With government funds still unclaimed and free staff training included, there’s never been a better time for schools to switch to Google for Education.

In April this year, as we all adjusted to lockdown, the government announced a partnership with Google and Microsoft to provide schools with access to Google for Education and Office 365 to support remote working and home schooling. Many schools took advantage of the free set up but with so much happening very fast, fewer took the package to include training.

Google for Education training is still available

Many teachers will have found their way around the intuitive Google for Education platform, but proper training can be invaluable. Not only can it often help teachers save time, but it can also ensure that schools have access to the full capabilities of the platform. While this second lockdown hasn’t brought widespread school closures, the need for isolation when cases arise mean that virtual lessons have become essential. 

Looking beyond lockdown

Positive progress is being made on a vaccine, which could mean a welcome return to normal life next year. While we all hope for progress, the chances are high that Google for Education tools are here to stay. Teachers have already spent countless hours building resources on the platform and they can be used for a variety of reasons, including helping children who may have struggled during lockdown, or are looking to catch up for any reason. Online learning tools may also help children who need extra time at home to understand the work or revise for exams.

Find out more about Google for Education training 

In April, the government announced that it had committed £100m to help schools during the pandemic, providing devices to children who did not have any way to continue their schooling at home as well as providing schools access to Microsoft and Google for Education tools. While there’s no doubt that teachers did an amazing job in creating virtual classrooms, training can be invaluable and the peer to peer support programme has been particularly effective. Under the scheme, schools already advanced in using the technology have been awarded grants through the EdTech Demonstrators programme to help all schools get up to speed. 

JSPC can help with Google for Education installation and training

If you think your school could benefit from Google for Education tools or training, our expert team are on hand to help with everything from installation and set-up to the day-to-day tasks that will help to make teachers’ lives easier.