Google now provides a way that teachers can become Google certified. This program will help teachers learn how to use Google tools in the classroom. As the application page states:

The Google Teacher Academy is a pilot program designed to help K-12 educators get the most from innovative technologies. The Academy is a one-day experience at Google’s Mountain View Headquarters where participants get hands-on experience with Google products and other technologies, receive instructional resources to share with colleagues, and share innovative instructional strategies with other local educators. Upon completion, Academy participants will become Google Certified Teachers.

I think that this is a very philanthropic thing to do. At the same time, it makes great business sense. It seem to be the same technique that software companies employ when they offer discounted prices on software for students. They want students to learn how to perform taks on their product. Then, when the times comes that they need to do similar functions on a professional level, they will be more likely to buy the software they are accustomed to. This playes on the fact that the farther along you are on the learning curve, the more expensive your switching costs are (e.g. takes time to learn new software.)

People don’t have to pay for Google products but the profitability of their services is still linked to the number of people using their product and clicking on their advertisements. The sooner they can get in and train people on how to use their product the more likely those people will default to using Google services.