Google Drive: Allows students to save work in the ‘cloud’ and access it where there is an Internet signal. Each student has unlimited storage which will stay with them until graduation or leave the district.

Google Docs, Sheets, Slides: A suite of applications for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.

Google Calendar: A calendar that can be used to enter events with the potential to be shared with others.

Google GMail: Allows students to send messages to other students and teachers.

Google Hangout: Allows people to join a session through sharing video and voice.

Google +: An interactive application where people share photos, ideas or other information - similar to Facebook.

Google Sites: A web page software that allows the user to build a site to display and share information.

Email Access (Gmail)

As part of this implementation, only students in grades five through eight have been provided with restricted "Google Apps for Education" accounts. These accounts allow students to communicate and collaborate with their teachers and fellow students in a variety of ways. A student Google Mail account allows the student to send and receive emails to staff members and fellow students, but does not allow them to send email to any email address outside of the district or to receive email from outside of the district. Should the student attempt to email anyone outside of the district, it simply does not get sent. Should someone outside the district attempt to email the student, it is not received.  Grades nine through twelve have unrestricted Google Mail due to their needs for research and college applications.

Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud storage service provided at no charge for Google Apps for Education users. Students have unlimited data storage (documents, videos, graphics, photos, music, etc.) in their account. Using Google Drive, students can simultaneously edit a document needed for a class project and collaborate with each other online while doing so. These tools allow teachers to make a variety of learning materials available to students online. Included with Google Drive are applications that allow to students to create word processing, spreadsheet and presentation documents. All of these are automatically saved to the ‘cloud’ and are available to students anywhere there is Internet access.

Will the district filter Google Apps for Education content?

Yes. SAUSD has instituted a strict content filter for all Internet traffic, including Google Apps. However, there is always a chance students will be exposed to inappropriate content. While at school, staff will monitor students’ use of Google Apps - parents/guardians will need to monitor your student’s use of Google Apps while at home. At all times, whether at school or home, students are responsible for their adherence to SAUSD's Mobile Device Authorized Use Digital Learning Program Guidelines.

Will students have access to YouTube?

Yes. Because Google Apps for Education uses YouTube as one of its applications there isn’t a process where the District can block YouTube without also blocking Google Apps for Education. Teachers have tools available that restrict ads or comments when they show YouTube videos to students (http://quietube.com/). There is a wealth of excellent videos available to students through YouTube and it will be up to the teacher to monitor viewing so they are using it appropriately.

Will I have access to my student’s account?

There is not a parent log-in to access the student account. There is only one user name and password for the student account.  The Google Apps for Education accounts are property of SAUSD.  This means that content in these accounts may be accessed or searched by delegated SAUSD employees (IT Staff, Administrators, etc.). As the provider of these services, SAUSD has included several safety and educational features in Google Apps for Education.