Embedded Files
What is Google Classroom
Google Classroom was launched in 2014 as a platform within Gsuite for Education to help share files between students and teachers. Although not technically a Learning Management System, over the last 6 years, it has developed so much so that many schools as so. In its early years, development was slow, it was integrated with google calender so due dates could be used for assignments and notifications scheduled. Then it became available without Gsuite for education and also free for anyone to use. In 2018 Google Classroom had a revamp. New features included a classwork section, improved grading abilities, reuse of classwork from other classes and better organisation of content. Over the last few years the Google has been steadily introducing new things to Google Classroom but 2020 saw significant changes with the increase of its use during the Covid pandemic. An individual Google Meet link was developed for each class to help teachers work online and other useful updates. Today many schools use Google Classroom is used in many schools along with Gsuite for education as we move forward into a paperless world
How it Works
How it Works
Google Classroom is easy to use and quick to set up a classroom. Steps will include;
Go to google classroom.com
Click create class
Next you can give your class a name, room number etc
Click create and your class will appear.
Once you class has been created you can customize it and begin adding students and assign work.
Use the video to see how the to set up a classroom.
Content
Content
Create individual assignments /quizes, class materials
Grading
Group work
Communication with students and parents.
Look at the video to see the process of creating content for your Google Classroom
Parent/Teacher Communication
Parent/Teacher Communication
Parent/Teacher Communication
Parent /teacher communication is limited in Google Classroom. In the classroom teachers can add parents using the add guardians section . Once the students guardian has been added it becomes part of the student profile and is automatically add to all classes the student is in. Parents can then decide how much information from the classroom they want for example when assignments are due, grades etc. The teacher can also directly email parents from the classroom. Unfortunately parents cannot see or comment on student work. This guide produced by google is a good source of information for parents to introduce them to Google Classroom https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/guardians_guide_to_classroom_march_2020.pdf
Assessment Tools
Assessment Tools
Using the Gsuite alone with Google Classroom provides many ways to create assessments. Google Forms is one of the many ways to create a formative assessment like a quiz or entry/exit ticket. Using some of the integrated apps for Google Classroom offers diverstiy in assessment tools.
Connectivity with Google Classroom
Connectivity with Google Classroom
Although Google Classroom appears less intricate than many of the other LMS, the ability to connect with a multitude of apps and websites means an 'extras' are readily available. Of course Gsuite is on hand to intergrate with google classroom and now many other apps are partnering with google or becoming available through the Chrome store as add-ons. This allows teachers to avail of alot more resources and streamline teaching. This article highlights some of the apps that integrate with Google Classroom.
Pros
Pros
Clear interface and easy to use from multiple devices
One platform for to create and post information, classwork and homework.
Easy to organise and manage course materials and student work.
Progress tracking
Effective communication and feedback for individuals or groups.
Its part of Gsuite, teachers can use docs, slides, forms,..etc to enchance their courses.
Integration of hundreds of apps and websites
Free
Cons
Cons
Google Classroom is not officially a LMS.It lacks some , although some schools/districts try to mold it in that fashion. It does not include robust features of an LMS.
Google Classroom provides a grade book, but that grade book does not sync with all school grade books.
No automated quizzes and tests..
Recommendation
Recommendation
Although its not officially a LMS, I would recommend Google Classroom. It provides a space for teachers to create, communcate and store course materials for individual classes and subjects. For those who are new to technology it is a simple user friendly platform to to create an online learning space to complement the classroom. Its versatility makes it work well as a teaching aid to a fully virtual classroom.
Works Cited
Google classroom. (2014, May 7). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved February 6, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_ClassroomMcGinnis, K. (2020, April 27). Teachers' essential guide to Google classroom. Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/teachers-essential-guide-to-google-classroom Positive sign stock photos and royalty-free images, vectors and illustrations. (n.d.). Adobe Stock. https://stock.adobe.com/search/images?k=positive+sign&asset_id=166876790 (n.d.). Google. https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/guardians_guide_to_classroom_march_2020.pdf McGinnis, K. (2020, April 27). Teachers' essential guide to Google classroom. Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/teachers-essential-guide-to-google-classroom Major, E. (2020, May 8). 9 great apps and websites that integrate with Google classroom. Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/9-great-apps-and-websites-that-integrate-with-google-classroomPage updated
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