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ASSIGNMENT
Setup a sample Class in Classroom, add students, post an assignment and share a file on the Class Drive. Share a link to your new class here.
Reflect on the potential classroom use of these tools and how this can impact on the school self-evaluation process. Post a reflective piece (150 words min) as a reply to this post. -
https://classroom.google.com/c/NzcwMzEyNDEwMjg3
The use of Google Classroom (GC) tools provides opportunities for pupils to have improved learning experiences. They are able to demonstrate their learning and interests using a range of tools available to them through GC e.g. sites, slides, docs. This is both motivating and engaging as children explore a variety of methods and chose their preferred method.
Using Rubrics created in GC provide children and parents with a clear understanding of what is expected from assignments and also clearly shows what assignments have been submitted on time.
Using Google Classroom for assessment provides a record of the pupils learning journey, enabling them to see their progress over the years. The Gradebook feature enables the class teacher to track and measure children’s results against the average.
GC tools allow teachers and school management to identify areas across the curricula, not just in IT, where improvements are warranted as part of SSE.
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I completely agree with your points about Google Classroom. It really does give pupils more ownership of their learning and allows them to present their work in ways that suit their strengths. I also find rubrics incredibly useful for setting clear expectations and giving structured feedback. The ability to track progress over time using the Gradebook is a great tool for both teachers and students and something I haven’t fully utilised. And you’re right — the data and insights we get from using Classroom really helps support the SSE process across many subjects.
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I completely concur with Niamh and Colm re the impact of Google Classroom on the school’s SSE process. Google Classroom for assessment supports the gathering of evidence (SSE Step 2), makes the analysis of that evidence easier (SSE Step 3) and together with the Google Gradebook, supports the monitoring and evaluation of the impact of agreed SSE actions (SSE Step 6). Further, where it is identified that certain actions are not meeting the identified need of the school/class, then the SSE steps can be revisited to address this. This promotes ongoing engagement with the SSE cycle, keeping the process live in the school.
One of the key messages of SSE is the promotion of reflection and collaboration among colleagues as a way of working to support whole school improvement. Google Classroom enhances both reflection and collaboration when embraced by the whole school.
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https://classroom.google.com/c/NjU1MjA5OTM2NzY2
Totally agree. Google Classroom has changed the way I view projects and assignments in my class. I feel the pupils have benefited reatly, differentiation is not as evident and nice for the pupils to shine in this area. The only fault I have is we use ipads so its difficult for typing. chrome books would probably be better in this instance.
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https://classroom.google.com/c/NzA5NTM0MjkzNDUx
Our students all have their own email and log in to chrome books. I send links to songs etc on google classroom. The children develop great ICT Skills as a result if using Google Classroom. I can assess them easily and gathere evidence. I can post projects and it develops their digital portfolio so evidence can be gathered easy (sse step 3). The children have a choice of using google slides or forms etc for tasks. It can cause issues as some chn cannot access it easily at home. SSE aims to support reflection and collaboration among colleagues as a way of working to support whole school improvement and Google Classroom helps both reflection and collaboration especially in our school as we all use it.
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I completely agree with your points about the value of Google Classroom in enhancing learning experiences. The ability for pupils to choose how they demonstrate their understanding—whether through Docs, Slides, or Sites—really supports differentiated learning and encourages creativity. It’s empowering for students to have ownership over their learning and presentation style.
The use of rubrics in Google Classroom is a fantastic way to set clear expectations and provide transparency for both students and parents. It also supports self-regulation and reflection, which are key 21st-century skills.
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https://classroom.google.com/c/NzcwMzIxMzIyODQ4
Class Code: rx6pb6tpI use Google Classroom regularly as all the children in my class have access to Chromebooks twice a week. It has really changed how I set work and assess students. One of the main advantages is the extra engagement from students – they enjoy using the platform and like being able to access everything in one place.
Grading is much easier now, especially when using rubrics for written pieces. It helps me give clear and fair feedback. I also find project work works really well with Google tools like Docs and Slides, and I can check in on their progress as they go.
For assessment, I’ve used Kahoot and Google Forms, which are great for quick checks on understanding. All of this is shared on Google Classroom. It’s also really useful for posting links to videos and interesting articles to support lessons. This approach helps us track learning better and supports the school self evaluation process too.
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https://classroom.google.com/c/Nzg4NTUzNDI1NzQ0
Google Classroom works well as a flipped classroom because it allows teachers to easily share videos, assignments, and resources for students to access at home or independently in school. Students learn new material often through videos or readings—then use class time to ask questions, collaborate, and apply what they’ve learned. Google Classroom supports this by organizing content in a clear, accessible way and letting students learn at their own pace. Teachers can post lessons, quizzes, and discussion questions, while students can rewatch videos, complete assignments, and leave comments or questions. This system encourages active learning and gives teachers more time during class to help students individually or lead group activities. Google Classroom also integrates tools like Google Docs and Forms, making it easy to check for understanding and give feedback. Overall, it creates a flexible, student-centered environment that makes flipped learning effective and easy to manage. It enables pupils to work individually or in groups collaboratively at the same time, in real time would prove very beneficial in my classroom going forward.
Having access to Chromebooks in September I really look forward to working with children in this way so they can complete projects/ exercises/ independently.
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Hi Norma,
Welcome to the course and thank you for sharing your insights here on Google Classroom as a tool for enabling a flipped classroom approach. You have raised a number of very important points here around self-paced learning and the way in which active learning can be enabled through this approach. I’m sure that you will find this becoming more seamless to use when you have Chromebooks to use in September. The ability to mix between individual and collaborative tasks allows us to keep the child at the centre of the decision making process when selecting the learning experiences that will be most effective in this regard.
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The benefits of Google Classroom to students’ learning are multi-fold. As a central hub for all resources, assignments etc., it promotes greater classroom organisation. This also supports those pupils who struggle with organisational skills. Lessons are enhanced through the use of integrations such as the teacher-led Notebook LM. As a senior class teacher, I can see the benefit of creating an interactive study guide and/or a podcast-style audio overview for my students.
Features including threads, discussions, collaborative projects and announcements encourage greater pupil interaction both in class and remotely, promoting a highly collaborative learning environment.
The Gradebook is an excellent feature and the greater efficiency of grading assignments addresses the myriad of pressures on teachers and also means pupils are getting ever more timely feedback.
Parents are hugely positive about the GC, specifically their ability to monitor their child’s progress. In my experience, it has brought about a stronger partnership and understanding between home and school.
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Hi Adrienne,
Thank you for your post and contribution here. Gradebook has been a staple of mine in the classroom over the past number of years and I couldn’t speak highly enough of the information it has provided me on student achievement over the course of a term/year. There are just so many Google tools that integrate seamlessly with Classroom to create an engaging learning environment that promotes child-led learning. Newer tools, such as Notebook LM, are only adding to this and with the rate of change in AI tools, we can expect more tools over the coming years.
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The benefits of Google Classroom to students’ learning are multi-fold. As a central hub for all resources, assignments etc., it promotes greater classroom organisation. This also supports those pupils who struggle with organisational skills. Lessons are enhanced through the use of integrations such as the teacher-led Notebook LM. As a senior class teacher, I can see the benefit of creating an interactive study guide and/or a podcast-style audio overview for my students.
Features including threads, discussions, collaborative projects and announcements encourage greater pupil interaction both in class and remotely, promoting a highly collaborative learning environment.
The Gradebook is an excellent feature and the greater efficiency of grading assignments addresses the myriad of pressures on teachers and also means pupils are getting ever more timely feedback.
Parents are hugely positive about the GC, specifically their ability to monitor their child’s progress. In my experience, it has brought about a stronger partnership and understanding between home and school.
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You’ve highlighted some excellent points. I agree that Google Classroom really supports pupils who struggle with organisation, while also opening up more collaborative opportunities. The Gradebook and timely feedback are real strengths, and I’ve also noticed how positively parents respond to being able to track progress and stay involved.
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Hi. I use Google classroom a lot with my 6th class students and I 100 % agree about the benefits of organisation. Children no longer are trwling back through copies or rooting through folders in their bag to find a piece of work which may have been done a couple of weeks earlier and now had to be revisited.
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Unfortunately I do not have my access to a personal google classroom. The system in our school is that the class that you teach has its own email and associate google links to it.
Having worked with this system for a number of years it is a bit of a disaster as you do not have access to the doc, form or files etc that you create when you move classroom. On a positive it ensures that your drive is cleared annually. My students would not be able to access google classroom but having completed this section I have found a very positive use for it in our special school. Students who participate in Horseriding, Swimming etc can come from multiple classrooms. While notices are sent out by email, with lots of emails into the inbox some can get overlooked. By setting up a google classroom for each activity then only those who are involved will get notice and all relevant links are provided.
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https://classroom.google.com/c/NzgzMDU5OTAzMzMx
Google classroom wasn’t something I was familiar with before this module. I like how simple it is to assign work to the class and the grade function is very useful for a record of assessment.
Google sites is a lovely way to create an Eportfolio. It would be lovely to add a few pieces of work each year and by 6th it creates a nice memory of their time in primary school. However our students do not currently have school emails and I assume each child needs their own?
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I completely agree. As a parent of a primary school child I would not like them to have an email address. I can see the great use that Google classroom has, but very much in a secondary school setting. It is also very unfair on the students who would not have access to Internet at home, and I feel that parents who believe in a screen free environment for their primary school child would feel very much bullied by the school. I have a fifth class child…she does not own a phone, tablet or laptop and I want to keep it this way as long as possible.
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Hi Caroline,
I very much agree with your sentiments. As a parent of girls now in their late teens, we held out for as long as possible when they were that age, until it reached a point where we were essentially plugging the dam.
There’s a very good reason why most platforms and apps have an age restriction of 13, even though it’s routinely flouted. If email accounts are to be introduced for primary school children, I believe it should be limited to 6th class and framed as part of the transition to second-level.
More fundamentally, children and their families, should very much have the right to remain unplugged. The increasing digitalisation of school life and modern society in general can pressure families who choose a screen-free environment. We need to respect and protect that choice.
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I agree with the idea of the Class Portfolio. I have worked in schools where each child is provided with a hardback notebook in Junior Infants and the teacher glues in some of their best work during the year with some comments and also some pictures of the class engaged in some of the more memorable activities. The notebook travels through the school with the pupils and is passed on from teacher to teacher who all undertake to add some of the children’s best work throughout the year. The children are then presented with this notebook at their 6th Class Graduation and it serves as a meaningful reminder of their time in Primary School. While Google Classroom could provide a platform to create a digital platform at the same time with video and sound recordings. Precious memories!
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https://classroom.google.com/w/Nzg5MjQxNjE5OTY3/t/all
Code: 5medr4gm
I have been using Google Classroom with my 6th class, but I wasn’t fully aware of the extent of its resources and benefits until recently. I particularly like the idea of using it as a platform for students to track their own learning by setting up e-portfolios. Although I haven’t yet used the grading rubric or Google Forms features to monitor students’ progress, I now see how valuable they could be for getting the most out of student projects and submissions. This would be especially beneficial for SESE and English assignments, where students often produce excellent digital projects that are usually only shared during presentations. Google Classroom offers a great way to keep these projects on record. I also believe that using it to support assessment for learning and sharing students’ digital work with parents can greatly enhance the school’s self-evaluation process.
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I do not have access to a school domain email so cannot allow access to a demo class but have trialed maths class assignment and included rubric. Some more interesting simplifed rubrics should be included as templates, the ones available are for much older children or adults.
Benefits of Using Google Classroom;
Centralised Shared Resources
Teachers can upload lesson slides, videos, PDFs, quizzes, and links in one organised place. Pupils access materials anytime, supporting revision and independent learning. Reduces photocopying costs and organisational issues with physical resources.
Differentiation;
Teachers can assign different tasks to different pupils within the same class, based on learning needs or support plans. Enables scaffolding through uploaded sentence starters, worked examples, or video tutorials for targeted groups.
ePortfolios
Pupils build a digital portfolio over time: Uploading completed assignments, videos of oral presentations, photos of artwork, or written reflections. Supports assessment of progress over months or years, and can be shared at parent-teacher meetings or during transitions to secondary school.
Some issues however especially with primary children;
The requirement for Personal Email Accounts
Pupils generally need a Google account to access Google Classroom.
For very young children, setting up and managing personal accounts can be challenging. Also this raises data protection, privacy, and GDPR compliance concerns for under-13s if not managed under a school domain.
Pupils may struggle with password management and digital login skills at these ages. Alternatives like Seesaw or Class Dojo may provide safer, developmentally appropriate access without personal emails.-
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I would very much agree with you both, the administration of pupil accounts can be a real headache for the school’s Digital Learning Coordinator, or whoever has been given the task. It’s often best to keep pupil accounts for senior classes, as this can benefit them if their secondary school uses one-to-one devices, and older students are generally better equipped to manage their own accounts.
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https://classroom.google.com/u/1/c/Nzg5MzE3OTYzODQ3
Overall, Google Classroom can be an effective tool for supporting a flipped classroom in primary school. It allows teachers to share content in a simple, structured way and encourages children to take more ownership of their learning.
I can post videos, links, slides, PDFs, or reading tasks for children to complete at home. For example, I might upload a video explaining fractions before teaching the topic in class. Work can be divided into topics or weeks, so children (and parents) can find the tasks they need to complete at home. Children can post questions or comments under an assignment if they’re confused. This helps us see who might need extra help before the in-class lesson.
There are some things to consider which may not make Google Classroom suitable for everyone. It’s uncommon now, but not all families may have reliable internet or a device at home, which can make it difficult for some children to take part in flipped learning. While Google Classroom shows who has finished work, it doesn’t always show how much the child actually understood or whether they had adult/other support.
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I agree with Eoghan’s points made here. I’ve found the same when using Google Classroom myself. It really does make it so much easier to organise a flipped classroom and keep everything clear for the kids (and parents too, which is a big help!).
I love being able to post videos or slides ahead of a lesson so the kids can come in with a bit of an idea already — it definitely makes discussions better and helps the quieter ones feel more prepared. It gives more scope for the students to direct their learning.
You’re spot on about the challenges though. I’ve had a few kids who just didn’t have access at home, or who rushed through the task without really understanding it. We have allowed the students more time in school to complete work but this cant always be achieved.
Overall though, I think it’s a really handy tool, as long as you’re mindful of those few issues and keep checking in with the work.
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https://classroom.google.com/u/1/c/NzcwNzM3NjM1ODI5
Google Classroom can absolutely serve as an effective platform for implementing a flipped classroom approach. Teachers can upload and organize instructional materials like videos, slideshows, and web links. These materials can be assigned ahead of class, allowing students to access the content anytime. The likes of Google Docs, Slides and Forms make it easy to create and share the learning content. Teachers can also embed quizzes via Google Forms to assess understanding. Another element is the fact that students can work at their own pace, which is crucial for a flipped model. The comments and private messages feature allows students to ask questions outside of the classroom which might suit those less confident. Teachers can also track who has viewed or completed assignments, making sure students are engaging with the content.
Google Classroom can be a highly effective platform for implementing a flipped classroom approach.-
The flipped classroom approach is something I’d be very interested in implementing. I agree that GC can help with students who may feel less confident asking questions in front of their class, meaning less students will fall under the radar in the learning environment. I really like that tracking assessments and assignments also becomes more streamlined as well.
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Hi Kate,
Welcome to the course. Thanks for outlining the strengths of Google Classroom in a flipped classroom. I agree, the way it supports flexible access to content, self-paced learning, and private communication is a boon for students who might not always feel confident speaking up in class.
I also like how you’ve highlighted the inbuilt tracking features, as youve mentioned, being able to see who’s engaging with the material is particularly useful for planning follow-up.
One idea to build on what you’ve outlined could be to explore using Google Jamboard or Padlet alongside Google Classroom. Both tools are great for collaboration or reflection activities after students have engaged with the flipped content, and also helps keep the learning experience interactive.
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I agree with Google classroom being a great tool for school self-evaluation. It makes it very easy to see all the evidence in one place and is very easy to use. We have been using it for a few years now in our school but I am looking forward to using it more efficiently and effectively this year. I havn’t been using the grading function properly up to now and I also havn’t being using rubrics with it also. I can see how these would be very handy. I think the classroom allows itself nicely to differentiation and allowing children to present their work in a variety of different ways that are suited to their needs.
I also think the google classroom is great to prepare 6th class students for secondary school when they will be doing a lot more of their work on devices and potentially using devices for home work. -
https://classroom.google.com/c/Nzg5NzE3Mzg5OTA0?cjc=bg537ebl
In my experience using Google Classroom over the past two years in my school I’ve found it very useful. It can be used for so much more than just a place to upload slides or worksheets as we initially had been doing during Covid. It really helps keep everything organised — for me and for the students. I can share resources, post reminders, and give feedback quickly, and the kids can check in anytime and work at their own pace. It’s great for encouraging independence and helping them build confidence with digital tools.
For school self-evaluation, it’s also really useful. I can see who’s engaging, how they’re progressing, and what areas might need more support. It gives a clear picture of how students are learning, and it’s easy to gather feedback from them too.
We are conscious that not every student will have access at home but are lucky to have Chromebooks in school so students do get time to work on their assignments in school. I also use it to differentiate work as the students are so used to using them they’re not aware of who is using the chrome books and for what reason etc.-
That’s such a great point, Alex! I completely agree, Google Classroom has become so much more than just a place to post worksheets since the Covid days. It’s brilliant for keeping everything organised and helping students take more responsibility for their learning. I love how easy it is to post reminders, share resources, and give feedback quickly.
I teach in a DEIS Band 1 school, so not all of our students have access to devices at home. That’s why having Chromebooks available in school is such a big help. It means all students still get the chance to engage with digital learning during the school day. We also use them for differentiation, and like you said, it’s great because the kids are so used to using them that no one notices who’s doing what, they’re just getting on with their own tasks.
From an SSE point of view, it’s really useful for tracking engagement and helping us reflect on what supports are working best. -
I completely agree with your points. I’ve also found Google Classroom makes learning more organised and engaging. The digital portfolio aspect is especially powerful, as it clearly shows student progress over time. It’s a brilliant tool not only for teaching and feedback but also for supporting school self-evaluation.
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Using Google Classroom brings huge potential for streamlining classroom workflow. Assignments can be distributed quickly, students can access resources in one place, and feedback can be provided instantly. Having all students’ work and submissions organised in one digital space is especially helpful for monitoring progress over time.
From a School Self-Evaluation (SSE) perspective, this tool supports the gathering of real-time, evidence-based data on student engagement and achievement. For example, reviewing trends in submissions, quiz results, or the frequency of feedback can help identify gaps in learning or teaching approaches. It also promotes collaboration between class teachers and SET, as documents and results are easily shared. As a teacher new to fully integrating digital tools, I can already see how Google Classroom can support reflective practice, curriculum planning, and inclusive teaching.
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Hi again Lina,
Welcome to the Google Workspace course! I think you’ve nailed one of the key strengths of Google Classroom, having everything in one place. Whether it’s docs, communications, live classes or assignments, that kind of organisation really helps, especially when tracking pupil progress. I’m reminded of the adage, “Better to be looking at it than for it.”
I also agree with your point about SSE, Google Classroom makes it easier to gather real-time, evidence-based data on engagement and achievement. It’s a great way to spot patterns and identify areas for support.
One suggestion to build on that is to try using Google Forms for quick pupil check-ins or end-of-lesson reflections. It’s a simple way to gauge understanding and gather feedback. Even better, the responses feed straight into Google Sheets, which you can then share via Classroom with colleagues. It’s an excellent way to boost collaboration and communication between staff, particularly class teachers and SET.
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Hi Lina I like how you’ve described the practical and strategic benefits of Google Classroom in such a clear way. Your point about having all student work organised in one digital space really resonates — it’s such a game changer for keeping track of progress and reflecting back overtime. We would always have had Self-evaluation folders and now the kids can save the work on Google Classroom instead and even take pictures of work they like. I also think your link to SSE is particularly strong; using real-time data for reflective practice and curriculum planning is exactly the kind of evidence-based approach that supports school improvement. The mention of collaboration between class teachers and SET is another great strength, as it shows how technology can make communication easier.
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Using tools like Google Classroom and Google Drive in the classroom has loads of potential, even with younger kids. While they might not be able to use everything on their own just yet, these tools are still really helpful for teachers. You can post assignments, share worksheets or videos, give feedback, and keep everything in one place which definitely makes things more organised and less stressful.
It also makes it much easier to work with SET and SNAs because you can share files, assessments, or student progress instantly without needing to print or chase people down. Everyone’s on the same page, which really helps when supporting pupils.
From a (SSE) point of view, using these tools means teachers can track how things are going more easily and reflect on what’s working. It also helps build more consistent teaching and assessment across the school, which is great for improving learning and sharing good practice.
https://classroom.google.com/c/NzcxMDQyMzM1MzQ0/a/NzcxMDQyNTg2Njk3/details
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https://classroom.google.com/c/NzcxMDgyNzczMjc5?cjc=yonglxqo
Google classroom has been a great tool in my experience. I first started using it just before covid, however it really came to the fore since then. One of its main advantages is how easy it is to keep a record of work, which allows me to track progress. Lost/damaged copies, or paper reports getting stuffed into folders was a bug bear of mine. I use it fro class and homework, of course making exceptions when necessary.
Not only is it great fro assessment and filing, it is a great place to teach students how to act appropriately online. All activity can be seen, comments must be respectful etc.
It is a fantastic tool for SSE as gathering data is quite easy. Trends, gaps in identified areas and engagement can all be assessed. Work can easily be shared between class and SET teachers, or school management who may be involved in implementing a Digital learning plan which is subject to SSE.
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Google Classroom can be an effective tool for a flipped classroom approach, where students engage with instructional content at home and use class time for deeper learning activities. The platform allows teachers to share videos, readings, and quizzes in a structured and accessible way, supporting student autonomy and flexible learning. Its integration with Google tools also helps students develop key digital literacy skills, such as navigating online resources, creating presentations using Google Slides and collaborating through shared documents.
However, some students may struggle with self-motivation outside the classroom. Teachers also need time and skills to create quality digital content, and Google Classroom alone doesn’t ensure active engagement without well-planned tasks.
Compared to traditional methods, which rely on in-class teaching and printed materials, Google Classroom can offer greater flexibility but can lack the personal interaction and structured environment some learners need. Overall, a blended approach-combining digital tools with traditional strategies—can provide a more inclusive and effective learning experience. While Google Classroom enhances digital learning opportunities, it should be thoughtfully integrated to support all learners in a flipped classroom setting.-
Hi Treasa,
Welcome to the course. You’ve clearly outlined both the strengths and limitations of using Google Classroom. I agree that a flipped classroom approach may not suit all learners, particularly younger students who may need more structure and support. In many cases, it tends to work better with older, more self-regulated students.
That said, as you pointed out, Google Classroom does support flexible learning by allowing teachers to share content in a structured way and helps students build digital literacy through tools like Google Slides and Docs. Another valid concern you raised is the time required to create high-quality digital content, something that can be a barrier for many teachers.
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Google Classroom offers transformative potential in the modern classroom by streamlining communication, managing assignments, and fostering collaboration between teachers and students. It provides a central hub where learning resources, announcements, tasks, and feedback are accessible in one place. This supports more efficient planning and delivery of lessons while promoting student responsibility and independent learning.
https://classroom.google.com/c/NzczNTAwOTQzMzY1In the context of School Self-Evaluation (SSE), Google Classroom offers a practical way to gather evidence under key domains such as Teaching and Learning, Learner Outcomes, and Learner Experiences. Teachers can track assignment submissions, monitor engagement levels, and analyse the quality and frequency of student responses. This data informs reflective practices and enables teachers to set realistic, measurable targets as part of the SSE process.
Moreover, Google Classroom fosters inclusive practices by allowing for differentiation, personalised feedback, and support for diverse learner needs. It also supports school-wide collaboration and consistency in digital learning, making it easier to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement in digital competence and pedagogy, as outlined in the Digital Learning Framework.
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Hi Theresa,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Google Classroom here, particularly within the context of SSE and how its use can drive whole-school improvement plans across a number of LAOS domains. The beauty of a platform like Classroom is that it can be used at a whole variety of levels, bringing about varying benefits to classrooms and administration practices. Supporting diverse learner needs is something that all teachers are faced with on a daily basis, and the use of Google Classroom can help in this regard. Subsequent modules on the specific Google tools will allow you to see how some of these can be integrated into Classroom to support individual needs and provide differentiated instruction.
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Hi Theresa,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Google Classroom here, particularly within the context of SSE and how its use can drive whole-school improvement plans across a number of LAOS domains. The beauty of a platform like Classroom is that it can be used at a whole variety of levels, bringing about varying benefits to classrooms and administration practices. Supporting diverse learner needs is something that all teachers are faced with on a daily basis, and the use of Google Classroom can help in this regard. Subsequent modules on the specific Google tools will allow you to see how some of these can be integrated into Classroom to support individual needs and provide differentiated instruction.
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Having explored these digital tools, I can see their immense potential for my 4th class, particularly as we have access to Chromebooks and iPads in our DEIS school. The primary benefit lies in using the Google Classroom Drive folder as a central hub for student work, which creates a powerful digital portfolio for each child.
Google Classroom is such an effective tool. Last year with my 4th class I used Google Classroom as a form of assessment. It allowed me to have access to the children’s work without needing to file everything away. The children would upload different tasks and assignments that I made available for them. This allowed me to make private comments and feedback for the children to see where they can improve upon. It also allowed myself and the children to see the progression in their work which can also be highlighted. The improvement in handwriting from the start of the year to the end was great to see for myself and the children. These improvements impacted the children’s attitude towards learning and confidence.
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I forgot to add the classroom. Here is the link and the joining code:
https://classroom.google.com/c/NzczNTQ3NzIzMzMz?cjc=b4r3yqtx
b4r3yqtx
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https://classroom.google.com/u/1/w/NzkwOTkxOTk2NzYx/t/all
Although I have access to a school domain email , we are not a google school so our students do not have emails and therefore I cannot add students to my class, but I have assigned work and attached a file form my drive
I can see some Benefits of Using Google Classroom in school.
The main benefit for me would be a place for Centralised Shared Resources. Teachers can upload lesson slides, videos, PDFs, quizzes, and links in one organised place. This would reduce photocopying costs and organisational issues with physical resources
It would also help with differention in a classroom. Teachers can assign different tasks to different pupils within the same class, based on learning needs or support plans. Enables scaffolding through uploaded sentence starters, worked examples, or video tutorials for targeted groups.
Another benefit would be the ability to create e-portfolios.Pupils would be enabled to build a digital portfolio over time: Uploading completed assignments, videos of oral presentations, photos of artwork, or written reflections. Supports assessment of progress over months or years, and can be shared at parent-teacher meetings or during transitions to secondary school.
However I do have some major issues however especially with primary children; the main one would be the requirement for Personal Email Accounts. Pupils need a Google account to access Google Classroom.
For very young children, setting up and managing personal accounts can be challenging. Also this raises data protection, privacy, and GDPR compliance concerns for under-13s. I can see the benefits of google classroom in a secondary school setting, but as a teacher and a parent I feel we should not be encouraging it in Primary school.
Alternatives like Seesaw or Class Dojo may provide safer, developmentally appropriate access without personal emails. -
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Google classroom is easy to set up and teachers can create a class, post assignments, and invite students in minutes. It works well even for those with limited experience and It’s great for keeping assignments and notices in one place. It’s great for working with Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms, and Drive. Pupils can submit assignments directly from these apps and teachers can correct them without downloading. It makes it easy to keep up with classwork on the go and can generally be accessed from anywhere. It helps reduce printing and automatically organises assignments and materials in google drive and is easy to access when looking for past files and documents. Google classroom is free which helps keep costs down for schools and parents and it’s easy to check back on past assignments and give feedback to pupils about their work. For younger pupils, parents have access and can communicate with the teacher.
(I could not add pupils to it)
https://classroom.google.com/c/NzkxNTMwOTU3NDEx/a/NzkxNTMxMTIyMTA4/details
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I completely agree with some of your points about Google Classroom, it really is such a practical and efficient tool for both teachers and students. I especially connect with what you said about keeping assignments and notices all in one place. That kind of organisation not only makes my life easier as a teacher, but it also helps students develop better habits for tracking their own work.
I also think that seamless integration with Google Docs, Slides and Forms can be very effective. Like you mentioned, the ability for students to submit work directly from these apps and for us to give feedback without having to download files saves so much time. I plan to make more use of this by encouraging my students to complete more collaborative work directly in Docs or Slides so I can give formative feedback as they go, rather than only after they submit.
I also really like the point about reducing printing, something I want to be more intentional about in my own teaching. Using Classroom to store and organise assignments in Drive means I can easily refer back to past work with students and track their progress over time.
Your note about parental access for younger pupils is also something I’d like to explore more. Having parents in the loop can really strengthen the home/school connection and help support learning beyond the classroom.
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I have been using Google Classroom extensively with my classes, incorporating activities such as setting self-assessment targets in Google Docs, creating individual, pair and group slide presentations and developing genre-specific writing in English. For assessment, I had been giving individualised feedback. While this was undeniably time-consuming, I found that the students were highly engaged with it. They frequently responded with gratitude, often seeking clarification or further advice, which created a productive dialogue around their learning. I have noticed that I never get the same level of interaction or engagement when giving feedback in the copies or general classroom comments.
Previously, I used each student’s workspace in Google Classroom as a type of portfolio, allowing them to store and reflect on their work over time. However, I now see the potential of using Google Sites as a more dynamic and personalised way for students to create and curate their own portfolios. This format would give them the freedom to present their learning in ways that suit their style, whether through text, images, videos or embedded resources, while also building digital literacy skills. It also allows for the possibility of observing progress over time.
This realisation has also got me to consider developing my own Google Site for lessons, topics and resources for each class. Google Sites is extremely user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it an accessible tool for both teachers and students. I can envision it becoming an effective, centralised learning hub one that not only supports my teaching but also empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey. Linking my Google site to student and parent access could be an effective way of bridging school/home divides.
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https://classroom.google.com/c/NzkxNjk0NDA2MzM2?cjc=noiitudy
There are a vast number of benefits to using google classroom with your class. I have found this incredible helpful over the past 2 years I have used it with my class. Below just some of the reason why I have found it so beneficial for my class.
Google Classroom increases student engagement by providing an interactive and accessible learning space. Assignments, resources, and feedback are available in one place. The ability to submit work digitally encourages higher-quality presentation, as students can edit and refine before completion. Teachers can give personalised feedback, motivating students to improve.
One of the major benefits of Google Classroom is its ability to create a digital portfolio of each student’s work. All assignments, projects, and teacher feedback are stored securely and can be revisited at any time. This ongoing record allows students to reflect on their progress, identify strengths, and set goals for improvement. It also provides teachers and parents with a clear picture of learning over time.
Google Classroom supports school self-evaluation by providing concrete evidence of teaching and learning. Work such as assignment completion rates, feedback records, and student progress can be easily accessed and analysed. This helps schools identify areas of strength and areas for development, ensuring targeted improvement planning and a clear link between classroom practice and whole-school goals.
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Setup a sample Class in Classroom, add students, post an assignment and share a file on the Class Drive. Share a link to your new class here.
Reflect on the potential classroom use of these tools and how this can impact on the school self-evaluation process. Post a reflective piece (150 words min) as a reply to this post.https://classroom.google.com/c/Nzk4NzE5NjU0ODMy?cjc=zmv3vmbh
I set up a class and assigned a simple literacy task. I will be teaching EAL this year so I required that the students write a procedural writing task. I created a template for them to edit.
I’m so impressed with this software and believe it has numerous benefits for students. Firstly, I believe that as education develops over coming years, “what” we teach will be secondary to “how” we teach. In this case, I think yes, it’s important that the children know and practice a specific writing genre. However, how they’re working is key. They’re navigating Google classroom, gaining an understanding of how to make slides, searching and inserting images, learning how to communicate with teachers and peers online in an appropriate fashion etc. These are skills that they’ll use for life.
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https://classroom.google.com/c/NzczNDk2MjM2NTc4/a/Nzk4Nzc3Njk2Nzg1/details
Creating a sample Google Classroom with a World Book Day wordsearch showed me how simple and effective the platform is. Setting up the class, adding students, and posting the assignment was very straightforward, and I liked how the file could be stored in the Class Drive for easy access. It means students always know where to find resources, and nothing gets lost.
In a real classroom, I can see this saving time and keeping everything more organised. Even something small like a wordsearch can be shared instantly, with students able to complete and submit it online. Feedback can be quick, and participation is easy to track.
For school self-evaluation, Google Classroom provides clear evidence of engagement and progress. It highlights who is participating and where extra support might be needed. Overall, it’s a practical tool that supports teaching, learning, and reflection at both class and whole-school level.
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Hi Elaine. Thanks for your post on Google Classroom. As you point out, one of the great advantages of this tool is having everything saved in one spot. It really is so much easier to track work over time when it’s all there in one location. A great way to take it a step further is to use it for group work, not just individual tasks. You could set up shared documents for different pupils or groups to work on together. It’s perfect for project-based learning.
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I do not have access to a school domain email so cannot allow access to a demo class, but I have trialed the setup of a sample class in Google Classroom using my personal account. I explored adding students, posting assignments, making a quiz with different points awarded to various questions and sharing files via the Class Drive folder.
Even in a trial environment, the potential of these tools was clear.
Google Classroom offers a streamlined way to manage learning materials, communicate with students, and track progress. Assignments can be differentiated, deadlines clearly set, and feedback provided instantly. The integration with Google Drive ensures that resources are easily accessible and organised.From a School Self-Evaluation (SSE) perspective, Classroom supports evidence gathering (e.g., assignment submissions, feedback records) and helps identify areas for improvement across subjects. It also promotes consistency in assessment and communication.
Using Google Classroom regularly can foster student independence, improve digital literacy, and support whole-school goals outlined in the Digital Learning Framework. -
I use Google Classroom often pupils in my class have access to ipadson a regular basis, It is timetabled but often if we are completing a project/ research the pupils will get htem twice/ three times a week. The cross curriculur links are excellent as well as the improvement in IT skills. It is great to see their confidence improve in using variouos tools and empowering them to show one another when they can do something special. It has really improved how I set work and assess students. One of the main advantages is the extra engagement from students – they enjoy using the platform and like being able to access everything in one place.
Assessing and grading feels like less of a chore for me, It helps me give clear and fair feedback. I also find project work works really well with Google tools like Docs and Slides, and I can check in on their progress as they go and provide instant feedback (comment or voice note)
For Confirmation prep this year, it was really useful for posting links to to support lessons. too.
Regarding SSE, Google classroom has been a game changer in gathering information and evaluating results.SSE aims to support reflection and collaboration among colleagues as a way of working to support whole school improvement. GC promotes both when used effectively.
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https://classroom.google.com/c/Nzk4OTU1NTAwMDgx?cjc=oxo6tbp4
Having used the class dojo and now dipping my feet into the google classroom, I am already aware of the various possibilities for this tool in furthering children’s learning. Reflecting on my own upload to the classroom ( mindfulness piece, common maths words), my children have gained much from doing the meditation session at home.
I could measure progress with the maths words from assessing them after the video has been up for a few weeks. I would do an assessment of the words and then after using the video.
The possibilities for google classroom and school self evaluation are vast. When resources are uploaded they act as a record of what has been covered and they can be reused if a teacher was in the same year group the next year. The function where you make announcements ( stream) is amazing for giving a little nudge to all pupils if engagement is below expected.
Google sheets is helpful when recording attainment for learning objectives across a term. It can be updated when children reach a certain level. Samples of work can also be saved in google drive with each child having their own folder.
Google classroom also provides a great opportunity for teachers to work together and share expertise. One teacher may have a strength in a certain area and this can be shared with another who needs direction . Sharing our skillset like this is very good for productivity. -
https://classroom.google.com/c/Nzk5MTQ2Njk5MzUy/a/Nzk5MTU1MDk5Njc5/detail
Class Code: uz3qpwcw
This is the first time I have used Google Classroom and I love the idea of having all the instructions and completed tasks all in one place. This Science Assignment allowed students to choose their method of presentation (written, drawing or slides), it encouraged their creativity and supported different learning styles. I feel using Google Classroom with this age group (4th class) encourages independent learning, opportunity to engage in their digital skills and promotes students to take responsilibity for organising their work in one safe and accessible place.
In terms of assessment, there are huge benefits both for teachers and students in my opinion. The options of being able to provide instant feedback, clear grading, ongoing recording , relections, differentiation and Parental communication allows a thorough approach to assessing each students work.
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https://classroom.google.com/c/Nzk5MTQ2Njk5MzUy/p/Nzk5MTU5NTM4NTM2/details
Class Code: uz3qpwcw
This was my first opportunity to work with Google Classroom and set an assignment. I love the fact that all the instructions, resources and submissions are all in the one area for both students and teachers. In this Science task, the students were given the opportunity to submit their work by writing, drawing or completing a slideshow. I felt this allowed students to use their creativity and supported different learning styles. By using Google Classroom, I like the opportunities it gives students by encouraging independent learning, engaging in their digital skills and taking responsibility to organise their work in a safe and accessible place.
In terms of assessment, I think the Google Classroom really benefits teachers, students and parents to monitor each student’s progress. I like the options of giving feedback quickly, clear marking and grades, having a learning log for each pupil, ability to differentiate , reflections of tasks and communication with parents.
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Hi Orla. I’m glad you are seeing the positives of using Google Classroom. It’s great for allowing students to show their learning and understanding in a variety of ways. As you point out, the opportunities Google Classroom gives for managing assessment and feedback are fantastic. Try to use the rubric feature also, if you get a chance, Orla. It allows you to create clear criteria for assignments, and this will allow the children to fully understand what is expected of them before they start the task. It also allows you to clearly structure your feedback to pupils
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