I feel like I have been exploring Google Classroom for the last two years. It has definitely come a long way from when I was first introduced to it. I remember thinking it would be nice if I could schedule assignments which was one of my biggest complaints about using Classroom among a few other things that needed to be added. In time, Google was able to finally implement some of these much needed functions. What I like about Classroom is how it ties nicely with other Google Apps that I previously used especially Google Drive. I also like how I can have all my lessons for multiple classes in one place, I can share and make a copy of a document for students in Classroom, it automatically adds their name on to documents I share with them, I can collect all their work in one place, I can make comments or suggestions on assignments before they submit them, and I can post grades and provide feedback about assignments immediately. Some things I have learned from trial and error, if students upload a file they need to include their name in the file name. You cannot upload or add a folder directly to share with students, you have to add it as a shareable link and vice versa. Microsoft Publisher and Access do not work well with Google and you either have to download the file to your computer or save in PDF format.
The other apps I looked at were Google Drive, Google Tour Builder, and Google Scholar. I use Google Drive often but hardly have time to explore some of the features that are available with Docs, Sheets, Forms and so on. I looked at some of the add-on that are available in Google Drive and tried using them on existing files I have to see what benefits they offer. The ones I played around with were Doctopus, Goobric and AutoCrat. With Doctopus and Goobric I am able to generate a roster in Google Sheets using Classroom that I can attach a rubric to for grading assignments. It also allows me to make audio and written comments to the student and email them the final graded results. AutoCrat reminds me of mail merge because it allows you to create a document and then merge data into the document from a spreadsheet. You also have the option to generate and automatically send an email for the document you created. I can see using this to create certificates or badges as a reward system. In the past I have used the Flubaroo add-on to grade assignments, quizzes and tests. I have also use Ez Query to filter data automatically in Google Sheets from Google Forms.
Google Tour Builder was interesting and I found myself thinking this would be a cool way to create a travel itinerary or journal of various places listing significant points of interest. The app allows you to plot various locations, insert information or details about the location, insert pictures and videos, and you can choose to share or not.
I wish I had reviewed Google Scholar prior to now because it would have been a nice resource for my students to use on their research papers. The functionality is similar to most databases, especially in the Advanced Scholar Search page. Some of the features that stood out to me were how the search results were ordered, related articles, the Case law option and Library Search. If you are trying to locate a book from your search results, the Library Search feature actually gives you library listings that are nearby based on your zip code. Some material was viewable for free while others required payment.
I have used Google Classroom over the last couple of years as a tool in my classroom but I wanted to think of a time when this was not available to me and explain how I would use it and other Google apps in the classroom. About 3 or 4 years ago, my students were completing a research project about a country of their choice. A few of the things I would have changed are putting the assignment details in Google Classroom and Google Scholar would be included as a resource. I would give additional choices about final product creation by allowing students to use various apps like Google Draw when it came to recreating their country’s flag and national seal, as well as using Google Maps to create their physical and political maps. Students would also be able to use Google Sheets to record and compare their statistical data and make their graphs. To complete their travel itinerary, I would allow them to use Google Tour Builder, Google Docs, or Google Slides. Another thing I think I would change about this project is having them create a website to include their work samples along with a final reflection.
