In the “Stream” view, I can post assignments and rubrics with a due date. Above is a pic
of Wind Ensemble’s 1st quarter playing exam assignment as the students see it.
Students can click on the assignment to see what is required and how they will be
graded. When students finish recording their required excerpts and scales, they attach
the video file directly to the assignment so there is no hunting for DVDs/thumb drives
or sifting through my e-mail for that one attached file that conveniently can’t be opened.
Within Google Classroom I can view and comment on their performance, grade it on the
attached rubric, and send it back to them electronically…all without leaving the comfort
of my living room sofa. No more papers/DVDs to bring home…just my laptop.
Google Classroom not only allows me to track/assess performance exams, but I can also
share worksheets and important information to everyone with the click of a button. As
the instructor you can choose to have students only view documents, edit documents
collectively, or send each student their own copy for individual assessment. Group work
and full class collaboration is much more manageable and students cannot hide in the
larger group without contributing.
Another ingenious part of Google Classroom is
that creates a digital agenda book for students
in regards to homework or upcoming tests. It
will automatically send e-mail reminders about
upcoming assignments and the benefit is I do
not have to nag them in class. Having posted
the assignment on the left last Friday, all of my
Wind Ensemble students will receive a
reminder on Monday to count the rhythms for
Tuesday’s class…no more excuses for work not
being done.
If you would like to watch a two-minute video walking you through Google Classroom,
you can follow the link to YouTube by clicking HERE.
Contact me if you have questions or stories to share on how you are using Google
Classroom to work for you. ([email protected]) Happy music “tech-ing”!