Gmail in the classroom

I am taking this class to renew my substitute certificate. Unlike others on here, I have not had the opportunity to use any of the Gmail features in class. I can see though how many features would be necessary and make life much easier by opening up new areas for communication. For example the chat. I could see how it would be beneficial for students to use the chat to communicate with the teacher, or other students after school, or if they were gone. The translation tools are also neat, if there are any families that don't speak fluent English.