Manage Learning With Google Classroom

We continue with our review of tools to facilitate teaching and learning

Google Classroom is an excellent Learning Management System that can assist teachers in managing remote learning.

 

Why Google Classroom?

As the name says, it is a tool that transforms the online learning space into a Classroom. It shares some features of physical classrooms like interactions, classroom activities and homework. 

Unlike other Nearpod and other online platforms, Google Classroom does not have lesson planning and development features. On the contrary, it is a space for managing lessons planned using different tools.

It can be used online, in person, as part of blended and flipped learning.

 

Some excellent features of Google Classroom

Easy to use

Google Classroom is one of the less fussy learning platforms. It has a straightforward and user-friendly interface. There are very few links on the homepage except links to create a class or set a calendar. All classes in which students and the teacher are involved are listed on the homepage of the teacher’s account. This is where the teacher manages all his/her lessons.

 

Creating a class is quick and easy.  To facilitate the management of different classes, Google Classroom assigns different colours and banners to each class. To access a class, students need the class code. The dashboard of each class has four tabs:

The Stream tab for a live discussion with the students. The teacher can modify the settings to allow students to post and comment, comment, post, or comment only.

The Classwork tab is where the teacher creates assignments, quizzes, questions, and materials. These can be organised under different topics. 

Quizzes can be administered in multiple-choice or short-answer formats. MCQ quizzes are administered using integrated Google Docs. 

Assignments can be sent to students individually or to the entire class. They can be sent as attachments in videos (from YouTube, for example), word documents, Google Drive, etc.

The People tab is where other teachers and students can be invited for a joint project.

Lastly, the Mark tab is where the teacher views and manages his/her students’ grades.

Google Classroom introduced a To-do feature to keep teachers and students on track with deadlines and work. This feature is linked to the Calendar and sends notifications about deadlines, homework, and students’ performance, missing and completed tasks.

 

My take

Google Classroom is simple and user-friendly to facilitate remote learning. It can run on all devices, including mobile phones. 

Have you ever used Google Classroom to facilitate remote learning? Leave your thoughts in the comment section!

(All images credit: Nearpod)