Today, we’re going to do a quick overview of the free apps that are available to students through Google Workspace. These apps are well designed with accessibility in mind, they’re free, and each app is designed to be used from anywhere, on any device. This is why the Google Workspace (formerly known as G-Suite) is a great choice for post-secondary students. Unlike primary-school aged children who often get free access to Microsoft 365, college and university students can’t always afford premium technology. So without further ado, let’s dive into the apps that are currently available for free through Google Workspace(new window).
Communication
Chat – Google Chat (which includes Google Spaces) is a great tool for messaging and group collaboration. It also has some unique features worth mentioning such as integrated google search, Gmail integration, collaboration with Docs, Sheets, and Slides, and it even allows users to add third party bots designed to add extra automation to your workflow.
Meet – Get access to secure, high-grade video conferencing with Google Meet. Joining and creating meetings is easy, and Meet also has some useful accessibility features such as live captions, low-light mode, and noise cancellation.
Gmail – This email service has been around for almost two decades. It blends utility with ease-of-use and doesn’t over-extend itself. Gmail also cleanly integrates with the other tools listed here, making it a great hub to start your work from.
Organization
Calendar – This app integrates cleanly with the other Workspace apps, and in short, does exactly what a calendar should do. It’s accessible from anywhere, syncs in real-time, and can even be shared and published online.
Storage
Google Drive – Cloud based storage is a great option for anyone who deals with a significant number of files. It’s easily organizable, searchable, and can be more secure than physical storage. It’s also a great choice for sharing and collaborating.
Creation
Sheets – Google Sheets is an Excel-like app that allows users to easily create and collaborate on spreadsheets in real time. It’s also completely compatible with PowerPoint! The app also features some powerful third-party apps that allow users to do even more.
Docs – This simplified word processor is a great choice for informal writing and collaboration. Docs features real-time editing and chat integration, supports all popular file types, and allows for unlimited revision history (something that not even Word can claim!)
Presentation
Slides – After working hard on your collaboration, it’s now time to present! Google Slides is essentially a paired down version of PowerPoint, but it’s free and easy to use, and it’s very easy to collaborate on. Perhaps not as visually appealing as a dedicated presentation app like Prezi, but the ease of access and collaboration features make it a great choice for group projects.
