Google Classroom & Other Fun Google Tools

Google Classroom is something that as an educator I heavily rely on.  I began my foray into teaching Digital Photography the same time my district was switching us to the GSuite and was thankful to have a central place where my students could not only turn in their work, but have access to information from me that would help them do their projects.  When first starting, I was working to convert teaching B&W film Darkroom Photography (Explained) into teaching Digital Photography (Explained).  Just like the transition of moving from teaching a very physical art media to one that is more digital with physical elements, so too have I moved my instruction from physical to more digital with physical elements and try to show paths for the students to explore creativity on their own.

Watch this video on creating your own Google Classroom!

Google Classroom is a useful tool, but remember it is a tool and only as useful as you make it.  What I think makes it successful is the ease with which you can organize and keep track of information, students, grades, and even who has & has not completed what assignment.  Not too mention the ease with which you can customize it to your needs and the needs of your students.  You have the main stream where students interact with what you put there, whether it is assignments, announcements, or even a discussion you want your students to participate in.  

The Homework tab is what I like to show students to utilize. For a busy class, or if you have two sections of a class in the same hour, you can organize the information by topics to help the students find what they need easier.  I like to have a place for them to access resources such as tutorials & the lectures explaining how the camera works, as well as a place to access all their assignments.  (See Screen Shot 1)

When it comes time for assignments I can attach Handouts, Power Points, Videos, and more to help students understand the concept of the project.  (See Screen Shot 2)  And once the students turn them in I have a place to leave feedback for the students to see. 

Google Classroom as it works with so many other features (Such as Google Hangout) allows me many avenues to share the photo work that is being done with the other students and have them comment on it, so even though it may be digital or online we can still interact and learn from each other.  Another item that helps to make Google Classroom so successful to use with students is being able to use it with some of the Extensions & Apps you can get for Google Chrome.  Google Classroom Extensions (Check out this website for 5 Great Extensions to use) allow you to share videos & websites easier on classroom, & so much more! 

A useful feature that I use often is the ability to load quizzes that you can create from Google Forms from your Google Drive into Google Classroom.  Google Forms is a useful feature because of its ability to have the quizzes grade themselves and the various kinds of data it tracks for you. 

Check out this video to get started using your own Google Forms!

Did you also know that when you create an assignment in Google Classroom it automatically gets added to the Calendar belonging to the class you created?  A useful feature to add to your Google Site so parents can see the approaching due dates of assignments.  

Speaking of the Google Calendar, being a part of the Google Suite it comes with many great features that allow you to stay up to date and notified of your events, assignment due dates, and able to customize to your needs - sharing with co-workers or friends & family! 

Watch this Video on utilizing Google Calendar!

  

At the end of the day, Google Classroom can be a great resource for you and your students.  A place where they & you can organize information that will help them take the next steps on their educational journey to be successful.
  

Now, as always, get to working on your 📷Picture Perfect📷 opportunities with your students!