Google Workspace for Education, formerly known as G Suite for Education, provides schools with flexible tools for collaboration, class management, and creating safe learning environments. Our latest updates improve collaboration across our products and enhance security for all Google Workspace for Education users.
Advancing Collaboration
We recently introduced smart canvas, a new feature that makes collaboration tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides more interactive and intelligent. One key addition is smart chips, which allows users to pull information from other Google Workspace products directly into their documents. For instance, students working on group projects can embed files from Drive or tag classmates using the ‘@’ symbol. Hovering over a tagged name enables quick access to chat, email, or scheduling a meeting.
Interactive checklists have also been added to Docs to help users track tasks more easily. Later this year, we’ll introduce table templates in Docs, such as topic-voting templates for gathering feedback.
We’ve expanded grammar suggestions in Docs to assist students in refining their writing. For Education Plus customers, new writing tips will include stylistic suggestions and warnings about offensive language. Additionally, assisted analysis in Sheets will help users by offering formula suggestions, making data analysis simpler.
To enhance integration, we now allow teachers to present directly from Docs, Sheets, or Slides to Google Meet with just one click. Later this year, Education Plus customers will be able to embed live Google Meet video calls within Docs, Sheets, and Slides, making real-time collaboration even more seamless.
We’re also simplifying Forms by introducing a new “Settings” tab, offering easy access to key features like Quiz mode. Additionally, over 20 new fonts will be available to allow users to personalize their forms. Draft responses in Forms will be automatically saved for 30 days, or until submission, with a full rollout starting next month.
Strengthening Security in Google Workspace for Education
At Google, we are deeply committed to providing a safe digital environment for schools. We’re enhancing security for all Google Workspace for Education customers with new updates in Drive, and advanced security features for Education Plus and Education Standard customers.
All customers already benefit from Google Drive’s built-in protections, which block phishing and malware. In the coming weeks, admins will have access to new protections that can be applied within their internal Drive, helping to prevent insider threats and accidental sharing of malicious files.
Drive trust rules are also being introduced to give admins better control over file sharing. For example, faculty may be permitted to share files within their district, while students may be restricted to sharing only within their school. These trust rules will soon be available in beta for Education Standard and Education Plus customers.
Additionally, Drive labels will allow admins to classify files stored in Google Drive, integrating with Google’s data loss prevention (DLP) tools. This ensures sensitive information like personal data or research is properly handled, and labels will soon work with Google Vault for setting retention policies. Drive labels are now available in beta for Education Standard and Education Plus users.
Together, these updates will make collaboration easier and more secure, equipping students with the skills they need for the workplace of the future.
