Google Classroom

When I first heard about Google Classroom I was excited beyond belief.  Here the short video I watched that got me excited about the possibilities.

I couldn't wait to try it!  My district uses Google Edu Apps so I was sure this would work beautifully and be very productive.  I tried to log into the site with my regular district information only to receive the following message:

No problem, I contacted the district technology department and asked that this feature be turned on.  I received a , "No. We are implementing a new LMS system and will not be using Google Classroom."  I was crushed!

I think the majority of the problem is that this tool was not released to the public until August of 2014.  By that time our district had already decided on the new system.  My suggestion to Google would be to have any testing of education apps finished before the end of a school year.  This allows districts to then research and have time to implement a new app when the next school year begins.

I was offered the opportunity to pilot the new LMS.  It's good, but now I won't know how it really compares.  I have to say I still watch the video and yearn for what could have been.

Edmodo

I used Edmodo with my 5th grade students and they really enjoyed it.

ACADEMIC GROUP
I created an academic group where I posted important updates, assigned quizzes, or assignments, and used the calendar feature.  It also allowed me to upload files or to link to GoogleDocs which gave my students access to just about every assignment or paper they needed.

The library feature allows users to create folders for different topics that can include both uploaded files and web links.

NON ACADEMIC GROUP
I created a non-academic group which allowed my students to communicate with each other and with me. It was similar to a class Facebook type page that was teacher monitored.  I found that this created a greater since of community among students.  It also provided students that wouldn't participate in class discussions or were too shy to talk to other students at school a way to communicate, and gain a strong, positive voice online.  Students also used this section to ask questions about homework or what they might have missed in class if they had been absent.

SUB GROUPS
I was also able to create sub-groups under the main academic group.  I assigned group projects that the students worked on together in class and at home via Edmodo.  The students' project groups were able to communicate privately online with their team members.


Edmodo was a fantastic tool for my classroom.  However, my district has chosen to adopt a new LMS (Learning Management System).  Because of this I had to let Edmodo go.  If you are not currently under a specified LMS I would highly recommend this online education tool.