Google Classroom Is AWESOME

Prior to arriving at Rockridge, I had dabbled in Google just a tiny bit.  I started working with Google Docs, and I learned about sharing and a few other things.

When I arrived at RHS, I was encouraged by the building principal to join a cohort program within the school district that was planning to learn more about Chromebooks and Google.  Little did I know at that cohort would propel me into GOOGLE WORLD.

Please understand that I am no expert.  In fact, I really would like to explore the possibility of completing Google Certification for Educators, but I haven't crossed that threshold just yet.  On the other hand, I have embraced the uncertainty and awkwardness that accompanies technology.  I hear about something, learn a little bit to be dangerous, give it a whirl, and then decide whether or not it's something of value.

One recent experiment actually didn't go very well.  Trying to cast in my classroom from our Chromebooks just didn't go very smoothly.  It's a great concept, but as Jon Lehtola, our IT guy says, it was "too bulky".  And that's one thing that I need out of technology...if I'm going to utilize something, it needs to work smoothly most of the time.  (Let's face it, sometimes a semi trailer rips down our internet access wiring at the pole outside the building and the internet just doesn't work on those days.)

Google Classroom, on the other hand, has been fun and has really helped me be more efficient.  Here are a couple of examples.

1) Right now, there are training path presenters visiting our classroom, so I always videotape the first presentation of the day using my $200 little Canon mini-video recorder.  I then load the video files of the presentation into Google Drive, as well as the presenter's presentation slides.  It does take a few hours for the video files to load and be available, but by the next school day, I have the video files and the presentation notes posted as an announcement through Google Classroom.  Students who were absent can view the notes and the video files and complete the assignment for the day.

2) I also can post my daily agenda as an announcement into Google Classroom, so instead of me sharing the doc or an absent student having to email me a request for the day's work, I can simply have it loaded each day as an announcement.

What I like most about Google Classroom is the idea of preparing our students for their futures.  Their post-secondary path is going to involve electronic assignments, quizzes, notices, etc.  While their future may use some other type of digital classroom platform, this experience in high school with Google Classroom will help them feel more comfortable with whatever platform they may experience next.

I admit it...I'm a Googler...and it's exciting and fun to always be ready for the next bit of technology to try out.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!