What is Google Classroom?

Here's a quick video from Google showing just what Google Classroom can do.

Google classroom is a fantastic solution for the classroom. It makes it very easy to digitally share homework assignments, resources and feedback all in one place. Each teacher can have multiple classes or subjects. Students can be added to a class (or add themselves with the class code). Assignments or homework can then be sent out to each individual, with all of the work being stored for the teacher to see, with real time progress of how that work is progressing. A teacher can even leave feedback in the assignment as it is being written by the student. It's also really easy to share documents or resources with the class. Just select the folder from your google drive account that you want to share with that specific class and it's made available through google classroom for each student in that class. With a whole school using the solution, each student can view all of their classes, assignments and any useful information for that class or subject from wherever they are, they just need to log into their google account and go to classroom!

For teachers

It makes it really easy to share documents with your class. If you have images, PDFs, other files that will be useful for the class and would normally share with them they can be easily shared, just by adding to a google drive folder. If new resources are added each week they can be dropped in to the shared folder a week at a time, so all the resources shared will be available for the students.

Handing out an assignment is also really straightforward. Create the document that contains the details of the assignment, and then send it out. Each student can then work on their own version and submit the document to you, as the student is working on the assignment feedback and comments can be provided - in the document. As the teacher you can see when an assignment has been handed in, but also the progress that has been made at any point.

For students

All of the resources needed are in one place, that can be accessed from anywhere. A single account to manage all of their assignments. It's easy to use, and works on any device. Work can be completed at school, at home, anywhere there's internet access. Feedback and help can be received right in the document. The only reason they might not like it is because it removes some of the excuses as to why work hasn't been done.

See what Google Classroom can do for you - Click here

Google connected classrooms

Class trips don't have to be limited to your local area, the below video is very obviously an American example, but a really good idea that hopefully could be applied to the UK also. Watching via a video link is never going to be as good as the real thing, but some of the video experiences could be amazing experiences that would never ordinarily be available for a class trip.