When schools use Google for Education, a suite of free tools designed for schools, including Classroom, Meet, Drive, and Docs. Also known as Google Workspace for Education, it lets teachers assign work, track progress, and host video lessons—all without paying a dime. But behind the simplicity is a bigger question: Is it helping students learn, or just making admin easier?
Many Indian schools adopted Google during the pandemic because it was free and easy to set up. Teachers used Google Classroom, a digital assignment hub where students submit work and get feedback to replace paper packets. Students used Google Meet, a video conferencing tool built into the ecosystem to attend classes from home. But as schools returned to physical classrooms, problems surfaced. Parents complained about screen fatigue. Teachers struggled with students who didn’t have reliable internet. And some schools realized they were locked into Google’s system—no easy way to switch without losing data or retraining staff.
That’s why some schools are now looking at alternatives. Tools like Microsoft Teams for Education, Moodle, and even local Indian platforms offer similar features but with more control over data. India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) is pushing institutions to think harder about who owns student data. If Google collects usage patterns, where does that info go? Who can access it? These aren’t just tech questions—they’re privacy questions.
Meanwhile, teachers still rely on Google’s tools because they’re familiar. A biology teacher in Lucknow might use Google Slides to share diagrams, Google Forms for quick quizzes, and Drive to store student projects—all synced across devices. It works. But it’s not perfect. The lack of offline access hurts in rural areas. The ads in free versions distract younger students. And without proper training, many teachers use only 20% of what’s available.
So where does that leave you? If you’re a teacher, parent, or student in India, the real issue isn’t whether Google is good or bad. It’s whether it’s the right tool for your situation. Some schools thrive with it. Others are walking away. The posts below show both sides: how Google enables learning, where it falls short, and what schools are trying instead. You’ll find real examples—from a teacher in Bihar using Google Meet to reach remote students, to a Delhi school that switched to an open-source LMS after a data audit. No fluff. Just what’s working, what’s not, and what you should consider next.
Google Education Platform is a free suite of tools including Google Classroom, Docs, and Meet that schools use to teach and learn online. It helps teachers assign work, track progress, and connect with students - no cost required.