Learning Goals + Standards in Google Classroom

Learning Goals in Google Classroom

We had a new staff member join our team during the summer. She wasn't too familiar with Workspace tools, so I added her to the Classroom I created to orient people to Google Workspace. While I was poking around, I found something new (or at least new to me).  I don't get to look at Google Classroom too often anymore as a teacher, so some updates I learn about later and this is one of those. Now you can use Learning Goals in Google Classroom. There are national and state standards available for the US, but also standards for Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and the UK (broken down in England, North Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). This is a huge step forward for Classroom. I'm happy to see this addition to Classroom and I hope they will continue adding national curriculums to the interface. I know many Korean teachers would love to have the Korean national standards available.

 

Glitch in Practice Sets in Google Classroom

I was experimenting with the Practice Sets in Google Classroom. The new feature allows for an practice assignment where students are supported in learning material. The idea is great and my students have said that they enjoy the low stakes feeling of the interface. They have opportunities to attempt the answer multiple times, but still complete the assignment for full credit, even when they initially got a few answers incorrect. 

Recently I used the tool again to provide some practice about the rhetorical appeals (logos, ethos, and pathos). This time, however, when students submitted the work, some of them were marked as if they hadn't submitted. Because one of the students, who always does her work, told me, "Mr. Bray, I honestly turned it in." I took another look and noticed that is still showed that she hadn't submitted the assignment. I had her bring her computer to me and I watched as she submitted the work... And the interface still show her as not having submitted. Weird! 

I contacted Google with the little question mark on the bottom lefthand side of the screen. I've wrote to Google before in Classrooms about other glitches or requests for features in the past, but I have never received a response— until this time. One of the support people wrote to me and asked for some follow up information about what happened and links to the assignment. It was nice to hear from them, because I have been told by fellow Google Certified Trainers and Google Education employees that Google is listening to our feedback, but it was great to see it in action. Thanks, Google! I have shared a screenshot of what the glitch looked like in my teacher interface so people will be aware of the issue. I will update this post when/if I hear back from Google again.

Google Classroom in 7 Slides

Updated version of the Google Classroom presentation. Still good, but now in less Slides!

Basics of Google Classroom in 13 Slides

Parent Notifications in Google Classroom

Some parents have been having trouble with notifications from Google Classroom. These Slides will walk you through the basics. Some things to know -- Google Classroom sends a list of assignments and activities directly to your email account daily or weekly. You DO NOT have to join a Google Classroom. You DO NOT need to download the app for your mobile device. The app is for students and teachers, not parents.

Differentiation of Assignments in Google Classroom