As broadband connectivity becomes increasingly available at home, at school, and in many places in between, a paradigm shift in how users access key software applications is slowly taking place.

For years, educators and students largely used software that was installed on desktop computers or ran off floppy disks or CDs from local drives. Then came high-speed school networks and the ability to run software from a central school or district server. Now, many students and teachers are using web-based software programs that are accessible over the internet and hosted by the application provider.

To be sure, this isn't a new model of distribution. For years, schools have been using web-based software for their data systems, administrative systems, and even their curriculum software--and students and teachers have used web-based eMail accounts. But now, even applications that traditionally have been tethered to a desktop computer, such as productivity tools--spreadsheets, word processors, and the like--can be accessed entirely online.

Google, for instance, offers free word processing and spreadsheet software from its web site. The package combines a spreadsheet application that Google introduced in June with a word processing program called Writely that the company bought for an undisclosed amount in March.

Google had been limiting usage of both programs, but the company now expects to be able to accommodate anyone who signs up. As part of the expansion, the Writely name will disappear. The new package will be called Google Docs & Spreadsheets.

Aiming to boost the use of these and other web-based tools among schools, Google earlier this month unveiled a new web site called "Google for Educators," which provides classroom activities and teacher guides for using these programs in the classroom (see related story).

Google's moves are part of the company's strategy to assemble a suite of applications that are tied to an internet connection instead of a single computer's hard drive. But it's not only Google that has jumped aboard this trend. Even makers of traditional desktop applications are taking notice. Microsoft, for instance, is responding to this trend by embedding web functionalities into its upcoming products to an unprecedented degree.

Advocates of the move toward web-based software say these programs make it easier for people to work on the same document from different locations, a convenience that enables more sharing of files and projects among users with common interests or goals.

Web-based programs also resolve many software compatibility issues, because users don't have to have the same version of an application installed on their machines--and they eliminate the need for school IT departments to install and maintain the software.

In addition, these programs are accessible to students and teachers from any internet-connected device with a standard web browser, either from home or at school. Perhaps best of all, many of these online tools--such as Google's productivity suite--are available free of charge to users.