Q.2.2 Assist Principal Thabo of Mzansi High School in deciding between using Office 365
and Google applications for the school's computer system.
Discuss two advantages and two disadvantages of each software application. Write
a summary of your recommendation for Mzansi High School, taking into
consideration the unique needs and objectives of the educational environment.
(12)
Q.2.3 Based on your recommendation in Q.2.2, investigate and provide the cost of the
selected application for Mzansi High School.
Consider the budget constraints and financial parameters of the school while
evaluating the overall cost of the chosen software application
(3)
Advantages and disadvantages of Office 365:
Advantages:
1. Integration: Office 365 seamlessly integrates with Microsoft products such as Teams, OneNote, and SharePoint, providing a unified platform for communication and collaboration.
2. Familiarity: Many students and teachers are already familiar with Microsoft Office applications, making adoption easier.
Disadvantages:
1. Cost: Office 365 can be more expensive than Google applications, especially for schools with limited budgets.
2. Limited customization: Office 365 may have limitations in terms of customization compared to Google applications.
Advantages and disadvantages of Google applications:
Advantages:
1. Cost-effective: Google applications are often more affordable, making them a budget-friendly option for schools.
2. Collaboration: Google applications are known for their strong collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on documents simultaneously.
Disadvantages:
1. Integration: Google applications may not integrate as seamlessly with non-Google products, potentially causing compatibility issues.
2. Learning curve: Some users may find Google applications to be less intuitive if they are accustomed to Microsoft Office products.
Recommendation for Mzansi High School:
Based on the advantages and disadvantages outlined above, I would recommend that Mzansi High School opt for Google applications. The cost-effectiveness and strong collaboration features of Google applications make them a suitable choice for a school environment. Additionally, the familiarity of Google applications among students and teachers may help in quick adoption and smoother transition.
Cost of Google applications for Mzansi High School:
The cost of Google applications for education varies based on the number of users and specific features required. However, Google offers G Suite for Education, which includes applications such as Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, at no cost for qualifying schools. This significantly reduces the overall cost for Mzansi High School, aligning with their budget constraints and financial parameters.