Technology in the English Classroom

Google Classroom is a great tool to use in the classroom for all ages and subject areas. If you aren't familiar with Google Classroom here is a video to give you a quick overview.  

Google Classroom has drastically impacted the way in which I run my classroom.  This platform has opened up so many opportunities to make education more effective and efficient. 

The main use of Google Classroom that I capitalize on is the ability to read student work WHILE they are still working. When this feature became available it complete blew my mind! I had no idea how much easier teaching writing would become. When students are writing essays in Google Classroom, I am able to monitor their progression online and provide feedback.  This asset has greatly increased student engagement in the writing process.  I am able to have a private conversation to help a student get started or redirect a student who is off track. 

Another benefit to using Google Classroom in the classroom is that everything that student do is timestamped.  I am able to see how much work a student did every day and I can see the exact minute they turn in an assignment.  This feature has eliminated any room for misunderstanding between a student and teacher regarding submission or utilization of work time. If is quite often that I am clicking through student work and I can see that a student hasn't made any adjustments to their writing for 10 or 15 minutes. Knowing this, I can reach out to that student and see what is holding them back and offer support. 

Lastly, Google Classroom has greatly improved student collaboration. One very common activity I assign in my classrooms is for students to create Google Slide presentations. All students can be working on the assignment at the same time and can see what each other are doing. It is a great team-building tool.  

If you haven't yet had the opportunity to implement Google Classroom in your lesson planning you are truly missing out! Using technology in my classroom increases engagement from students and Google Classroom is a great platform to use technology is an effective and efficient way.