Google Classroom:
A Pandemic Game Changer
For a society to become just and flourishing, education is a necessity. Its goal is to assist students realize their potential as virtuous, productive, knowledgeable, competent, creative, and independent human beings. The globalization era has brought a competitive edge in the development and application of new technology. Building absorption capacity through technological transformation efforts in the sense of learning, adjusting, and potentially improving already-available technology with the aim of gaining competitive advantage is one way to overcome barriers to the utilization of distance education.
One of the most effective ways of mastering technology is by introducing technology into the world of education. Educational technology is interconnected with the notion of processes and products. The rapid pace of technological advancement and our daily immersion in technology-based activities are what set the digital age apart from all earlier eras. Therefore, at least in terms of educational technology, it is fair to say that the impact of the Internet on education marks a paradigm shift.
When information and communication technology (ICT) technologies are used in the classroom, it is known as “EdTech” or “education technology.” This technique aims to make learning more interesting, inclusive, and individualized. It is the combination of IT tools and educational practices aimed to facilitate and enhance learning.
One example of EdTech or education technology is the Google Classroom. It is a workflow management system created with the intention of saving teachers and students’ time by putting assignments and class materials in one convenient online location. Google Classroom’s complete integration within the G Suite for Education platform smoothly integrates with all of Google’s educational tools, enabling both students and teachers to manage their digital workflow successfully and efficiently.
Prior to the pandemic, Google classroom was not being used unlike what it is now today since schools are open and students still have the opportunity to physically interact with one another. Years ago, since Covid-19 hit different countries of the world and the economy slowly began to decline, businesses were affected, especially schools. Schools were closed to avoid contacts with one another so that the spread of the virus will not be continuous. Due to this situation, schools have come up with an idea of instead of “Academic Freeze”, online blended shall pursue. Different platforms suddenly appeared, such as Google classroom, Neo LMS, MS Teams, etc. to provide learning among students. To still communicate and hand them out knowledge.
Google Applications for Education (GAFE) is a system that promotes information technology and collaboration at all levels of education. This instructional application, regarded as one of the best in the world, improves teachers’ efficiency while providing significant capabilities for pupils. Google Classroom adds media within the interface. Lecturers who use this feature serve as facilitators by leveraging the several means at their disposal. The use of aural and visual media can aid in the learning process.
Google Classroom is easy to use. Compared to other LMSs (Learning Management Systems) that have become popular over the last decade, Google Classroom is surprisingly simple. Setting up a new classroom does not require a lot of time or expertise. Our technical team trained for about an hour, and by the end of the session, we had the classroom up and running. Google Classroom helps you communicate more effectively. Just enter the student’s email address once to complete the classroom communication. Teachers automatically created email groups, discussion groups, and Google calendars just by letting students into the classroom. Also, you can easily add or remove students from your class as needed. Google Classroom helps you communicate more effectively. Perhaps more important than ease of use and efficiency, communication tools are also very effective. Everything is cloud-based, so students never “lose” an assignment. Communication works smoothly when students are away. Just last month, Google Classroom added Parent Notifications to keep parents up to date on what’s happening in the “classroom.” Google Classroom is green and inexpensive.
Personally, we are not entirely convinced with paperless learning, especially for younger students. But I think the lower cost of copying and printing is a real benefit for the school. If every student already has an internet-connected device, every paper we save will only make schools more efficient and greener.
Over the past year, Google Classroom has changed to meet difficulties that the education community has to fast adjust to. More than 150 million students, educators, and school administrators use Google Classroom worldwide today, an increase from 40 million the year before. In 2020, Google classroom was the most used app and became an innovative app due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic. Way back 2017, 15 million students in primary and secondary education used Google Classroom. According to Google Classroom’s surge in utilization rates. Around 150 million people used Google Classroom as of 2021, an increase of almost 100% from 2019. As of January 2022, with more than 600,000 downloads in a single month, Google Classroom saw its highest-ever monthly download volume. K–12, from kindergarten to 12th grade are the users of the said app. 30-35 million primary- and secondary school pupils will most likely be utilizing the suite in 2022. Google classroom’s rate among users for being the most effective tool for students, it got 4 out of 5 stars. Some feedback and rates are because of bugs and slight deficiency.
Google Classroom is available for free to educational institutions that use G Suite Education. Students who do not have a Google Apps for Learning account can still use the Google Classroom function; however, the instructor who intends to establish a class with students will need a school or district to sign up for Google Apps for Learning. The pandemic brought the increasing rate of downloads of Google classrooms. It helps students to cope with the missing years to communicate and learn. In conclusion, it is one of the best and effective apps to use for online blended learning.
