Nagel, D. (2014). Google’s Free LMS ‘Classroom’ Goes Live. THE Journal. Received from http://thejournal.com/articles/2014/08/12/googles-free-lms-classroom-goes-live.aspx
Nagel (2014) explained that Google Classroom “allows teachers to create assignments directly within Google's apps, which students can then complete in Google Docs and turn them in through a one-click process”. Other features in Google Classroom include the following: “grading, real-time feedback on student work, real-time questions, commenting, homework collection and organization within Google Drive, commenting, and announcements” (Nagel, 2014). Teachers also have the ability to collaborate with students online while they are working on their assignments. (Nagel, 2014)
Incorporating a tool like this in my music class would be outstanding! Just like listed above, Google Classroom features a variety of abilities that allow students to access music class outside the music classroom. Not only do I see this as a great idea for academic collaboration, but I also thought it would really set up a community for the students.
I also see this as saving me a large chunk of time in the classroom. Instead of having the students watch a 5 minute video in class, they could do this simple activity at home, and when they come to class, we can deepen the meaning and understanding of the point of that video. I could even give students websites that foster the growth of music composition. Students could work in class, but could also work at home with their assignment. When they finish their composition, they could share a web-link to in onto a class Google Doc so we could listen and discuss it the next time in class.
I do see this potentially not going over well with students to begin with because what elementary music teacher gives students homework? But I could combat this in ways that make the learning very individualized, fun, and lasting for no more than 10 minutes when they first start working outside the classroom. Even though I am nervous about first implementing these resources with the kids, I know that this is meaningful integration of technology, and the pros definitely out weight the cons.
