Google Classroom: A teachers guide

What is Google Classroom?

Google Classroom is a set of online tools that allows teachers to create lessons, collect student work, grade, and return graded papers. Google Classroom is a learning management system (LMS) that aims to simplify creating, distributing, and grading assignments and engaging students in learning online or remotely. Edtech tools have become increasingly popular and during the recent pandemic, school systems realised that educational tools needed to be accessed at home as well as in the classroom. Providing activities for children to learn remotely became a necessity and class teachers needed innovative ways to maintain connections with students.

Google Classroom is a free application designed to help students and teachers communicate, collaborate, organize and manage assignments, go paperless, and much more. It was introduced as a feature of Google Apps for Education following its public release on August 12, 2014.

It was designed to remove paper in classrooms and enable digital learning. It was initially intended for use with educational laptops, such as Chromebooks, to help teachers and students share information and assignments more efficiently. Google Classroom has grown in popularity as more schools migrate to online learning, and teachers swiftly integrate paperless education.

Classrooms integrate with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites, Earth, Calendar, and Gmail, and can be reinforced with Google Hangouts or Meet for live teaching or inquiries. In this article, we will explore how Google classroom can be integrated into everyday class activities and scaffold individual students' curriculum learning.

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How much does Google Classroom cost?

Google Classroom is completely free to use. All the apps that function with the service are already free Google tools, and Classroom just collects them all in one location. To include all of its students and teachers, an educational institution must join up for the service. This is done to ensure that security is as tight as possible, preventing outsiders from gaining access to the information or students involved.

Google does not scan the data and does not use it for advertising. Google Classroom and the Google Workspace for Education platform as a whole do not contain any adverts so distractions are kept to a minimum.

There are packages available in the larger Google ecosystem, where Classroom is located, that can provide benefits in exchange for payment. Standard Google Workspace for Education costs $4 per student per year and includes a security centre, advanced device and app management, Gmail and Classroom log exports for analysis, and other features.

The Teaching and Learning Upgrade package costs $4 per license per month and includes meetings with up to 250 participants, live-streaming to up to 10,000 spectators via Google Meet, and other features such as Q&A, surveys, and more. You also get the Classroom add-on, which allows you to easily integrate tools and information. There are endless originality reports available to check for plagiarism and other issues.

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What devices is Google Classroom is compatible with?

Because Google Classroom is web-based, you can access it from almost any device that has a web browser. Processing is largely done at Google's end, therefore even older devices can handle the majority of Google's resources. There are device-specific apps for iOS and Android, as well as support for Mac, PC, and Chromebooks.

Google has a significant benefit in that it is feasible to work offline on most devices, uploading when a connection is found. This enables teachers and students to use Google Classroom because they can access it from any personal device.

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What educational activities can you do with Google Classroom?

Teachers

• Start a video meeting.
• Create and manage classes, assignments, and grades online without paper.
• Add materials to your assignments, such as YouTube videos, a Google Forms survey, and other items from Google Drive.
• Give direct, real-time feedback.
• Use the class stream to post announcements and engage students in question-driven discussions.
• Invite parents and guardians to sign up for email summaries with a student's upcoming or missing work.

Students

• Track classwork and submit assignments.
• Check originality, feedback, and grades.
• Share resources and interact in the class stream or by email.

Guardians

• Get an email summary of your student’s work.
• Review announcements and activities.

Administrators

• Protect data and set permissions for your users.
• Set up classes and rosters.
• Add or remove students and teachers from classes.

Get 24/7 support.

Source: support.google.com

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Google Classroom Assignments

Google Classroom has many features, but more crucially, it can enable teachers to do more to assist students in learning remotely or in hybrid environments. A teacher can create assignments and then submit documents that clarify what is necessary for completion, as well as supplemental information and a location for students to work.

Because students receive email notifications when an assignment is due, it is very easy to keep a schedule without the teacher having to contact the students regularly. Because these assignments can be designated ahead of time and scheduled to be sent out when the teacher desires, they allow for more sophisticated lesson planning and more flexible time management.

When a job is completed, the student can submit it to the teacher for grading. Teachers can then provide the student with annotations and feedback. Google Classroom also allows for grade export into a student information system (SIS), making it significantly easier to use automatically across the school.

Google provides an originality report function that allows teachers to compare student entries from the same school. This is an excellent method for avoiding plagiarism.

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Enhancing Classroom Collaboration with Google Classroom Announcements

One of Google Classrooms standout features is the ability for teachers to make class-wide announcements, enhancing communication and collaboration within the virtual classroom.

Google Classroom Announcements serve as a dynamic platform for teachers to share important information, updates, and resources with their students. According to a study from the U.S. Department of Education, regular communication between teachers and students can significantly reduce student absenteeism. Google Classroom Announcements provide an effective solution to this issue by ensuring that all students receive the same information at the same time, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

Teachers can post announcements directly to the Google Classroom home screen. This ensures that the information is immediately visible to students the next time they log in, making it an excellent tool for sharing class materials and updates.

Google Classroom Announcements are not limited to text-based messages. The platform allows for the inclusion of rich media attachments from YouTube and Google Drive, transforming it into a versatile educational resource. Teachers can attach relevant videos, documents, or slides to their announcements, providing students with a richer and more engaging learning experience.

This feature is particularly useful for integrating various online teaching resources into a single, accessible platform. It allows teachers to share a diverse range of content, from lecture slides on Google Drive to educational videos on YouTube, all within the Google Classroom environment.

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Two-Way Communication: Encouraging Student Engagement

Google Classroom Announcements are more than just a noticeboard. They can be configured to allow for two-way communication, enabling students to respond to announcements. This feature encourages active participation and engagement, fostering a more interactive and collaborative learning environment.

According to research conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, interactive online platforms can significantly enhance student learning outcomes. By allowing students to respond to announcements, Google Classroom promotes active learning and encourages students to take a more proactive role in their education.

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Should my school sign up for Google Classroom?

• If you are in charge of teaching at any level and are looking for online teaching resources, Google Classroom is definitely worth examining.
• While it is not an LMS replacement, it is an excellent tool for bringing the fundamentals of teaching online.
• The classroom is simple to use, easy to learn, and works on a variety of devices - all for free.
• Because there is no requirement for IT management support crew to support this system, there are no maintenance expenditures. 
• The platform also keeps you up to date on Google's advancements and adjustments to the service.

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Learning Activities and classroom resources

Teachers can work on the same lesson plan at the same time with a colleague using Google Docs. Store your lesson plans in your school’s shared Google Drive so that anyone at your school can find and access them. Create a folder for your grade level to share resources. The following list will provide you with some ideas for getting the best out of Google classroom.

Math

• Model mathematics with Google Drawing: Collaboratively create virtual manipulatives, such as Algebra Tiles, in a Google Drawing. Distribute Google Drawings for students to build on.
• Collaborative reasoning: Prior to providing students with the algorithm for solving a problem, students can use a collaborative Google Document or Slides presentation to reason out possible solutions to a problem. Attach a document in Google Classroom as “Students can edit the file.”
• Provide peer tutoring: Students in upper grades can tutor and support students in lower grades through the creation of a Google Classroom class for this purpose.

Science

• Create a Discussion on Specific Topic: In Google Classroom, you have a stream that appears by default when you log in to your class. This stream can be utilized to collect student opinions by creating discussion topics and new posts.
• Weather/environment lab. Science classes can connect with one or more classes in another city, state, province, or country and gather data about the weather or environment around them. Log it in a Google Spreadsheet with a page for each location. Compare and contrast the world around you.

Reading

• Weekly reading record: The students in the school usually have a reading diary that they use to record information about times that they read during the week. They take it home as well as use it at school. A form can be created (See example: Google Form) by the children as a place to enter data about their reading. We hear “I haven’t got my reading diary,” so many times during the year, this way they have no excuses and can access it from any computer. Alternatively, a class form could also be set up to gather together everyone’s records.

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Writing

• Student collaboration on writing projects: Google Classroom doesn’t only support using e-portfolios, but with the power of Google Docs, the students can also work together in new ways on Google Docs.
• Spelling Tests: For your weekly spelling test use a simple 1-10 or 1-20 numbered Google Form (See example:  numbered form) with a name question and ask the children to type in their answers as you read out the list of words. Once these are submitted, apply a formula to judge if they are correct or not, and it becomes self-marking.

Other

• E-Portfolio: As the platform is based on Google Drive for uploading documents and assignments, it can also serve as a digital portfolio for students. Both teachers and students can create folders and documents that can be shared with each other. If the students work in groups, they can create their own shared folder. This way the group's work will be available to all the members of the group, even if one or more are absent. As everything happens in the cloud, everything can be done asynchronously.
• Response to Intervention: Different Google Classrooms can be created for students to join based on student needs. Students needing additional support or students needing additional challenges can join a Google Classroom class around intervention of a particular topic.

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7 Ideas for Student Engagement using Google Classroom

As we have seen, Google Classroom offers a robust platform for enhancing teaching and learning experiences. Leveraging the seamless integration of Google Workspace tools, it enables educators to foster engagement and active learning. Here are seven activities designed to maximize student participation and streamline classroom management:

1. Virtual Discussions: Utilize Google Meet for real-time class discussions, allowing students to share insights and ask questions, promoting a collaborative learning environment.
2. Interactive Quizzes: Create and distribute quizzes through Google Forms, assessing student understanding and providing instant feedback to foster a dynamic learning process.
3. Project Collaboration: Leverage Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides for group projects, enabling students to work together asynchronously or synchronously, enhancing teamwork and creativity.
4. Classroom Blogs: Assign individual or group blog projects, using Google Sites to develop writing and digital literacy skills while allowing students to express their knowledge creatively.
5. Peer Reviews: Facilitate peer review sessions by sharing student submissions on a shared Google Drive folder, encouraging constructive feedback and collaborative learning.
6. Flexible Assignment Submission: Use Google Classroom’s assignment feature for submitting homework and projects, offering flexible time management options to accommodate diverse learning needs.
7. Professional Development Workshops: Host online workshops or training sessions using Google Meet, providing opportunities for professional development and enhancing teaching strategies with online platforms.

These activities not only engage students but also support teachers in utilizing Google Classroom to its full potential, ensuring a rich, interactive educational experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Google Classroom

1. What is the class code in Google Classroom?

The class code is a unique identifier for your class. It's a string of random letters and numbers that students use to join your class. It's a key part of the Google Classroom experience, acting as a digital passport to the learning journey you've curated.

2. How does the class calendar function?

The class calendar is an integrated feature of Google Classroom that helps you manage assignments and due dates. It syncs with Google Calendar, allowing you to track academic activities and deadlines in one place, a boon for the organized educator.

3. What is the class stream?

The class stream is the heartbeat of your Google Classroom. It's where you and your students can post and comment, creating a dynamic, interactive learning environment. It's akin to a social media feed, but for education.

4. How can Google Classroom be used as a learning tool?

Google Classroom is more than just a digital classroom; it's a comprehensive edtech tool. It facilitates assignment distribution, grading, and feedback. It also promotes cooperative learning, a pedagogical approach that has been shown to enhance student engagement and achievement. This research article provides an in-depth look at cooperative learning in digital environments.

5. How does Google Classroom integrate with other Google Workspace tools?

Google Classroom is part of the Google Workspace for Education suite, meaning it seamlessly integrates with popular tools like Google Drive and Google Sheets. This allows you to create, distribute, and grade assignments all within the Google ecosystem, making it a versatile option for teachers.

6. Can Google Classroom be used on mobile devices?

Absolutely! Google Classroom is available on both iOS and Android devices, ensuring that millions of teachers and students can access their classes anytime, anywhere.

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7. How can Google Classroom assist with formative assessment?

Google Classroom allows for real-time feedback, a crucial component of formative assessment. Teachers can comment on student work as it's being developed, guiding learning and promoting improvement.

8. Can school administrators manage Google Classroom?

Yes, school administrators can manage Google Classroom settings through the school domain. This allows for oversight of classes, teachers, and students, ensuring a safe and effective online education platform.

9. How does Google Classroom compare to other edtech tools?

Google Classroom stands out for its simplicity, integration with other Google services, and widespread adoption. It's one of the most popular online education platforms, trusted by educators worldwide.

Remember, Google Classroom is a dynamic tool, constantly evolving to meet the needs of educators, but like any tool, it will require a good understanding of teaching and learning principles.

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Further Reading on Google Classroom

These papers collectively provide insights into the diverse applications of Google Classroom and its integration with other Google Apps for Education, demonstrating its effectiveness as a learning tool in various educational contexts.

1. An Integrated Model of Continuous Intention to Use of Google Classroom by R. Al-Maroof & S. Salloum (2020)

Summary: This paper explores the factors influencing the continued use of Google Classroom in higher education, including concentration, enjoyment, usefulness, ease of use, and satisfaction, underscoring its role as an effective learning tool.

2. Google Docs in the Classroom: A District-wide Case Study by Soobin Yim, M. Warschauer, & B. Zheng (2016)

Summary: Examines the integration of Google Docs in middle school English Language Arts classrooms, highlighting its accessibility, cost-efficiency, and its role in enhancing educational content and writing instruction.

3. Effective Role of Emerging Technologies in Teaching and Learning Process by Dr. Umaji Ananda Patil (2022)

Summary: Discusses the crucial role of emerging technologies like Google Classroom, Jamboard, and Zoom in enhancing student-centric and effective teaching-learning processes in education.

4. Technology-Based Google Classroom In English Business Writing Clas by D. Apriyanti et al. (2019)

Summary: Highlights how Google Classroom has increased efficiency and effectiveness in teaching English Business Writing, supporting paper-less programs and providing options for teachers to manage assignments with students.

5. Google classroom for librarians: features and opportunities by Amanda Izenstark & K. Leahy (2015)

Summary: Emphasizes how Google Classroom simplifies the delivery of information literacy materials to students, offering a straightforward platform for sharing information and exercises, and enabling librarians to provide timely feedback to students.

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