So it’s the new kid on the block, been around about 8 or 9 months so far and what an impact it is having already. I was so excited when they launched the iOS and Android apps for Classroom. Unfortunately it’s not really much of an app for teachers yet, but certainly it’s really simple for students to use. They cannot yet (again unfortunately) use the ‘open in another app’ feature yet to send work across to Classroom but certainly, it’s a very easy workflow to get work you’ve completed outside of a native Google app. Apps such as Docs / Sheets or Slides can go straight in to Classroom which is great for learning.
If you haven’t heard of Classroom then you’re probably not a Google Apps for Education school. Google are, trojan horse style, getting in to education left right and centre at the moment. The Chromebook / Android tablet regime along with the new Play for Education store make Google a really compelling argument for schools looking to embrace more technology and with collaboration at the heart of it, plus some great price points, why shouldn’t they?
For schools that are already in the Apple ecosystem there’s a massive win that there are so many Google options in the iOS App store and so it’s no wonder that Classroom is working as well as it does.
If you are an iPad teacher using Classroom or are thinking about it, I can highly recommend using either your laptop/desktop device for managing classes although it is actually a very easy job to do your assessment, feedback and grading within the Chrome app on your iPad. Additionally, despite being able to write announcements within the actual Classroom app, you can easily set assignments and link materials to your assignment if you use Chrome on your iPad.
All in all it’s definitely worth a look. You’ll just need to get that pesky Google Apps for Education set-up sorted within your school!
Are you using Classroom in your school? How are you finding it? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
It is a very promising start. Lots of features to come, I’m sure, but it’s essential they introduce a function for teachers to share a class.
I agree. I think getting the app out to students to be able to submit their work is a great first step. Like you I believe the ability for teachers to be able to set assignments in-app will be a bonus but I would suspect the thinking is that it was best to get the workflow to students. I suspect the thinking was that they thought teachers would have other devices to facilitate assignment setting etc. It’s exciting times for sure!
You’re right but that’s not quite what I meant. I have a trainee sharing a class at the moment and he & I can’t use the same Google Classroom because there’s no facility for the same classroom to have two teachers.
You’re absolutely right too 🙂 I do know however that this is something they are looking at. As we both say… Watch this space!
I find classroom simple to use and it is a great way to share resources with my Year 3 class. We’re using chromebooks 1:1 and it is working well as a simple way to organise resources for the children and their parents to access. I agree, being able to share classes would be great, also a way to stream the same resources to parallel classes within a year group.
thanks Rebecca – Classroom is coming on from strength to strength!
I’m sure Classroom will be really great in the future. At the moment I think Showbie is much better and if you are a Google school it allows google logins. Here’s my take…
https://mymusiced.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/assessment-and-feedback-using-mobile-technology-in-music/
I have been using classroom since November last year. I Set us up as a Google school – buying the domain cost me £6!! I’ve also managed to get my head around the admin to set security etc. Classroom is wonderful – it’s revousionised how I work with my BTEC classes regarding work flow to the extent I’ve become paperless for this class. Using add ons like kaizena makes feedback so easy and all changes and feedback can be tracked via the revision history within Google docs. One student I taught last year grinned from ear to ear because she didn’t need to buy Microsoft office saving her family £130. I’m just frustrated that vey few teachers can see the benefit. Really looking forward to integrating classroom into more of my practice this year!