Article from
http://www.kentucky.com/By Associated Press
PALO ALTO, Calif. - In a move that might aim at software giant Microsoft Corp., Google Inc. hopes to define far more of the world's computing experience with a helping hand from schoolchildren.
For several months, Google has been giving away an online word processor, spreadsheet and other programs that can perform tasks usually handled by desktop software. The programs store everything in Google's vast data centers so files can be retrieved on any Internet-connected computer.
The free-software approach poses a challenge to Microsoft Corp., whose success revolves around sales of its long-dominant Windows operating system and Office suite. The Office programs, including Word and Excel, are installed on hard drives, and information is usually stored locally as well.
As it tries to usher in a new era in computing, Google is promoting its software in kindergarten through high school classrooms, where kids who have grown up with the Web are more likely to experiment with different technology.
Google views its educational initiative as a public service for teachers who often lack the money and expertise to introduce more technological tools into their classrooms. The company doesn't allow advertising in its word processing and spreadsheet programs, leaving it unclear how Google expects to make money.
"We think it's good to get people familiar with the other things we do (besides search), but it's not like we are trying to get some kind of lifetime value out of each student," said Cristin Frodella, a Google product manager overseeing the education project.
Google is trying to engage the teachers first.
The company has posted online guides on how to incorporate the software into teachers' curricula. And in November, it invited about 50 Northern California teachers to spend the day at its Mountain View headquarters to learn more about the advantages of the program.
Google plans to host similar programs in other parts of the country.
Some students are already learning the advantages of the word processing program, which enables people in different locations to collaborate simultaneously or to view and edit documents at different times.
Palo Alto High School junior Danielle Kim said that flexibility was helpful when her debate team jointly worked on a presentation this year.
But she also saw a downside to Google's software. "It requires you to have Internet access," she said. "What happens when you are in a place that doesn't?"
Google expects that issue to become less of a problem as high-speed Internet connections become as commonplace as electrical outlets. Wireless access would enable information to be delivered to cell phones and other mobile devices as well as PCs and cable boxes.
Google isn't the first high-tech company to use education as a marketing tool. In the most conspicuous example, Apple Computer Inc. has positioned its Macintoshes as a student's best friend for the past 20 years. Despite those efforts, the Mac holds a U.S. market share of just 6 percent, with virtually everything else going to Windows-based personal computers.
Unlike Apple's computers or Microsoft's programs, Google's software is free, an enticement that gives it a built-in advantage.
"There is such a big digital divide out there that products like this really help level the playing field for these kids," said Lucy Gray, who teaches sixth-graders at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.
Microsoft does offer a discounted version of Office to students and teachers for $149, significantly less than the $400 for the full standard edition.
But free software is tough to beat. Palo Alto High teacher Esther Wojcicki said she spent about $4,400 to license 70 copies of Microsoft Word earlier this year, before Google launched its educational push.
Microsoft so far has brushed off Google's alternative software as niche applications unlikely to gain mass appeal.
