The world is always changing. Each generation brings with it a new wave of challenges and opportunities that converge to create forms of development adaptable to the particularities of the time, therefore, the lifestyle offered by modernity demands constant updating of skills and knowledge, generating a dizzying pace in which adaptation is the key.
That is why the different fractions of human development are forced to change with the world or vanish in the attempt, and education is no exception. At a time when we are increasingly surrounded by screens and signs, educators can see the technological world as an obstacle or an allyand as an ally, it offers endless possibilities.
Within such a peculiar context, The rise of virtual education does not come as a surpriseit is rather a natural consequence that then leads to the appearance of endless tools for its optimal deployment that make virtual educational spaces increasingly comfortable and accessible. It is preciously this sense of comfort and accessibility that it offers Google Classroomwhose uses and advantages we will proceed to break down.
What is Google Classroom and what is this Google educational platform for?
Is about a tool specially designed for students and teachers that facilitates the management of educational processesallowing from organizing virtual meetings to exchanging documents, making corrections, scheduling, storing files or publishing announcements.
Although some specific functions can be accessed through , you can also bypass this service and use the platform for free simply by being registered as a Google user and . This tool can be used to teach completely virtual courses or to complement face-to-face classes in a mixed modalityIn any case, it is useful to have a service of this nature at your fingertips and free of charge.
Classroom functions What can we do with this tool from the digital giant?
classroom fits perfectly to requirements and needs from different educational institutions.
But let’s see exactly what can be achieved with this excellent tool:
Interact with students and teachers
This is done in the format of a social network when being inside a class through the wall or board in which you can make new publications, comment on previous publications or observe the class programs and announcements of the members.
Assign general and custom tasks
To the post assignmentsthe platform allows specifying recipients, weighting, theme and delivery date, facilitating access to information.
Keep a calendar of activities
The students They will be able to observe the evaluations scheduled in the class schedule and even receive notifications about new assignments or upcoming delivery dates.
Grade and correct assignments
To the receive documents the teacher can include observationsand by scoring them, the platform will keep a record of each student’s grades.
Edit shared files
Allows a group of students to work in the same document and also produce personal copies of the same.
Make group video calls
to this option can be accessed through Google Meet and allows classes or workshops, forums, conferences or any other activity that is required.
exchange documents
classroom It is designed so that the student can deliver assignments in different formats such as documents, presentations or spreadsheets. It also redirects to Gmail or Google Drive mailbox to access even more options.
Advantages of using Google Classroom in tele-education Why should you include it in your pedagogical strategy?
Below, and with the most powerful arguments, we will tell you why it is viable to use Google Classroom as the main tool for distance classes:
- Update: Bringing the student into a properly used virtual study environment offers them the comfort of a familiar environment, a practical environment, it also allows them to insert familiar elements into the learning process and places the teacher in the forefront of teaching.
- Connection: Virtual media attenuate the barriers of time and space. content can reach from teacher to students even if they are far away and vice versa, and be reviewed or consulted after its issuance. This makes it easier for students to catch up, keep in touch with other classmates, access support material and the possibilities expand according to the means and knowledge of the users. That is, knowing how to take advantage of the resources offered by the Internet connection.
- Organization: By being able to keep an updated record of the activities, both the teacher and his students can more easily observe grades, delivery dates, future and past assignments, study plans, interactions, among others. Being always one click away from solving a doubt, setting reminders for activities, receiving notifications, are additives to which it can hardly be accessed through face-to-face education and even through other platforms.
- Simplification: Google Classroom has an interface that is designed in a simple way that explains itself. It has just the right tools to complement education without overwhelming the user with incomprehensible or excessive functions. By using it in an organized way, teachers and students can easily enhance their experience.
- Autonomy: The virtual platform allows the student to have greater control over their own learning process, reorganize their classes or assignments, adapting to more convenient formats or schedules, which, well used, can also generate a greater sense of responsibility.
- Diversification: One of the main advantages offered by classroom being created by Google it is the access to many other applications of this corporation through the platform, applications with which the teacher and their students may already be quite familiar in their use, for example or Gmail.
- Developing: Using tools like this can stimulate users to learn new skills to adapt to the requirements of a subject, learn how to use new formats and resources that will also be useful in working life.
- Economy: Since the content is sent and received in digital format, publishable from homeit’s possible avoid spending on materials and props, expenses with respect to transportation, delivery of additional or personalized materials and infrastructure.
Learn step by step how to use Google Classroom and create an online class
Next, we will present Step by Step how to use Google Classroom for users who come from scratch with this tool.
To access Google Classroom you must have or a Gmail account, once this is done you can open the main page of the browser and go to the icon that identifies your account at the top, clicking on it will display a menu in which you can locate the Classroom icon. An alternative option is to access this address: http://classroom.google.com
having selected either of these two optionsYou will have to confirm the account you want to log in with. As long as you don’t log out, you won’t have to confirm your username in the following opportunities.
When entering your account for the first timethe first thing you should do is create a class or join an existing class. So, click on the button + located at the top right and choose the option that best suits your requirements.
For join a classyou must enter a code previously received from your teacher.
Now for create a class you must specify if you belong to an educational institution (for which you will have to log in with G Suite) or if you are a private teacher. In the latter case, access the terms and conditions. Click on continue You will be presented with a form where you can identify: Name of the class, Section, Subject and Class.
Once you have your class created, move on to explore the four main tabs:
- Plank
- Homework
- People
- Ratings
When entering plank you will see in the upper left area the code of the class that you can use as an invitation sending them to your students. You will also be able to create a study plan, make comments, interact with students and personalize the classroom by placing a theme that fits the topic.
In homework you can post assignments as well as access your folder Google Drive where the class files will be stored. To create an assignment or share content, go to To create. Next, select one of the options from the drop-down menu: Assignment, Quiz Task, Question, Material, Reuse Post.
By choosing to create a task You will be able to specify the theme, its description, to whom it is addressed (with which you can select one or several students), the score assigned to it and the delivery date. The platform will allow you to attach a previously created file or create a file through . The procedure for quiz task is pretty much the same with the difference that you can add a file of type Google form.
Similarly, if you select Material You can upload content for classes in various formats such as videos, presentations either documents They will be kept in the class folder and will be accessible to students.
For Reuse Publication You only have to select the material you want and you can publish it again.
By moving to the tab People you can add others teachers either students. Once you have them you can send them emails or mute them if necessary.
And in the last tab, Ratingsthe student notes. You can configure whether or not students can see the grades in Settings.
For access the settings displays menu located in the left areawhere you will also access the calendar, and the material of the previous classes, the archived classes and the content to review.
Already in settings you can change your account name, class name or description (among other features). manage the invitation codesconfigure who can comment on the board and whether deleted items can be displayed.
on the icon menu, towards the upper right side you can also redirect to other Google applications.
On the other hand, if you enter as a student, after introducing the respective code to a class. In the Plank You will find your subjects and next delivery dates. You will also be able to make announcements or comments if the teacher has set it up that way.
in the tab homework You will also find access to the subjects, you can redirect yourself to the calendar to see the class program and to the Google Drive of the class where you will find the files…
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