As stated previously, Google Classroom is a platform specifically designed by Google Apps for Education teachers to take the most relevant pieces of Google’s various services and combine them in a way that makes it easier for students and teachers to interact and keeps classes running smoothly whenever the internet comes into play.
The familiarity of Google’s ad-free and secure services provides a convenience factor that is not to be underestimated. With many teachers already incorporating Google Drive/Docs into their online methodology, it could make sense for schools to go ahead and utilize the full Google Classroom service as it helps keep everything in one place with its streamlined interface and integrated features, potentially saving time through ease-of-use.
Perhaps the most useful feature of Google Classroom is the capability for teachers to post and gather their students’ assignments in a fluid manner: Teachers create an assignment and Classroom will create a Drive folder containing the document for each student in the class. Students then are able to keep track of due dates on an Assignments page, and are able to submit assignments anytime. Teachers can then check the status of how many students have turned in the assignment, and when they are ready, grade assignments and provide immediate feedback to the student.
Moreover, Google Classroom could greatly enhance communication between teachers and students, as well as between classmates. At any time, teachers can send announcements to the class or begin discussions. Similarly, students are free to share helpful resources and YouTube videos or discuss concepts amongst each other all under the watchful eye of the professor.
Finally, students cannot say that their dogs ate their homework anymore.
Though a preview version of Google Classroom was released with great fanfare to some teachers back in May, changes were made based on that early feedback and the service is now open to anyone with a Google Apps for Education account. The service is available in 42 languages and can also be used on mobile devices.
For a look at Google Classroom in action, take a look at the video below:
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