Google Classroom for Mac

Free web-based platform for online classes

Google Classroom helps make teaching a more productive and meaningful experience for both teachers and students.  As a teaching and training platform, Classroom streamlines assignments, boosts collaboration, and fosters communication. It does this by allowing you to create classes, distribute projects, and send feedback—all within its platform. It also has tools like Google Docs and Google Drive integrated into its system to encourage collaborative learning. This makes it different from a learning management system or a student information system, as it is simply a platform that combines all of G Suites tools in an intuitive interface for its users. 

Hub for teachers and students 

Teachers can benefit a lot from Google Classroom, as it allows them to monitor their students and organize their output. If you're a teacher, you can do this in the platform’s two notable sections, Students and Stream. The Students section helps you to connect with your students. There are two ways of filling up the class list on Classroom: you can manually enter each of their Google email addresses or the students can join the class using their Google account. 

Should you do the latter, it is important to provide them with the class code. You will find the code on the left side of the group’s page. The students must type this code into Google Classroom so they can enter the group. The Student section can be configured to allow students to comment, post questions, and send assignments. Otherwise, the Classroom will only allow you, the creator, to post on the page.

Real-time class participation

The Stream section is where you can post assignments, announcements, and questions for your students. You’ll spend most of your time here once all your students have entered the group. Its most notable capability is creating assignments, as you can do more than just post instructions. You can post the instructions, along with its due date and topic. Classroom will take note of the date and make sure to accept all the assignments. Students that turn in assignments late will be automatically marked as overdue. 

In addition to the instructions, you can attach files to the assignments you create. Files can be sourced from your computer, Google Drive, YouTube, and other links related to education and reference. For example, you can attach a link that redirects to a news article. This can serve as a writing assignment for your students. Students can attach their work on the post as a Google Doc or as a DOCX file. You can open them directly in Classroom and grade them, as well, for as long as you are connected to the internet. 

Easy-to-use tool for teachers

Google Classroom can benefit a lot of students and teachers, as it is an agile way of conducting classes. As a teacher, you can see which students are actively participating in the class and provide direct real-time feedback to each pupil. It will also save you time and paper as students are able to submit their work electronically. Together, you can explore the G Suite tools and how it can apply to your class.