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{{short description|Blended learning platform by Google}}
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{{short description|Blended learning platform by Google}}{{More citations needed|date=August 2021}}

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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}
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{{Infobox software
{{Infobox software
| name = Google Classroom
| name = Google Classroom
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| logo_size = 100px
| logo_size = 100px
| logo alt = The Google Classroom logo, featuring a green chalkboard with an icon of 3 people on it.
| logo alt = The Google Classroom logo, featuring a green chalkboard with an icon of 3 people on it.
| screenshot = Google Classroom home page.png
| developer = [[Google]]
| developer = [[Google]]
| released = {{start date and age|2014|08|12}}
| released = {{start date and age|2014|08|12}}
| ver layout = stacked
| latest release version = 7.3.141.04.34
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| operating system = {{hlist|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]|[[iPadOS]]|[[Web Application]]}}
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2021|04|14}}
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| operating system = {{hlist|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]|[[Web Application]]}}
| genre = [[Educational software]]
| genre = [[Educational software]]
| website = {{URL|https://classroom.google.com}}
| website = {{URL|https://classroom.google.com}}
}}
}}


'''Google Classroom''' is a free [[blended learning]] platform developed by [[Google]] for schools that aims to simplify creating, distributing, and grading assignments. The primary purpose of Google Classroom is to streamline the process of sharing files between teachers and students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://productforums.google.com/d/msg/google-education/LJO8SAlhQ1s/7_Kj06SBBwAJ|title=Google Groups|website=productforums.google.com|access-date=February 8, 2018}}</ref> As of 2021, approximately 150&nbsp;million users use Google Classroom.<ref>{{cite web |title=A peek at what’s next for Google Classroom |url=https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/classroom-roadmap/ |website=Google |access-date=May 26, 2021}}</ref>
'''Google Classroom''' is a free [[blended learning]] platform developed by [[Google]] for educational institutions that aims to simplify creating, distributing, and grading assignments. The primary purpose of Google Classroom is to streamline the process of sharing files between teachers and students.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Google Groups|url=https://productforums.google.com/d/msg/google-education/LJO8SAlhQ1s/7_Kj06SBBwAJ|access-date=February 8, 2018|website=productforums.google.com}}</ref> As of 2021, approximately 150&nbsp;million users use Google Classroom.<ref>{{cite web|title=A peek at what's next for Google Classroom|url=https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/classroom-roadmap/|access-date=May 26, 2021|website=Google|date=February 17, 2021}}</ref>


Google Classroom integrates [[Google Docs]], [[Google Sheets]], [[Google Slides]], [[Gmail]], and [[Google Calendar]] into a cohesive platform to manage student and teacher communication. Students can be invited to join a class through a private code, or automatically imported from a school domain. Teachers can create, distribute and mark assignments all within the Google ecosystem. Each class creates a separate folder in the respective user's [[Google Drive]], where the student can submit work to be graded by a teacher. Assignments and due dates are added to Google calendar, where each assignment can belong to a category or topic. Teachers can monitor each student's progress by reviewing revision history of a document, and after being graded, teachers can return work along with comments and grades.
Google Classroom uses a variety of proprietary user applications ([[Google for Education|Google Applications for Education]]) with the goal of managing student and teacher communication. Students can be invited to join a class through a private code or be imported automatically from a school domain. Each class creates a separate folder in the respective user's [[Google Drive]], where the student can submit work to be graded by a teacher. Teachers can monitor each student's progress by reviewing the revision history of a document, and, after being graded, teachers can return work along with comments and grades.


== History ==
== History ==
Google Classroom has undergone a series of updates and changes since its original release in May 2014.
Google Classroom was announced on May 6, 2014, with a preview available for some members of Google's [[G Suite]] for Education program.<ref>{{cite web |first=Larry |last=Magid |title=Google Classroom Offers Assignment Center for Students and Teachers |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/larrymagid/2014/05/06/google-classroom-offers-control-center-for-students-and-teachers/ |website=[[Forbes]] |date=May 6, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110805/https://www.forbes.com/sites/larrymagid/2014/05/06/google-classroom-offers-control-center-for-students-and-teachers/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Darrell |last=Etherington |title=Google Debuts Classroom, An Education Platform For Teacher-Student Communication |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/05/06/google-debuts-classroom-an-education-platform-for-teacher-student-communication/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=May 6, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110807/https://techcrunch.com/2014/05/06/google-debuts-classroom-an-education-platform-for-teacher-student-communication/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was released publicly on August 12, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jordan |last=Kahn |title=Google Classroom now available to all Apps for Education users, adds collaboration features |url=https://9to5google.com/2014/08/12/google-classroom-now-available-to-all-apps-for-education-users-adds-collaboration-features/ |website=9to5Google |date=August 12, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110808/https://9to5google.com/2014/08/12/google-classroom-now-available-to-all-apps-for-education-users-adds-collaboration-features/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |first=Issie |last=Lapowsky |title=Google Wants to Save Our Schools—And Hook a New Generation of Users |url=https://www.wired.com/2014/08/google-classrooms/ |journal=[[Wired (website)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=August 13, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110809/https://www.wired.com/2014/08/google-classrooms/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2015 Google announced a Classroom [[Application programming interface|API]] and a share button for websites, allowing school administrators and developers to further engage with Google Classroom.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=Google Expands Its Educational Platform "Classroom" With A New API, Share Button For Websites |url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/06/29/google-expands-its-educational-platform-classroom-with-a-new-api-share-button-for-websites/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=June 29, 2015 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110811/https://techcrunch.com/2015/06/29/google-expands-its-educational-platform-classroom-with-a-new-api-share-button-for-websites/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Also in 2015, Google integrated [[Google Calendar]] into Classroom for assignment due dates, field trips, and class speakers.<ref name="tnw-calendar">{{cite web |first=Lauren |last=Hockenson |title=Google Classroom updates with Calendar integration, new teacher tools |url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/08/24/google-classroom-back-2-school/ |website=The Next Web |date=August 24, 2015 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110812/https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/08/24/google-classroom-back-2-school/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2017, Google opened Classroom to allow any personal Google users to join classes without the requirement of having a G Suite for Education account,<ref>{{cite web |first=Gene |last=Ressler |title=Google Classroom: Now open to even more learners |url=https://blog.google/topics/education/google-classroom-now-open-even-more-learners/ |website=The Keyword Google Blog |date=March 15, 2017 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110814/https://blog.google/topics/education/google-classroom-now-open-even-more-learners/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and in April of the same year, it became possible for any personal Google user to create and teach a class.<ref>{{cite web |first=Darrell |last=Etherington |title=Google Classroom now lets anyone school anyone else |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/27/google-classroom-now-lets-anyone-school-anyone-else/ |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=April 27, 2017 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110815/https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/27/google-classroom-now-lets-anyone-school-anyone-else/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Regan |title=Google's Classroom is open to anyone with an urge to teach |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/04/27/googles-classroom-is-open-to-anyone-with-an-urge-to-teach/ |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=April 27, 2017 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=May 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507090210/https://www.engadget.com/2017-04-27-googles-classroom-is-open-to-anyone-with-an-urge-to-teach.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
⚫
In 2018, Google introduced a major redesign to Classroom. This included adding a new classwork section, improving the grading interface, allowing reuse of classwork from other classes, and adding features for teachers to organize content by topic.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/time-refresh-meet-new-google-classroom/|title=Time for a refresh: Meet the new Google Classroom|date=August 7, 2018|work=Google|access-date=August 15, 2018|language=en|archive-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110802/https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/time-refresh-meet-new-google-classroom/|url-status=live}}</ref>
!Date
!Update
|-
|May 6, 2014
|Google Classroom was announced with a preview available for some members of Google's [[G Suite]] for Education program.<ref>{{cite web|last=Magid|first=Larry|date=May 6, 2014|title=Google Classroom Offers Assignment Center for Students and Teachers|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/larrymagid/2014/05/06/google-classroom-offers-control-center-for-students-and-teachers/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110805/https://www.forbes.com/sites/larrymagid/2014/05/06/google-classroom-offers-control-center-for-students-and-teachers/|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Etherington|first=Darrell|date=May 6, 2014|title=Google Debuts Classroom, An Education Platform For Teacher-Student Communication|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/05/06/google-debuts-classroom-an-education-platform-for-teacher-student-communication/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110807/https://techcrunch.com/2014/05/06/google-debuts-classroom-an-education-platform-for-teacher-student-communication/|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=[[TechCrunch]]|publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref>
|-
|August 12, 2014
|Google Classroom is released publicly.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kahn|first=Jordan|date=August 12, 2014|title=Google Classroom now available to all Apps for Education users, adds collaboration features|url=https://9to5google.com/2014/08/12/google-classroom-now-available-to-all-apps-for-education-users-adds-collaboration-features/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110808/https://9to5google.com/2014/08/12/google-classroom-now-available-to-all-apps-for-education-users-adds-collaboration-features/|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=[[9to5Google]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last=Lapowsky|first=Issie|date=August 13, 2014|title=Google Wants to Save Our Schools—And Hook a New Generation of Users|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/08/google-classrooms/|url-status=live|journal=[[Wired (website)|Wired]]|publisher=[[Condé Nast]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110809/https://www.wired.com/2014/08/google-classrooms/|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017}}</ref>
|-
|2015
|Google announced a Classroom [[Application programming interface|API]] and a share button for websites, allowing school administrators and developers to further engage with Google Classroom.<ref>{{cite web|last=Perez|first=Sarah|date=June 29, 2015|title=Google Expands Its Educational Platform "Classroom" With A New API, Share Button For Websites|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/06/29/google-expands-its-educational-platform-classroom-with-a-new-api-share-button-for-websites/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110811/https://techcrunch.com/2015/06/29/google-expands-its-educational-platform-classroom-with-a-new-api-share-button-for-websites/|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=[[TechCrunch]]|publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref> Google integrated [[Google Calendar]] into Classroom for assignment due dates, field trips, and class speakers.<ref name="tnw-calendar3">{{cite web|last=Hockenson|first=Lauren|date=August 24, 2015|title=Google Classroom updates with Calendar integration, new teacher tools|url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/08/24/google-classroom-back-2-school/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110812/https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/08/24/google-classroom-back-2-school/|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=The Next Web}}</ref>
|-
|2017
|Google opened Classroom to allow any personal Google users to join classes without the requirement of having a G Suite for Education account,<ref>{{cite web|last=Ressler|first=Gene|date=March 15, 2017|title=Google Classroom: Now open to even more learners|url=https://blog.google/topics/education/google-classroom-now-open-even-more-learners/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110814/https://blog.google/topics/education/google-classroom-now-open-even-more-learners/|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=The Keyword Google Blog}}</ref> and in April of the same year, it became possible for any personal Google user to create and teach a class.<ref>{{cite web|last=Etherington|first=Darrell|date=April 27, 2017|title=Google Classroom now lets anyone school anyone else|url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/27/google-classroom-now-lets-anyone-school-anyone-else/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110815/https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/27/google-classroom-now-lets-anyone-school-anyone-else/|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=[[TechCrunch]]|publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Regan|first=Tom|date=April 27, 2017|title=Google's Classroom is open to anyone with an urge to teach|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/04/27/googles-classroom-is-open-to-anyone-with-an-urge-to-teach/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507090210/https://www.engadget.com/2017-04-27-googles-classroom-is-open-to-anyone-with-an-urge-to-teach.html|archive-date=May 7, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=[[Engadget]]|publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref>
|-
|2018
⚫
|Google introduced a major redesign to Classroom. This included adding a new classwork section, revising the grading interface, allowing the reuse of classwork from separate classes, and additional features for teachers to organize content by topic.<ref>{{Cite news|date=August 7, 2018|title=Time for a refresh: Meet the new Google Classroom|language=en|work=Google|url=https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/time-refresh-meet-new-google-classroom/|url-status=live|access-date=August 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110802/https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/time-refresh-meet-new-google-classroom/|archive-date=March 30, 2020}}</ref>
|-
|2019
⚫
|78 new illustrated themes and the option to drag and drop topics and assignments within the classwork section were introduced.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 8, 2019|title=Stay organized in 2019 with new features in Classroom|url=https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/new-year-new-classroom/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110817/https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/new-year-new-classroom/|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=February 10, 2019|website=Google|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2020
⚫
|Google added integration with [[Google Meet]] so that teachers can have a unique Meet link within each class.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 9, 2020|title=New Meet features to improve distance learning|url=https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/meet-for-edu/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523054917/https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/meet-for-edu/|archive-date=May 23, 2020|access-date=May 22, 2020|website=Google|language=en}}</ref> In addition, several features were added to Classroom, with Google stating "as educators worldwide have reinvented their practice online, we’re also adapting our tools to meet the evolving needs of their new educational landscape."<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 11, 2020|title=The Anywhere School: 50+ Google for Education updates|url=https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/the-anywhere-school-product-launches/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001120822/https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/the-anywhere-school-product-launches|archive-date=October 1, 2020|access-date=September 29, 2020|website=Google|language=en}}</ref> These updates included:


⚫
* A to-do widget
⚫
In 2019, Google introduced 78 new illustrated themes and the option to drag and drop topics and assignments in the classwork section.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/new-year-new-classroom/|title=Stay organized in 2019 with new features in Classroom|date=January 8, 2019|website=Google|language=en|access-date=February 10, 2019|archive-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110817/https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/new-year-new-classroom/|url-status=live}}</ref>

⚫
In 2020, Google added better integration with [[Google Meet]] so that teachers can have a unique meet link within each class.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/meet-for-edu/|title=New Meet features to improve distance learning|date=April 9, 2020|website=Google|language=en|access-date=May 22, 2020|archive-date=May 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523054917/https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/meet-for-edu/|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, several features were added to classroom, with Google stating "as educators worldwide have reinvented their practice online, we’re also adapting our tools to meet the evolving needs of their new educational landscape."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/the-anywhere-school-product-launches/|title=The Anywhere School: 50+ Google for Education updates|date=August 11, 2020|website=Google|language=en|access-date=September 29, 2020|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001120822/https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/education/the-anywhere-school-product-launches|url-status=live}}</ref> These updates included:

⚫
* A new to-do widget
* 10 additional languages
* 10 additional languages
* Better integration with [[learning management system]]s to create and distribute assignments
* Better integration with [[Learning management system|learning management systems]] to create and distribute assignments
* Added smart correct and auto-compose to Google Docs
* Smart correct and auto-compose in Google Docs


Google Classroom also saw a sharp increase in usage as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] pandemic in which many schools shifted to remote education options. Specific research programs also used Google Classroom to engage in authentic learning from around the world.<ref>{{cite journal| url=https://doi.org/10.5858/arpa.2020-0476-LE| doi=10.5858/arpa.2020-0476-LE| title=A Novel "Google Classroom"-Based Pathology Education Tool for Trainees During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impactful Learning While Social Distancing| year=2020| last1=Balakrishnan| first1=Ridin| last2=Singh| first2=Kamaljeet| last3=Harigopal| first3=Malini| last4=Fineberg| first4=Susan| journal=Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine| volume=144| issue=12| pages=1445b–1447| pmid=32846431| s2cid=221346800| doi-access=free}}</ref>
In 2020, usage of Google Classroom sharply increased when many schools shifted to remote education during the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=De Vynck |first1=Gerrit |last2=Bergen |first2=Mark |title=Google Classroom Users Doubled as Quarantines Spread |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-09/google-widens-lead-in-education-market-as-students-rush-online |access-date=January 12, 2021 |work=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]] |date=April 9, 2020 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630234229/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-09/google-widens-lead-in-education-market-as-students-rush-online |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}


== Features ==
== Features ==
Google Classroom integrates [[Google Drive]], [[Google Docs]], [[Google Sheets]], [[Google Slides]], [[Google Forms]], [[Google Sites]], [[Gmail]], among others, to help educational institutions transition to a paperless system.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dara |last=Kerr |title=Google unveils Classroom, a tool designed to help teachers |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-unveils-classroom-a-tool-designed-to-help-teachers/ |website=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=May 6, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110819/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-unveils-classroom-a-tool-designed-to-help-teachers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Google Calendar]] was later added to help with assignment due dates, field trips, and class speakers.<ref name="tnw-calendar">{{cite web |first=Lauren |last=Hockenson |title=Google Classroom updates with Calendar integration, new teacher tools |url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/08/24/google-classroom-back-2-school/ |website=The Next Web |date=August 24, 2015 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110812/https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/08/24/google-classroom-back-2-school/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Students can be invited to classrooms through the institution's database, through a private code that can then be added in the student's [[user interface]] or automatically imported from a school domain.<ref>{{cite web |title=Invite students to a class |url=https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6020282 |website=Classroom Help |publisher=Google Inc. |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110821/https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6020282 |url-status=live }}</ref> Each class created with Google Classroom creates a separate folder in the respective user's Google Drive, where the student can submit work to be graded by a teacher.<ref name="engadget-unveil">{{cite web |first=Billy |last=Steele |title=Google Classroom helps teachers easily organize assignments, offer feedback |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/05/06/google-classroom-preview/ |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=May 6, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=May 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506103841/https://www.engadget.com/2014-05-06-google-classroom-preview.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Google Classroom integrates several [[Google for Education|Google Applications for Education]], such as [[Google Drive]], [[Google Docs]], [[Google Sheets]], [[Google Slides]], [[Google Forms]], [[Google Sites]], and [[Gmail]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Kerr|first=Dara|date=May 6, 2014|title=Google unveils Classroom, a tool designed to help teachers|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-unveils-classroom-a-tool-designed-to-help-teachers/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110819/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-unveils-classroom-a-tool-designed-to-help-teachers/|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=[[CNET]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> A [[Google Calendar]] integration was later added to the platform.<ref name="tnw-calendar2">{{cite web|last=Hockenson|first=Lauren|date=August 24, 2015|title=Google Classroom updates with Calendar integration, new teacher tools|url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/08/24/google-classroom-back-2-school/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110812/https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/08/24/google-classroom-back-2-school/|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=The Next Web}}</ref> Students can be invited to classrooms through the institution's database, through a private code that can then be added in the student's [[user interface]], or automatically imported from a school domain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Invite students to a class|url=https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6020282|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110821/https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6020282|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=Classroom Help|publisher=Google Inc.}}</ref> Each class created with Google Classroom creates a separate folder in the respective user's Google Drive, where the student can submit work to be graded by a teacher.<ref name="engadget-unveil2">{{cite web|last=Steele|first=Billy|date=May 6, 2014|title=Google Classroom helps teachers easily organize assignments, offer feedback|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/05/06/google-classroom-preview/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506103841/https://www.engadget.com/2014-05-06-google-classroom-preview.html|archive-date=May 6, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2017|website=[[Engadget]]|publisher=[[AOL]]}}</ref>


=== Assignments ===
=== Assignments ===
Assignments are stored and graded on Google's suite of productivity applications that allow collaboration between the teacher and the student or student to student. Instead of sharing documents that reside on the student's Google Drive with the teacher, files are hosted on the student's Drive and then submitted for grading. Teachers may choose a file that can then be treated as a template so that every student can edit their own copy and then turn back in for a grade instead of allowing all students to view, copy, or edit the same document.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6020285?&ref_topic=6163308|title = Submit an Assignment|access-date = March 27, 2015|website = Google Classroom help|publisher = Google Inc.|archive-date = March 30, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110824/https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6020285?&ref_topic=6163308|url-status = live}}</ref> Students can also choose to attach additional documents from their Drive to the assignment. Set assignments appear on the 'To do' list.
Assignments are stored and graded on Google's document applications. Rather than sharing documents that reside on the student's Google Drive with the teacher, files are hosted on the student's Drive and then submitted for grading. Teachers on Google Classroom have the option of creating Assignments in various templates and formats with different accessibility options, such as permissions to view, edit, and comment. These assignments can be submitted for a grade and allow the teacher to provide feedback.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Submit an Assignment|url=https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6020285?&ref_topic=6163308|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110824/https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6020285?&ref_topic=6163308|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=March 27, 2015|website=Google Classroom help|publisher=Google Inc.}}</ref> Students may also attach additional documents from their Drive to their assignment.


=== Grading ===
=== Grading ===
Google Classroom supports many different grading schemes. Teachers have the option to attach files to the assignment which students can view, edit, or get an individual copy. Students can create files and then attach them to the assignment if a copy of a file wasn't created by the teacher. Teachers have the option to monitor the progress of each student on the assignment where they can make comments and edit. Turned in assignments can be graded by the teacher and returned with comments to allow the student to revise the assignment and turn back in. Once turned in, assignments can only be edited by the teacher unless the teacher turns the assignment back.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Set up grading – Classroom Help|url=https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/9184995?hl=en|access-date=November 4, 2020|website=support.google.com|archive-date=October 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023053838/https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/9184995?hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
Google Classroom supports different grading schemes. Turned in assignments can be graded by teachers and returned with comments before the final submission, allowing for the students to modify their work. Once turned in, assignments can only be edited by the teacher.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Set up grading – Classroom Help|url=https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/9184995?hl=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023053838/https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/9184995?hl=en|archive-date=October 23, 2020|access-date=November 4, 2020|website=support.google.com}}</ref>


=== Communication ===
=== Communication ===
Announcements can be posted by teachers to the class stream which can be commented on by students allowing for two-way communication between the teacher and students.<ref name="engadget-unveil" /> Students can also post to the class stream but won't be as high a priority as an announcement by a teacher and can be moderated. Multiple types of media from Google products such as [[YouTube]] videos and Google Drive files can be attached to announcements and posts to share content. Gmail also provides email options for teachers to send emails to one or more students in the Google Classroom interface. Classroom can be accessed on the web or via the Android and iOS Classroom mobile apps.
Announcements can be posted by teachers to a "class stream" which can be commented on by students.<ref name="engadget-unveil2" /> Students may also post to the class class stream, although teachers retain a moderator role. Multiple types of media from Google products such as [[YouTube]] videos and Google Drive files can be attached to announcements and posts to share content. Gmail also provides email options for teachers to send emails to one or more students in the Google Classroom interface.


=== Originality Report ===
=== Originality Report ===
Originality report was introduced in January 2020. It allows educators and students to see the parts and sections of the submitted work which contains the exact or similar wording to that of another source. For students, it highlights source materials and flags missing citation to assist the student in improving their writing. Teachers can also view the originality report, allowing them to verify the academic integrity of the student's submitted work. On G Suite for Education (free), teachers can turn on originality report for 3 assignments but have limited cloud storage.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Kumar|first1=Jeya Amantha|last2=Bervell|first2=Brandford|last3=Osman|first3=Sharifah|date=March 31, 2020|title=Google classroom: insights from Malaysian higher education students' and instructors' experiences|journal=Education and Information Technologies|volume=25|issue=5|pages=4175–4195|language=en|doi=10.1007/s10639-020-10163-x|s2cid=214715477|issn=1573-7608}}</ref> This restriction is lifted on G Suite Enterprise for Education (paid).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6149237?hl=en|title=What's new in Classroom – Classroom Help|website=support.google.com|access-date=April 1, 2020|archive-date=December 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227151205/https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6149237?hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
Introduced in 2020, Originality Report is a built-in [[plagiarism]] detection tool which both students and teachers can access. Teachers can view the originality report, allowing them to verify the academic integrity of the student's submitted work. On the free version of G Suite for Education, teachers can turn on originality report for 3 assignments but have limited cloud storage.<ref name=":02">{{Cite journal|last1=Kumar|first1=Jeya Amantha|last2=Bervell|first2=Brandford|last3=Osman|first3=Sharifah|date=March 31, 2020|title=Google classroom: insights from Malaysian higher education students' and instructors' experiences|journal=Education and Information Technologies|language=en|volume=25|issue=5|pages=4175–4195|doi=10.1007/s10639-020-10163-x|issn=1573-7608|s2cid=214715477}}</ref> This restriction is lifted on the paid version of G Suite Enterprise for Education.<ref>{{Cite web|title=What's new in Classroom – Classroom Help|url=https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6149237?hl=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227151205/https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6149237?hl=en|archive-date=December 27, 2019|access-date=April 1, 2020|website=support.google.com}}</ref>


=== Archive course ===
=== Archive Courses ===
Classroom allows instructors to archive courses at the end of a term or year. When a course is archived, it is removed from the homepage and placed in the Archived Classes area to help teachers keep their current classes organized. When a course is archived, teachers and students can view it, but won't be able to make any changes to it until it is restored.<ref>{{cite web|title=Archive a class – Classroom Help|url=https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6149813|website=Archive a class|access-date=April 6, 2015|archive-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110825/https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6149813|url-status=live}}</ref>
Classroom allows instructors to archive courses at the end of a term or year. When a course is archived, it is removed from the homepage and placed in the Archived Classes area. When a course is archived, teachers and students can view it, but are unable to make any changes unless it is restored.<ref>{{cite web|title=Archive a class – Classroom Help|url=https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6149813|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110825/https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/6149813|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=April 6, 2015|website=Archive a class}}</ref>


=== Mobile applications ===
=== Mobile Applications ===
Google Classroom [[Mobile app|mobile apps]], introduced in January 2015, are available for [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices.
Google Classroom [[mobile app]]s, introduced in January 2015, are available for [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices. The apps let users take photos and attach them to their assignments, share files from other apps, and support offline access.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mic |last=Wright |title=Google's new Classroom app opens its doors on Android and iOS |url=https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/01/14/googles-new-classroom-app-opens-doors-android-ios/ |website=The Next Web |date=January 14, 2015 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110826/https://thenextweb.com/google/2015/01/14/googles-new-classroom-app-opens-doors-android-ios/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Victor |last=Luckerson |title=Google Is Bringing the Paperless Classroom to Teachers' Phones |url=http://time.com/3667677/google-classroom-apps/ |website=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=January 14, 2015 |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=April 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429001733/http://time.com/3667677/google-classroom-apps/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
''eLearningIndustry'' tested and made a review of Google Classroom, in which they highlighted many positive and negative aspects. Among Classroom's strengths, the review highlighted ease of use, universal device accessibility, use of Google Drive as an effective way for teachers to quickly share assignments with students, the paperless process meaning the end of printing, handing out, and potentially losing work, and the fast feedback system between students and teachers. Among Classroom's disadvantages, the review highlighted the service's heavy integration of Google apps and services with limited or no support for external files or services, lack of automated quizzes and tests, and a lack of live chats that can aid in feedback efforts.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://elearningindustry.com/google-classroom-review-pros-and-cons-of-using-google-classroom-in-elearning | title=Google Classroom Review: Pros And Cons Of Using Google Classroom In eLearning | work=eLearning Industry | date=August 20, 2015 | access-date=August 17, 2016 | author=Pappas, Christopher | archive-date=March 30, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110829/https://elearningindustry.com/google-classroom-review-pros-and-cons-of-using-google-classroom-in-elearning | url-status=live }}</ref> Google Classroom won a [[2020 Webby Award|2020 Webby Special Achievement Award]].<ref name="Kastrenakes">{{cite web |last1=Kastrenakes |first1=Jacob |title=Here are all the winners of the 2020 Webby Awards |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/20/21263445/2020-webby-awards-winners-lil-nas-x-nasa-jon-krasinski |website=The Verge |access-date=May 22, 2020 |date=May 20, 2020 |archive-date=May 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521205535/https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/20/21263445/2020-webby-awards-winners-lil-nas-x-nasa-jon-krasinski |url-status=live }}</ref>
Ease of use, universal device accessibility, Google Drive integration, and the ability of teachers and students alike to quickly share content and feedback have been highlighted as strengths. Among Classroom's disadvantages, a review highlighted the service's heavy integration of Google apps and services with limited or no support for external files or services, lack of automated quizzes and tests, and a lack of live chats that can aid in feedback efforts.<ref>{{cite web|author=Pappas, Christopher|date=August 20, 2015|title=Google Classroom Review: Pros And Cons Of Using Google Classroom In eLearning|url=https://elearningindustry.com/google-classroom-review-pros-and-cons-of-using-google-classroom-in-elearning|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110829/https://elearningindustry.com/google-classroom-review-pros-and-cons-of-using-google-classroom-in-elearning|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=August 17, 2016|work=eLearning Industry}}</ref> Google Classroom won a [[2020 Webby Award|2020 Webby Special Achievement Award]].<ref name="Kastrenakes2">{{cite web|last1=Kastrenakes|first1=Jacob|date=May 20, 2020|title=Here are all the winners of the 2020 Webby Awards|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/20/21263445/2020-webby-awards-winners-lil-nas-x-nasa-jon-krasinski|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521205535/https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/20/21263445/2020-webby-awards-winners-lil-nas-x-nasa-jon-krasinski|archive-date=May 21, 2020|access-date=May 22, 2020|website=The Verge}}</ref>

Due to the prominence of Google, students find Google Classroom easy to navigate since many are familiar with Google layout. Furthermore, the mobile app for Google Classroom functions well which has been praised by students. If notifications are enabled, the mobile app for Google Classroom can remind students of upcoming deadlines, a feature that has been received well by students.<ref name=":0" />


== Criticism ==
== Criticism ==
As a company Google [[Criticism of Google|has been criticized on several different issues, including privacy]]. Specific criticism of Google Classroom generally focuses on concern for privacy for students and Google's use of student data.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gomindsight.com/insights/blog/privacy-with-google-classroom-education-industry-news/|title=Privacy With Google Classroom: Use Rises, Critics Claim Risks|first=Siobhan|last=Climer|date=April 23, 2020|publisher=Mindsight|access-date=October 16, 2020|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017112814/https://gomindsight.com/insights/blog/privacy-with-google-classroom-education-industry-news/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208045857/https://www.franken.senate.gov/files/letter/160114.GoogleStudentData.pdf |url=https://www.franken.senate.gov/files/letter/160114.GoogleStudentData.pdf |date=January 13, 2015 |first=Al|last=Franken|title=Letter to Sundar Pichai from Al Franken|publisher=franken.senate.gov|archive-date=December 8, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Criticism of Google Classroom is often combined with criticism of [[Chromebook]]s and [[Google Workspace]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/13/technology/google-education-chromebooks-schools.html|title=How Google Took Over the Classroom (Published 2017)|first=Natasha|last=Singer|date=May 13, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=June 30, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701065343/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/13/technology/google-education-chromebooks-schools.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/07/10/opinion/google-privacy-policy.html,%20https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/07/10/opinion/google-privacy-policy.html|title=Opinion &#124; Google's 4,000-Word Privacy Policy Is a Secret History of the Internet (Published 2019)|first1=Charlie|last1=Warzel|first2=Ash|last2=Ngu|date=July 10, 2019|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
As a company, Google [[Criticism of Google|has been criticized on several different issues, including privacy]]. Specific criticism of Google Classroom generally focuses on concern for privacy for students and Google's use of student data.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Climer|first=Siobhan|date=April 23, 2020|title=Privacy With Google Classroom: Use Rises, Critics Claim Risks|url=https://gomindsight.com/insights/blog/privacy-with-google-classroom-education-industry-news/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017112814/https://gomindsight.com/insights/blog/privacy-with-google-classroom-education-industry-news/|archive-date=October 17, 2020|access-date=October 16, 2020|publisher=Mindsight}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Franken|first=Al|date=January 13, 2015|title=Letter to Sundar Pichai from Al Franken|url=https://www.franken.senate.gov/files/letter/160114.GoogleStudentData.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208045857/https://www.franken.senate.gov/files/letter/160114.GoogleStudentData.pdf|archive-date=December 8, 2017|publisher=franken.senate.gov}}</ref> Criticism of Google Classroom is often combined with criticism of [[Chromebook|Chromebooks]] and [[Google Workspace]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Singer|first=Natasha|date=May 13, 2017|title=How Google Took Over the Classroom (Published 2017)|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/13/technology/google-education-chromebooks-schools.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701065343/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/13/technology/google-education-chromebooks-schools.html|archive-date=July 1, 2020|access-date=June 30, 2020|work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Warzel|first1=Charlie|last2=Ngu|first2=Ash|date=July 10, 2019|title=Opinion &#124; Google's 4,000-Word Privacy Policy Is a Secret History of the Internet (Published 2019)|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/07/10/opinion/google-privacy-policy.html,%20https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/07/10/opinion/google-privacy-policy.html|work=The New York Times}}</ref>

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Other criticisms directed at Google Classroom are lack of a full-fledged grade book,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pros and cons of Google Classroom|url=https://www.uft.org/news/teaching/linking-learning/pros-and-cons-google-classroom|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017035511/https://www.uft.org/news/teaching/linking-learning/pros-and-cons-google-classroom|archive-date=October 17, 2020|access-date=October 16, 2020|website=uft.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=July 23, 2014|title=6 Things You Can't Do with Google Classroom...Yet|url=https://appsevents.com/blog/2014/07/6-things-you-cant-do-with-google-classroom-yet.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001185118/https://appsevents.com/blog/2014/07/6-things-you-cant-do-with-google-classroom-yet.html|archive-date=October 1, 2020|access-date=October 16, 2020|website=Global Summits featuring Google for Education}}</ref> lack of automatic quizzes and tests (common features in [[Learning management system|learning management systems]]),<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 20, 2015|title=Google Classroom Review: Pros And Cons Of Using Google Classroom In eLearning|url=https://elearningindustry.com/google-classroom-review-pros-and-cons-of-using-google-classroom-in-elearning|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110829/https://elearningindustry.com/google-classroom-review-pros-and-cons-of-using-google-classroom-in-elearning|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=January 31, 2021|website=eLearning Industry}}</ref> and editing of assignments once they are released.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pros and Cons of Google Classroom 2020|url=https://www.trustradius.com/products/google-classroom/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110835/https://www.trustradius.com/products/google-classroom/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons|archive-date=March 30, 2020|access-date=July 6, 2019|website=TrustRadius}}</ref> The platform's insistence on using a chronological order has been criticized as students respond with frustrations of having to scroll through to find past announcements.<ref name=":023">{{Cite journal|last1=Kumar|first1=Jeya Amantha|last2=Bervell|first2=Brandford|last3=Osman|first3=Sharifah|date=March 31, 2020|title=Google classroom: insights from Malaysian higher education students' and instructors' experiences|journal=Education and Information Technologies|language=en|volume=25|issue=5|pages=4175–4195|doi=10.1007/s10639-020-10163-x|issn=1573-7608|s2cid=214715477}}</ref>

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], many classrooms pivoted to Classroom due to its usefulness and integration with existing Google products. While this provided equitable access to students and exposed learners to current and relevant online platforms, it also posed challenges such as unreliable internet connections, high costs of technology, and a lack and unavailability of training to use the platform.<ref>{{cite journal| url=https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00624| doi=10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00624| title=A Quick Shift from Classroom to Google Classroom: SWOT Analysis| year=2020| last1=Hallal| first1=Kassem| last2=Hajjhussein| first2=Hassan| last3=Tlais| first3=Sami| journal=Journal of Chemical Education| volume=97| issue=9| pages=2806–2809| bibcode=2020JChEd..97.2806H| s2cid=225585699}}</ref>


Similarly to other online education platforms, adopting a fully remote or online education system brings forward socio-economic challenges such as access to technology in remote and lower socio-economic society areas.<ref>{{cite journal| doi=10.17471/2499-4324/1209 | year=2021 | issue=2| last1=Gleason | first1=Benjamin | last2=Heath | first2=Marie K. | title=Injustice Embedded in Google Classroom and Google Meet: A Techno-Ethical Audit of Remote Educational Technologies | journal=Italian Journal of Educational Technology | volume=29 | pages=26–41 }}</ref> In studies discussing use of Google Classroom for [[English as a second or foreign language|English as a foreign language]] studies, students had positive perceptions towards using Google Classroom tools to learn about grammatical concepts and collaborate with others using student-to-student interactions and collaborative feedback.<ref>{{cite journal| url=https://doi.org/10.14744/alrj.2018.47955| doi=10.14744/alrj.2018.47955| title=EFL Students' Perceptions towards Using Google Docs and Google Classroom as Online Collaborative Tools in Learning Grammar| year=2018| last1=Khalil| first1=Zeiadee M.| journal=Applied Linguistics Research Journal| doi-access=free}}</ref>
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Other criticisms directed at Google Classroom are lack of a full-fledged gradebook,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uft.org/news/teaching/linking-learning/pros-and-cons-google-classroom|title=Pros and cons of Google Classroom|website=uft.org|access-date=October 16, 2020|archive-date=October 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017035511/https://www.uft.org/news/teaching/linking-learning/pros-and-cons-google-classroom|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://appsevents.com/blog/2014/07/6-things-you-cant-do-with-google-classroom-yet.html|title=6 Things You Can't Do with Google Classroom...Yet|date=July 23, 2014|website=Global Summits featuring Google for Education|access-date=October 16, 2020|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001185118/https://appsevents.com/blog/2014/07/6-things-you-cant-do-with-google-classroom-yet.html|url-status=live}}</ref> lack of automatic quizzes and tests (common features in [[learning management system]]s),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://elearningindustry.com/google-classroom-review-pros-and-cons-of-using-google-classroom-in-elearning|title=Google Classroom Review: Pros And Cons Of Using Google Classroom In eLearning|date=August 20, 2015|website=eLearning Industry|access-date=January 31, 2021|archive-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110829/https://elearningindustry.com/google-classroom-review-pros-and-cons-of-using-google-classroom-in-elearning|url-status=live}}</ref> and editing of assignments once they are released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trustradius.com/products/google-classroom/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons|title=Pros and Cons of Google Classroom 2020|website=TrustRadius|access-date=July 6, 2019|archive-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330110835/https://www.trustradius.com/products/google-classroom/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons|url-status=dead}}</ref> Students have also expressed a desire for personalization due to the Google Classroom layout being very simplistic and unappealing{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}}. Also, the chronological setup has been criticized as students respond with frustrations of having to scroll through to find past announcements.<ref name=":0" />


== References ==
== References ==
<references responsive="0" />
{{Reflist|30em}}


== External links ==
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 21:37, 6 August 2024

Google Classroom
Developer(s)Google
Initial releaseAugust 12, 2014; 10 years ago (2014-08-12)
Stable release(s) [±]
Android3.23 (Build 693153450) / November 11, 2024; 2 days ago (2024-11-11)[1][2]
iOS3.23 (Build 693153450) / November 12, 2024; 1 day ago (2024-11-12)[3]
Operating system
TypeEducational software
Websiteclassroom.google.com

Google Classroom is a free blended learning platform developed by Google for educational institutions that aims to simplify creating, distributing, and grading assignments. The primary purpose of Google Classroom is to streamline the process of sharing files between teachers and students.[4] As of 2021, approximately 150 million users use Google Classroom.[5]

Google Classroom uses a variety of proprietary user applications (Google Applications for Education) with the goal of managing student and teacher communication. Students can be invited to join a class through a private code or be imported automatically from a school domain. Each class creates a separate folder in the respective user's Google Drive, where the student can submit work to be graded by a teacher. Teachers can monitor each student's progress by reviewing the revision history of a document, and, after being graded, teachers can return work along with comments and grades.

History

Google Classroom has undergone a series of updates and changes since its original release in May 2014.

Date Update
May 6, 2014 Google Classroom was announced with a preview available for some members of Google's G Suite for Education program.[6][7]
August 12, 2014 Google Classroom is released publicly.[8][9]
2015 Google announced a Classroom API and a share button for websites, allowing school administrators and developers to further engage with Google Classroom.[10] Google integrated Google Calendar into Classroom for assignment due dates, field trips, and class speakers.[11]
2017 Google opened Classroom to allow any personal Google users to join classes without the requirement of having a G Suite for Education account,[12] and in April of the same year, it became possible for any personal Google user to create and teach a class.[13][14]
2018 Google introduced a major redesign to Classroom. This included adding a new classwork section, revising the grading interface, allowing the reuse of classwork from separate classes, and additional features for teachers to organize content by topic.[15]
2019 78 new illustrated themes and the option to drag and drop topics and assignments within the classwork section were introduced.[16]
2020 Google added integration with Google Meet so that teachers can have a unique Meet link within each class.[17] In addition, several features were added to Classroom, with Google stating "as educators worldwide have reinvented their practice online, we’re also adapting our tools to meet the evolving needs of their new educational landscape."[18] These updates included:
  • A to-do widget
  • 10 additional languages
  • Better integration with learning management systems to create and distribute assignments
  • Smart correct and auto-compose in Google Docs

Google Classroom also saw a sharp increase in usage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in which many schools shifted to remote education options. Specific research programs also used Google Classroom to engage in authentic learning from around the world.[19]

Features

Google Classroom integrates several Google Applications for Education, such as Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Forms, Google Sites, and Gmail.[20] A Google Calendar integration was later added to the platform.[21] Students can be invited to classrooms through the institution's database, through a private code that can then be added in the student's user interface, or automatically imported from a school domain.[22] Each class created with Google Classroom creates a separate folder in the respective user's Google Drive, where the student can submit work to be graded by a teacher.[23]

Assignments

Assignments are stored and graded on Google's document applications. Rather than sharing documents that reside on the student's Google Drive with the teacher, files are hosted on the student's Drive and then submitted for grading. Teachers on Google Classroom have the option of creating Assignments in various templates and formats with different accessibility options, such as permissions to view, edit, and comment. These assignments can be submitted for a grade and allow the teacher to provide feedback.[24] Students may also attach additional documents from their Drive to their assignment.

Grading

Google Classroom supports different grading schemes. Turned in assignments can be graded by teachers and returned with comments before the final submission, allowing for the students to modify their work. Once turned in, assignments can only be edited by the teacher.[25]

Communication

Announcements can be posted by teachers to a "class stream" which can be commented on by students.[23] Students may also post to the class class stream, although teachers retain a moderator role. Multiple types of media from Google products such as YouTube videos and Google Drive files can be attached to announcements and posts to share content. Gmail also provides email options for teachers to send emails to one or more students in the Google Classroom interface.

Originality Report

Introduced in 2020, Originality Report is a built-in plagiarism detection tool which both students and teachers can access. Teachers can view the originality report, allowing them to verify the academic integrity of the student's submitted work. On the free version of G Suite for Education, teachers can turn on originality report for 3 assignments but have limited cloud storage.[26] This restriction is lifted on the paid version of G Suite Enterprise for Education.[27]

Archive Courses

Classroom allows instructors to archive courses at the end of a term or year. When a course is archived, it is removed from the homepage and placed in the Archived Classes area. When a course is archived, teachers and students can view it, but are unable to make any changes unless it is restored.[28]

Mobile Applications

Google Classroom mobile apps, introduced in January 2015, are available for iOS and Android devices.

Reception

Ease of use, universal device accessibility, Google Drive integration, and the ability of teachers and students alike to quickly share content and feedback have been highlighted as strengths. Among Classroom's disadvantages, a review highlighted the service's heavy integration of Google apps and services with limited or no support for external files or services, lack of automated quizzes and tests, and a lack of live chats that can aid in feedback efforts.[29] Google Classroom won a 2020 Webby Special Achievement Award.[30]

Criticism

As a company, Google has been criticized on several different issues, including privacy. Specific criticism of Google Classroom generally focuses on concern for privacy for students and Google's use of student data.[31][32] Criticism of Google Classroom is often combined with criticism of Chromebooks and Google Workspace.[33][34]

Other criticisms directed at Google Classroom are lack of a full-fledged grade book,[35][36] lack of automatic quizzes and tests (common features in learning management systems),[37] and editing of assignments once they are released.[38] The platform's insistence on using a chronological order has been criticized as students respond with frustrations of having to scroll through to find past announcements.[39]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many classrooms pivoted to Classroom due to its usefulness and integration with existing Google products. While this provided equitable access to students and exposed learners to current and relevant online platforms, it also posed challenges such as unreliable internet connections, high costs of technology, and a lack and unavailability of training to use the platform.[40]

Similarly to other online education platforms, adopting a fully remote or online education system brings forward socio-economic challenges such as access to technology in remote and lower socio-economic society areas.[41] In studies discussing use of Google Classroom for English as a foreign language studies, students had positive perceptions towards using Google Classroom tools to learn about grammatical concepts and collaborate with others using student-to-student interactions and collaborative feedback.[42]

References

  1. ^ "Google Classroom". Google Play. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  2. ^ "Google Classroom 3.23". APKMirror. November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  3. ^ "Google Classroom on the App Store". App Store.
  4. ^ "Google Groups". productforums.google.com. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  5. ^ "A peek at what's next for Google Classroom". Google. February 17, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
  6. ^ Magid, Larry (May 6, 2014). "Google Classroom Offers Assignment Center for Students and Teachers". Forbes. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  7. ^ Etherington, Darrell (May 6, 2014). "Google Debuts Classroom, An Education Platform For Teacher-Student Communication". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  8. ^ Kahn, Jordan (August 12, 2014). "Google Classroom now available to all Apps for Education users, adds collaboration features". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  9. ^ Lapowsky, Issie (August 13, 2014). "Google Wants to Save Our Schools—And Hook a New Generation of Users". Wired. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  10. ^ Perez, Sarah (June 29, 2015). "Google Expands Its Educational Platform "Classroom" With A New API, Share Button For Websites". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  11. ^ Hockenson, Lauren (August 24, 2015). "Google Classroom updates with Calendar integration, new teacher tools". The Next Web. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  12. ^ Ressler, Gene (March 15, 2017). "Google Classroom: Now open to even more learners". The Keyword Google Blog. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  13. ^ Etherington, Darrell (April 27, 2017). "Google Classroom now lets anyone school anyone else". TechCrunch. AOL. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  14. ^ Regan, Tom (April 27, 2017). "Google's Classroom is open to anyone with an urge to teach". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on May 7, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  15. ^ "Time for a refresh: Meet the new Google Classroom". Google. August 7, 2018. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  16. ^ "Stay organized in 2019 with new features in Classroom". Google. January 8, 2019. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
  17. ^ "New Meet features to improve distance learning". Google. April 9, 2020. Archived from the original on May 23, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  18. ^ "The Anywhere School: 50+ Google for Education updates". Google. August 11, 2020. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  19. ^ Balakrishnan, Ridin; Singh, Kamaljeet; Harigopal, Malini; Fineberg, Susan (2020). "A Novel "Google Classroom"-Based Pathology Education Tool for Trainees During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impactful Learning While Social Distancing". Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. 144 (12): 1445b–1447. doi:10.5858/arpa.2020-0476-LE. PMID 32846431. S2CID 221346800.
  20. ^ Kerr, Dara (May 6, 2014). "Google unveils Classroom, a tool designed to help teachers". CNET. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  21. ^ Hockenson, Lauren (August 24, 2015). "Google Classroom updates with Calendar integration, new teacher tools". The Next Web. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  22. ^ "Invite students to a class". Classroom Help. Google Inc. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  23. ^ a b Steele, Billy (May 6, 2014). "Google Classroom helps teachers easily organize assignments, offer feedback". Engadget. AOL. Archived from the original on May 6, 2020. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  24. ^ "Submit an Assignment". Google Classroom help. Google Inc. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved March 27, 2015.
  25. ^ "Set up grading – Classroom Help". support.google.com. Archived from the original on October 23, 2020. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
  26. ^ Kumar, Jeya Amantha; Bervell, Brandford; Osman, Sharifah (March 31, 2020). "Google classroom: insights from Malaysian higher education students' and instructors' experiences". Education and Information Technologies. 25 (5): 4175–4195. doi:10.1007/s10639-020-10163-x. ISSN 1573-7608. S2CID 214715477.
  27. ^ "What's new in Classroom – Classroom Help". support.google.com. Archived from the original on December 27, 2019. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  28. ^ "Archive a class – Classroom Help". Archive a class. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  29. ^ Pappas, Christopher (August 20, 2015). "Google Classroom Review: Pros And Cons Of Using Google Classroom In eLearning". eLearning Industry. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  30. ^ Kastrenakes, Jacob (May 20, 2020). "Here are all the winners of the 2020 Webby Awards". The Verge. Archived from the original on May 21, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2020.
  31. ^ Climer, Siobhan (April 23, 2020). "Privacy With Google Classroom: Use Rises, Critics Claim Risks". Mindsight. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  32. ^ Franken, Al (January 13, 2015). "Letter to Sundar Pichai from Al Franken" (PDF). franken.senate.gov. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 8, 2017.
  33. ^ Singer, Natasha (May 13, 2017). "How Google Took Over the Classroom (Published 2017)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 1, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  34. ^ Warzel, Charlie; Ngu, Ash (July 10, 2019). "Opinion | Google's 4,000-Word Privacy Policy Is a Secret History of the Internet (Published 2019)". The New York Times.
  35. ^ "Pros and cons of Google Classroom". uft.org. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  36. ^ "6 Things You Can't Do with Google Classroom...Yet". Global Summits featuring Google for Education. July 23, 2014. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  37. ^ "Google Classroom Review: Pros And Cons Of Using Google Classroom In eLearning". eLearning Industry. August 20, 2015. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  38. ^ "Pros and Cons of Google Classroom 2020". TrustRadius. Archived from the original on March 30, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2019.
  39. ^ Kumar, Jeya Amantha; Bervell, Brandford; Osman, Sharifah (March 31, 2020). "Google classroom: insights from Malaysian higher education students' and instructors' experiences". Education and Information Technologies. 25 (5): 4175–4195. doi:10.1007/s10639-020-10163-x. ISSN 1573-7608. S2CID 214715477.
  40. ^ Hallal, Kassem; Hajjhussein, Hassan; Tlais, Sami (2020). "A Quick Shift from Classroom to Google Classroom: SWOT Analysis". Journal of Chemical Education. 97 (9): 2806–2809. Bibcode:2020JChEd..97.2806H. doi:10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00624. S2CID 225585699.
  41. ^ Gleason, Benjamin; Heath, Marie K. (2021). "Injustice Embedded in Google Classroom and Google Meet: A Techno-Ethical Audit of Remote Educational Technologies". Italian Journal of Educational Technology. 29 (2): 26–41. doi:10.17471/2499-4324/1209.
  42. ^ Khalil, Zeiadee M. (2018). "EFL Students' Perceptions towards Using Google Docs and Google Classroom as Online Collaborative Tools in Learning Grammar". Applied Linguistics Research Journal. doi:10.14744/alrj.2018.47955.
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