There has been quite a bit of buzz about the updates coming out this fall for Google Classroom. I took some time today to check in with a couple of articles and news items to see just what to expect. What I saw has me pretty excited to start working with the new Google Classroom.
The first thing to discuss is the addition of a "Classwork" section to the front page. Instead of everything coming to the student through the stream, there is now a separate section where assignments can be found. I find this really helpful as I've had to help some students find assignments in the past. In addition to a separate section, the instructor can separate the classwork by segmenting it. This means you can group assignments by unit, time frame, etc.
One other feature that looks very useful is the ability to filter your work so you can see what is done and what is not done. Students can check their missing assignments or see if they forgot to submit something very easily.
The Classwork section will also mean the stream is being modified as well. It is now the place to post classroom discussions, reminders, etc. I think this is a much better set up as the communication type posts seemed to get buried in the Stream area as assignments were posted. I think this will help keep the online learning community in your classroom better informed.
There was also some discussion of some streamlining to the grading process. The one that caught my attention the most was being able to move from file to file in a much simpler way. It has always been a pain to open the files for grading one at a time. There was also mention of a comment bank, but I don't generally use canned comments with my students.
There have always been little annoyances when using Google Classroom in the past, but as this was really the only option out there for me I made do with it and got used to its shortcomings and quirks. This new update really irons out a lot of the issues I've run into in the past and I think it will improve the usability of the program immensely.
It does look like the new features will only be available with newly created classes for now, so if you plan on using the upgraded Google Classroom keep that in mind!
I started using it today, and it sure looks a lot different! I haven't had a chance to add my students to my class yet, but I'm looking forward to the improvements! Google has always done a good job of responding to user feedback.
ReplyDeleteI just started playing with it as well, I like what I see so far. They really took their time and listened to the users (what a concept!) to make improvements.
DeleteThanks for your summary. We opened up a google classroom today at work for our staff. I think the reminders, assignments, and connection to google drive will help keep us organized. I’m looking forward to using it.
ReplyDeleteI use Google Classroom constantly as it gives that centralized location for everything my students need in my class. I really like what I am seeing in the update!
DeleteGreat summary! I'm really excited for the update! It was a game changer for me last year and I loved learning about the possibilities with it. I saw a screen shot of the new grading feature and it looks really nice! I also really love that we will be able to group assignments into units!
ReplyDeleteGrouping assignments and separating the Stream from Assignments (Classwork) were the two things that excited me the most. I also like the streamlining of the grading feature.
DeleteI haven't checked out the updates yet but sounds like they are favorable! I still am waiting for a calendar view in conjunction with the stream so that students don't have to scroll through so much content to the one day 3 weeks ago they missed.
ReplyDeleteThat would be helpful, I don't know for sure but they made the calendar more present in this update and it may link to assignments. I haven't posted an assignment yet, so I am not sure.
DeleteI have heard a lot of cool things about Google Classroom. These new features seem like they will make life so much easier when it comes to managing your online learning community. As an elementary teacher, I don't get many opportunities to use online learning management systems. Google classroom sounds like something I would try if I did a flipped classroom setup.
ReplyDeleteIt's my number one tool for my classrooms - it's even just a great place to post information and activities. You can invite parents to be involved as well.
DeleteThanks Ben for this update on the Classroom. I use it with my 3rd graders so the updates will be very helpful!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I use it a lot too!
DeleteWhen I was at training this week a few teachers were talking about these updates. I especially like the separate section for assignments and the ability to group them by unit, topic, etc. I know that many of the assignments did get buried or the students had to click on a few different places to get to their to-do list. When it comes to grading at least essays, I use a program called Goobric. This allows for me to attach a rubric and enter comments. The scores get automatically entered into a Google Sheet and you can just hit the arrow for the next assignment. It can be a tricky program to set up, but once it is set up, it is makes grading a lot easier.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the new Stream/Classwork separation is the best part of the update. Being able to group assignments and keep things organized instead of a continuous stream will be amazing. I've messed with Goobric a few time, I may need to revisit that and see how I can incorporate it.
DeleteI am excited to learn about these updates! I just took a look at my Google Classes to see and play around with the changes but it appears that the updates only apply to new classes. Looking forward to being able to organize the feed a little more!
ReplyDeleteI think it mentioned that they will convert older classrooms later, but I went ahead and just created new classrooms to use for the year.
DeleteI am looking forward to the classwork section, as well. This keeps the students from having to scroll through other posts to find assignments. - Haley Oyervidez
ReplyDeleteI have not used Google Classroom yet but I see it's uses for online courses. I've heard that in previous versions, it was easier to create s separate class for each assignment. Does this new version eliminate that need? Does your entire school use Google Classroom?
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