Google Classroom in Math

There is a common saying that you should never use technology for technology's sake. In other words, if the technology you are integrating into your instruction is not enhancing your instruction in some way, shape, or form, is it really necessary? Technology, when used right, can enhance instruction by increasing engagement, efficiency, and accountability in learning. As an Ed Tech enthusiast, I try to find ways to effectively and seamlessly integrate technology into all parts of the instructional process.

I engaged in some great dialogue with the seventh and eight grade math teachers at Monroe this week around Google Classroom. Nichole Rogers asked the crucial question, "How can Google Classroom be used effectively in an upper grades mathematics classroom?" This is such a valid question, since many people associate the use of Google Classroom with assigning documents that students type on and submit, while mathematics involves a lot of equation writing/solving, drawing, labeling, and demonstrating stages of work. This spurred me to create a seventh grade demonstration classroom with examples of how I envision Google Classroom being used in upper grade mathematics.

Demo Classroom Ideas

*Note- if you are a CUSD teacher, there are instructions to join my Demo Classroom at the bottom of this post.

Idea # 1: Students show solutions by inserting images of notebooks/whiteboards within a Document.

In a Google Doc, insert typed questions, screenshots of questions, images of questions, or a prompt for your students. As a Classroom Assignment, assign the Document so that each student gets a copy. Allow students to work in their notebooks, on paper, or on whiteboards depending on the task. Within the Doc, they can take a picture of their work by selecting "Insert image" and "Take a snapshot". Their first time using this tool, they will have click "Allow" for camera and microphone access. The images below show the process for inserting a snapshot, as well as sample student work inserted into a Google Doc. 

Idea # 2: Generate Mathematical Discussion using the new Announcement feature.

Present your students with a mathematical question that has no one right answer, such as an estimation activity, and allow them to post their ideas and respond to the ideas of others. You can attach documents, images, Drive items, video, or links to the discussion prompt in order to share engaging and relevant content. In the sample below, students are asked to estimate the amount of money recovered from a drug bust. After posting their responses, they were able to respond to the responses of other students, either confirming or disputing their estimate claims.

Idea #3 Use the Announcement feature to post links to quizzes or surveys

Create your quizzes or surveys in Google Forms. You can post relevant videos or materials to support students in reviewing the materials before the quiz either as part of the announcement, or within the Form itself. 

Idea #4 Use Google Drawing to assign items that require a combo of text, drawing, and graphics

Using the Assignment feature, you can assign a Google Drawing so that each student receives their own copy (just like with Google Docs). You can insert graph backgrounds, tables, and other design elements that would support mathematical instruction. Students can type, draw, and insert graphics such as dots and lines in their responses. 

Tool # 5: Integrate with other Apps for math

Anna Lawrence asked a fabulous question about Google Classroom- Does it integrate with the tools that I am already using, such as Geogebra? Classroom integrates with many apps, and as long as you and your students are logged in with the same account you use for Google Classroom, the students can submit their Geogebra assignments through Classroom. Don’t you just love when the feature you want exists?! Below is a tutorial video on how to export Geogebra assignments to Classroom. 

The ideas discussed in this post are just a drop in the bucket in terms of what's possible with Google Classroom.  The possibilities are really infinite. I used it regularly with my 6th grade math students and found that it really helped me cut down on paper, increase engagement and ownership in learning, prep & share lessons more efficiently, provide meaningful feedback to my students, and allowed them to (constructively) critique each other’s mathematical reasoning. 

I would like to close this post with an inspirational moment I had in Kindra Ahrens room this week when we were launching Google Classroom. At one point, her students were showing her the "Insert Equation" feature in Docs, which allows for inserting almost any equation symbol you can think of. She turned to me and exclaimed, "Isn't it fantastic how much they know? They really teach me a lot when it comes to technology." I agreed with her, but what I found equally fantastic was her attitude about allowing students to take the lead, and sometimes know more than the teacher! This is truly how we respect them as individuals who bring outside knowledge into the classroom, and it takes the fear out of integrating new types of technology if you recognize that tech support is everywhere you look around the classroom!

Instructions to join my demo class for CUSD teachers:

• Go to classroom.google.com
• Make sure you are logged in with your CUSD account
• If you have never been on Classroom before, select “I’m a teacher”
• Select the “+” button in the upper right-hand corner and click “join class”
• Enter my class code: 9s9oa8
• Explore and enjoy!