Google Classroom

Google Classroom is an application that allows students and teachers to connect with each other through their mobile devices and personal computers. It is a free service available to schools and non-profit organizations. You simply need to create a free personal account on Google to use the app.



Google Classroom is an innovative web-based platform developed by Google for educational institutions. It aims to streamline the process of sharing files, assigning tasks, providing feedback, and facilitating communication between teachers and students. Launched in 2014, it has rapidly gained popularity worldwide due to its user-friendly interface and integration with other Google services such as Google Drive and Google Docs.

Now if teachers want to create paperless lessons for their students without having to go to class, they can do so through this app. As for the students, they can use the app to snap photographs and share files when necessary.

An All-Inclusive App

It was designed to allow teachers to create and issue assignments to their students without needing to use paper. Teachers can also grade assignments with the app as well. Students and teachers can easily share their files with one another without ever needing to use paper.



Google Classroom for PC is like a combination of several other Google apps. Its assignment development and distribution feature uses Google Drive; its writing feature uses Google Docs; its communication feature uses Gmail, and its scheduling feature uses Google Calendar.

It is free to use Google Classroom, just like all the other Google applications. You won’t even see any ads come up either. All the features are available to students and teachers without restrictions.

Teachers will have no problem creating assignments, receiving assignments, and grading assignments. They’ll love the auto-copying feature because it simplifies the process of distributing their assignments to all the students. And when teachers want to host online classes for students, they can send them a private invitation code. Students simply enter the code to gain access to the class.

The progress of the students can be monitored by the teachers. This includes their progress on the lessons, assignments, and other activities. Students can also track their own assignments in the Drive folder of their particular class. Photographs can be taken, and files can be attached to assignments easily.



Many device permissions are needed for the mobile version. But still, the app is user-friendly for students to do their schoolwork online and for teachers to create and distribute schoolwork to their students online.

Main Features

• Assignment Management: Teachers can create and distribute assignments to students, including attachments, links, and instructions.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Students can collaborate on assignments in real-time, allowing for peer editing and group work.
• Grading and Feedback: Teachers can grade assignments directly within this platform and provide feedback to students.
• Announcements: Teachers can make announcements to the entire class, keeping students informed about upcoming events or deadlines.
• Integration with Google Apps: Seamless integration with Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides simplifies file sharing and document collaboration.
• Classroom Calendar: A built-in calendar helps students and teachers stay organized by displaying assignment due dates and other important events.
• Classroom Stream: The stream serves as a communication hub where teachers can post questions, polls, or discussion topics for students to engage with.

User Interface

It features a clean and intuitive user interface, with separate sections for classes, assignments, announcements, and class materials. The sidebar navigation makes it easy to switch between different classes and view upcoming assignments and events.



The design is consistent with other Google products, making it familiar to users who are already accustomed to the Google ecosystem.

Installation and Setup

Google Classroom is a web-based platform, so there is no installation required. Users can simply navigate to the official website and sign in with their Google account. Teachers can create classes and invite students to join using unique class codes generated by the platform.

How to Use

• Creating a Class: Teachers can create a new class by clicking on the "+" icon and selecting "Create class." They can then enter the class name, section, subject, and other details.
• Adding Students: Teachers can add students to their class by sharing the unique class code or inviting them via email. Students can join the class by entering the code or accepting the invitation.
• Creating Assignments: Teachers can create assignments by clicking on the "Create" button and selecting "Assignment." They can then add instructions, due dates, attachments, and other details.
• Submitting Assignments: Students can submit assignments by clicking on the assignment title and following the instructions provided by the teacher. They can attach files from Google Drive or their computer and add any additional comments.
• Grading Assignments: Teachers can grade assignments by clicking on the assignment title and selecting "View assignment." They can then review student submissions, provide feedback, and assign grades using the built-in grading tool.

FAQ

Is Google Classroom for PC free?
Yes, the platform is completely free for schools and individual users. All you need is a Google account to get started.

Can students access Google Classroom from mobile devices?
Yes, it has mobile apps available for both Android and iOS devices, allowing students to access their classes and assignments on the go.

Can parents view their child's assignments and grades on Google Classroom?
The webapp is primarily designed for teachers and students, but some schools may choose to give parents access to their child's account for monitoring purposes.

Is Google Classroom suitable for online learning?
Yes, this platform is widely used for online learning and remote education. Its collaborative features make it easy for teachers to engage with students in virtual classrooms.

Can I integrate Google Classroom with other learning management systems (LMS)?
It offers integration with several popular LMS platforms, including Canvas and Schoology, allowing for seamless data transfer between systems.

Alternatives

Google Workspace: A flexible, innovative solution for people and organizations to achieve more!

Microsoft Teams: Part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite, Teams provides a platform for communication, collaboration, and classroom management.

Moodle Desktop: The solution to accessing your Moodle courses on Windows desktop!

Zoom: Popular video conferencing platform with an intuitive interface and robust features for online meetings and webinars.

Google Meet: Google's video conferencing solution integrated with other G Suite apps, offering seamless scheduling and screen sharing capabilities.

Pricing

This platform is completely FREE for schools and individual users. There are no subscription fees or premium features locked behind a paywall.

System Requirements

It can be accessed from any modern web browser, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. It is also available as a mobile app for Android and iOS devices, with separate apps for teachers and students.

PROS

• Seamless integration with other Google services
• Intuitive user interface
• Real-time collaboration and feedback
• Accessible from any device with internet access
• Free for schools and individual users

CONS

• Limited customization options compared to other LMS platforms
• Some features may be restricted depending on school policies and settings
• Reliance on internet connectivity for full functionality
• Limited support for offline access to assignments and materials

Conclusion

In conclusion, Google Classroom is a powerful tool for educators seeking to enhance their teaching practices and engage students in meaningful learning experiences. Its seamless integration with other Google services, intuitive interface, and collaborative features make it a valuable asset in both traditional and virtual classrooms. The FileHorse review team highly recommends this outstanding Education, Training & Study web platform.

While it may not offer as many customization options as some other LMS platforms, its simplicity and accessibility make it an ideal choice for schools and educators looking to leverage technology to support teaching and learning. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just getting started with online teaching, it provides the tools you need to create dynamic and interactive learning environments.

Also Available: Download Google Classroom for Mac