Google targets next generation: 5 million sign up to education apps

by Darren Davidson, revolutionmagazine.com 09-Sep-09, 14:48

LONDON - Google has revealed that its Apps Education Edition is being used by more than 5 million students in more than 145 countries, marking a 400% increase on last year.

The search giant claims its free software saves schools and universities money by enabling them to ditch paid-for suppliers in favour of the company's range of free services, including email and a calendaring system.

The company is hoping to boost the number of institutions using Google Apps as students return to school.

The drive comprises the launch of a new site that provides product tips, tricks and a community discussion forum.

The site features an interactive map where schools and universities can add their location. It also includes interesting trivia, for example, one of the schools on the map - Notre Dame - saved $1.5m (£960,000) by switching to Apps.

Google says: "We hope more schools will continue to go Google and bring Apps to their campuses in an effort to improve communication and collaboration while cutting costs and resources."

Google has also produced a top ten list of reasons why schools and universities should use Google Apps.