Google Classroom

At GEMS Royal Dubai School we have tried to create an environment where technology works seamlessly, wherever and whenever it is needed.  For children and teachers the adage '2 clicks and we're working' describes what we are striving for. This means no technical distractions or disruptions which get in the way learning. Google gives us this through simplicity and innovative functionality. Add collaboration and sharing to this mix and you have a workflow and a working environment that is available 24/7/365. With Google this is ongoing, new innovations are happening all the time. When Google change something, they do it because they want better functionality, productivity and 'the end user experience' is increased. The new look DRIVE is a good example of this (which, by the way, you can choose to use or stay with old). The newest addition to Google Apps for Education (GAfE) is Google Classroom. 

The nice thing about Google Classroom is that it is part of the Google Drive and all of the Google Apps become part of it. Many of you will have used Edmodo. Google has developed this in a similar way so it becomes integral part of the Google Drive. At a first look you may think that there are things missing that were key tools in Edmodo. For instance, quizzes. This is where the Google apps become part of the fabric of Google Classroom - you make quizzes (and more) using Google Forms. If you are using Edmodo and it is an effective part of your teaching, then consider Google Classroom. Don't however, feel that you have to change. It is the teaching and learning that counts NOT the TOOLS!