My name is Ochwoman, and I'm a Google addict.
When I heard on May 6, 2014 that Google was tackling education online with its very own "Classroom" online platform and that it would soon be available, I pretty much sat staring at all technology devices like this...
...simply waiting for news, updates, anything that would allow me access to what was bound to be an incredible technology to integrate into the learning process.
Finally, on August 12 (just before our teacher in-service for the onset of the school year), I had my answer. Google Classroom opened for all teachers and students with a Google Apps for Education account.
I instantly typed in classroom.google.com, input my Google Apps for Education email and password, and was dismayed to find the following:
ADMINISTRATOR HAS RESTRICTED THE USE OF THIS DOMAIN.
Immediately, I thought I'd typed in my username wrong, or my password wrong, or maybe both wrong. After several successful failures, I emailed our school's IT guy, receiving the following response:
"Currently we do not have access to Google Classroom as teachers. I will keep you posted on if and when this changes."
Heartbreak happens, I suppose. Life goes on.
My class still utilizes technology and Google Apps for Education on occasion. At our school, we do not have as developed of technology plans as some schools I've learned and worked in:
Sounds great, right?
Things to keep in mind:
The numbers do not add up to allow for successful, efficient technology integration. That being said, when I received an email with subject line "Google Classroom" I opened it immediately:
"Exciting news for you… I am going to announce this soon, but I know you were interested a while ago.
I am just copying and pasting stuff from our little announcement.
Hi Everyone,
Google Classroom will be available for your teachers to use with students as of Monday, September 22. As this is implemented, everyone needs to understand..."
INSTANT TUNE-OUT. CUE EXCITED LOG IN TO GOOGLE CLASSROOM.
Step 1: Create a class.
Step 2: Add students to class via a. Student Directory (connected to school's Google Apps for Education accounts) or b. invite students to enter with a unique code.
Step 3: Add an announcement! (Include a Welcome message, with links, attachments from Google Drive, Youtube videos, and/or hyperlinks like the announcement below.)
When I heard on May 6, 2014 that Google was tackling education online with its very own "Classroom" online platform and that it would soon be available, I pretty much sat staring at all technology devices like this...
...simply waiting for news, updates, anything that would allow me access to what was bound to be an incredible technology to integrate into the learning process.
Finally, on August 12 (just before our teacher in-service for the onset of the school year), I had my answer. Google Classroom opened for all teachers and students with a Google Apps for Education account.
I instantly typed in classroom.google.com, input my Google Apps for Education email and password, and was dismayed to find the following:
ADMINISTRATOR HAS RESTRICTED THE USE OF THIS DOMAIN.
Immediately, I thought I'd typed in my username wrong, or my password wrong, or maybe both wrong. After several successful failures, I emailed our school's IT guy, receiving the following response:
"Currently we do not have access to Google Classroom as teachers. I will keep you posted on if and when this changes."
Heartbreak happens, I suppose. Life goes on.
My class still utilizes technology and Google Apps for Education on occasion. At our school, we do not have as developed of technology plans as some schools I've learned and worked in:
- Bring Your Own Device Program (Students, if they have and can afford a device, may bring a device to school to use at teacher discretion.)
- Stationary Computer Labs (We have 6 computer labs, 2 with 15 computers and 4 with 28 computers. Teachers sign up for locations by date via Google docs.)
- Mobile Computer Labs (We have 11 mobile computer labs, with anywhere from 8 to 16 available DELL laptops. Teachers also sign up for carts by date via Google docs.)
Sounds great, right?
Things to keep in mind:
- Average computer startup time: 6:53. (Perhaps we should challenge our students to run a mile in the time it takes their computers to start...)
- Not all computers are functional on a day-to-day basis and need to be serviced, leaving some students without a laptop.
- Computers are the average age of an extinct wooly mammoth. (No, this is in no way scientifically accurate. Yes, it is hyperbolic, with the intention of painting an image in your head, juxtaposing an old, furry, rotted creature next to an old, dysfunctional, rotted computer.)
- Did I mention our school serves (at last count) 1,067 seventh and eighth grade middle school students?
The numbers do not add up to allow for successful, efficient technology integration. That being said, when I received an email with subject line "Google Classroom" I opened it immediately:
"Exciting news for you… I am going to announce this soon, but I know you were interested a while ago.
I am just copying and pasting stuff from our little announcement.
Hi Everyone,
Google Classroom will be available for your teachers to use with students as of Monday, September 22. As this is implemented, everyone needs to understand..."
INSTANT TUNE-OUT. CUE EXCITED LOG IN TO GOOGLE CLASSROOM.
Step 1: Create a class.
Step 2: Add students to class via a. Student Directory (connected to school's Google Apps for Education accounts) or b. invite students to enter with a unique code.
Step 3: Add an announcement! (Include a Welcome message, with links, attachments from Google Drive, Youtube videos, and/or hyperlinks like the announcement below.)
Step 4: Create assignment. (Assignments can be created in or uploaded to Google Drive. Options: Students can view, can edit, or make a copy for each student.)
Step 5: Teach students. Prepare for password/computer issues. Grade, and provide feedback to students via comments and/or email.
Step 6: Experiment. Investigate. Explore. Innovate. Expand. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat.
You do not have to be a school with a 1:1 technology initiative to enjoy the fruitful advantages of Google Classroom. Would it help to have updated, sufficient ICT devices for all students? Absolutely. Immensely. But if you don't, as is the case with my school...
It is not impossible.
Go to your Google Classroom. Today.
You do not have to be a school with a 1:1 technology initiative to enjoy the fruitful advantages of Google Classroom. Would it help to have updated, sufficient ICT devices for all students? Absolutely. Immensely. But if you don't, as is the case with my school...
It is not impossible.
Go to your Google Classroom. Today.