Google Classroom - A continuum of progress
September 25, 2015
Google Classroom - A continuum of progress
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with Google Classroom
Google Classroom is used based on teacher discretion. We are not forced to do it, though I create a Google Classroom for each one of my sections, each having varying levels of use. For me, it organizes/consolidates information (i.e. Slides, Assignment Sheets, Essays) into one easily accessible area, mitigating any "my printer didn't work last night" excuses. Further, because it is so easy to access, and most students now are familiar with Gmail, there is a small learning curve. For me, an English teacher, I especially love the ability to cut out paper copies of essays; further, I can use Google Docs' revision history function to see if edits have been done on the paper. Last, I find that it takes a burden off of me for when students are sick or miss school for other reasons. They know where the notes will be and can stay in touch with the content outside the classroom.
- It allows for class-specific log of work done. In other words, all my notes and discussion questions can be posted, so students can use the classroom to study for tests or review ideas presented in class.
- Working on a cloud-based platform eliminates excuses for adolescents. I can track every keystroke (just call me Mr. Big Brother). Their essays, then, are complete stories of their work. I can tell which students went through the writing process and which ones wrote something last minute despite some of the built in formative revisions we do in class.
- It takes a little bit of time, but once you start merging and/or creating your teaching documents through Google, uploading and sharing the documents is fast and reliable. While Google Docs and Sheets may not have all the functionality that Microsoft Office provides, it is more than enough to fit my needs. Also, the variety of Google Apps gives you the freedom to create unique or interesting assignments to post on the Classroom, such as Google Forms.
- Honestly, the best part for me is knowing that this is a project that is continuously improved multiple times per year. When I came back to work this year, I found new features, which really streamlined the process and lessened the issue of when I have the same post but to different sections of classes.
- I believe they could include certain modules, like reliable Plagiarism checkers or grammar analysis (like Turnitin.com does). Yes, you can download add-ons, but I'm always weary of their performance.
- My second point is knowingly ignorant but important to note anyhow: most of my time spent teaching is actually spent on grading essays. Google Classroom helps by assigning names to the documents, but I'd really love some improvements, such as a click-to-comment feature where I can just click on the word or area of the essay I'm talking about and a comment box automatically pops up. I'd also love to have a repeated comment bank where I can select commonly used comments instead of individually typing them.
- It's made me a more efficient worker.
- Students like having all their class-related information in one place without tedious logins.
- It's supported. I know the time I put it in will be useful. The platform is not going anywhere anytime soon.