Jill Lager’s Updates

Update 2: Google Classroom to Collaborate, Assess, and Teach

In video segment 2.4 this week, in learning about the Dimensions of New Learning, I connected with number 4, "The outcomes of Learning" and 7, "The relation of old to new".

I teach 4th grade and two years ago I discovered how to integrate Google Classroom in my classroom. I have to admit, the first year, I set it up and would have kids turn in their assignments only to me. That is what I used it for.

Last year, I took the time with our Tech Specialist to discover many other aspects about Google Classroom and how I could use it to have students edit others Writing, to work in groups on a research report, to assign differentiated Spelling tests where the kids take the test without taking 30 minutes, giving it to 3 different groups. 

I assigned a video and response in Google Classroom, where kids watched then responded afterwards.

I am sure there are so, so, so many more aspects to Google Classroom that I am missing out on and I bet there is so much more to learn!

I see how we need the "old" in setting kids up with the technology and teaching them how it is to be used, our expectations for what they are to do. I also see how the "new" engages kids so much so that they forget that they are learning. I did, however, have a few complaints about going back to paper and pencil tests, as some kids liked the "old" way of taking the test. Some Loved the "new" way, as they could go at their own pace and did not need to wait for me to give the next word...they just rewinded and fast forwarded as needed.

Has anyone ever used it? Do you use it for anything beyond what I described?