account. For organizations, a system administrator must set up the Gmail and Google accounts. Accounts may use a domain name specified by the administrator, but are still Gmail accounts that can access all the Google tools.

Students are given a unique Gmail user ID, and the system administrator will likely assign passwords. For use with students, it is probably best to limit the ability to change passwords. It is especially helpful for the teacher leading lessons to have a list of student user names and passwords to refer back to when students need reminders. Consider sharing a version of the Google Apps Quick Start Guide, customized for your school or organization with each person as a handy reference.