Google FAQS

Google Apps for Education (GAFE) is a free cloud-based service that allows students and teachers to communicate, collaborate, and store information in a secure cloud environment.

GAFE is used by millions of students across the world, at K-12 schools, colleges and universities. 66 of the Top 100 colleges in the nation are utilizing GAFE (according to US News & World Report).

GAFE is completely free for schools and their students.

Only Google apps and services that are applicable to an educational setting are available in our OHM BOCES GAFE domain. Additionally, logging in to the OHM BOCES GAFE domain is done through a separate login page other than the login page utilized for personal accounts.

GAFE facilitates collaboration in several ways. One key feature is the ability for multiple students to compose and edit a single document at the same time, without having to physically be in the same place. This level of collaboration is not possible with traditional document creation tools, even when in the same classroom.

No. OHM BOCES GAFE student email addresses are only able to send and receive email to and from other OHM BOCES GAFE email addresses or other approved educational services. Any changes to this policy will be communicated to parents in advance.

No. OHM BOCES GAFE student email addresses are only able to send and receive email to and from other OHM BOCES GAFE email addresses or other approved educational services. Any changes to this policy will be communicated to parents in advance.

OHM BOCES is not able to offer after-hours support for GAFE accounts. Student should report any problems to a teacher or Technology Department staff member upon returning to school.

Your child’s use of GAFE is covered under the Acceptable Use Policy, Internet Use Policy, and Code of Conduct.

Yes, from any Internet-connected Windows or Mac computer, iPad or Android tablet, or any other with a supported web browser and access to the Internet.

No. Students must utilize their assigned OHM BOCES GAFE accounts to take advantage of our GAFE domain.

No, OHM BOCES is not able to offer GAFE accounts to parents. You may create a free personal Google account by visiting https://accounts.google.com/SignUp.

If they choose to do so, students may access their OHM BOCES GAFE accounts from their smartphones. Please note that this will constitute data usage on their smartphone plan; connecting to Wi-Fi when available will avoid excess data usage. OHM BOCES  is not liable for data charges or fees resulting from GAFE use on personal smartphones or other devices.

No. GAFE works on any Internet-enabled device with a compatible web browser, including Windows PCs, Macs, iPads, Android tablets, and smartphones.

The OHM BOCES GAFE domain can only be accessed using an Internet connection. Wireless Internet access is provided in all OHM BOCES buildings. Access after school is available in media centers during scheduled hours. Public libraries also offer free Internet access in their buildings and may be helpful for weekend or evening access.

No - as long as students are logged into their OHM BOCES GAFE account, they will not see advertisements

Yes. All email is filtered regardless of where the student accesses the account. All email coming to and leaving from the OHM BOCES GAFE is filtered to ensure the appropriateness of all text and material.

No. In the OHM BOCES GAFE domain, BOCES maintains ownership of all content produced and stored in GAFE.

No. Google does not share any data or user information in GAFE with any other party. Google complies with FERPA (Federal Education Regulation and Privacy Act) regulations.

Student email from our GAFE domain is filtered and comes only from other  GAFE accounts and approved educational domains, reducing this risk of messages with viruses or malware. Email filters are not infallible - there is risk inherent with any email system, that viruses and other malware could infect a computer. It is best practice to ensure that you have a reputable free or paid antivirus/antimalware program on your computer, such as Microsoft’s Security Essentials (http://windows.microsoft.com/en us/windows/security-essentials-download). OHM BOCES is not liable any damages resulting from messages received in GAFE.