I’m glad I had the opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of using Google classroom by watching the video tutorial for this free inquiry option. Now that I have seen all the features Google Classroom offers, it’s not difficult to understand why it is such a popular class management tool. I have observed teachers using Google Classroom during my Link2 observations, but I wasn’t aware of the extent of the behind-the-scenes features it offers until I completed this video tutorial. For example, I think it’s neat that teachers are able to do their marking on google classroom, and then go back and adjust grades once students integrate the teacher’s comments and suggestions. I appreciate the value of this tool for use in my English classroom, as I aim to emphasize the iterative nature of English learning. Hence, a tool like this, which allows me to make suggestions and then see them interpreted and integrated by the student in a simple and direct way, is very appealing.
I also found it valuable that parents can be kept in the loop regarding their child’s work directly through google classroom. This feature, amongst others, like the feature which allows teachers to post their assignments and criteria sheets in one easily accessible place, seems helpful for efficiency.
Overall, I have definitely come to a deeper appreciation for this tool through this inquiry. On the other hand, I see the value in more conventional, paper-based modes of transmission, because they reduce screen time on tired eyes, and offer the benefits of tactile annotation and marginalia production. I look forward to experimenting to balance these different modes of transmission and management in a way that works for me and my students. Ideally, I think I would use Google Classroom as a place where my students can access materials like assignment criteria and outlines, and where they can submit assignments. I might then do marking on printed versions of their assignments, and my in-class reading and writing assignments would also be done on paper. This will reduce screen-time, which can otherwise cause headaches.
To represent my thinking about Google Classroom and this tutorial, I have made a Pros and Cons list on Canva. This template will be a tool I can keep adding to as I gain insights and experience, and ultimately I will use it to inform my choices around what I choose to do through Google Classroom, and what I use other methods for! Here is my Pros and Cons list:
