Google Classroom allows the teacher to post documents, have class discussions in a feed format( like many social media services our students are accustomed to), but most importantly, teachers can collect and track student assignments / progress. Google Classroom effectively eliminated my two most hated tasks: 1. No more running to the photocopier in between classes … a simple upload and everyone has access to the information needed to learn. 2. Data collection of student work and performance exams is no longer a nightmare.
Here is a current example of how Google Classroom works for me in Wind Ensemble:
Students log in and see the three tabs( shown above),“ Stream”,“ Classmates,” and“ About.” NOTE: I have“ Students” rather than“ Classmates” showing because I am in teacher mode. 1.“ Stream” allows students to see past posts of assignments, announcements, and / or reminders you have posted. They can also pose their own questions / thoughts to the class.( thankfully, you as the teacher can mute this option if students become too“ chatty”) 2. Under“ Classmates,” the students can see all the other people in their class and have an easy link to their e-mail to contact them about assignments or group work. 3. Under the“ About,” I usually include how to contact me as the instructor, the course syllabus, class expectations, and music calendar so they always have this information accessible.