Google is trying to create what it calls the “paperless
classroom,” offering its low-cost Chromebook laptop and Google Apps for
Education as part of the effort. Now, it has launched Google Classroom, free
productivity tools for teachers and students that integrate with the rest of
the Google Apps, such as Gmail, Drive, and Docs.
Classroom allows teachers to create assignments, make
copies of Google documents, and create Drive folders for each assignment.
Students are able to track homework and get real-time feedback and grades in
the app.
While it all sounds fine, some are still leery. One
problem is making sure each student has access to the Internet so they can use the
app. Other issues include student privacy and Google’s ability to advertise
itself to students with the app.
“The thing about Google is they’re a technology
company, not really a solution company,” said Phil Hill, an educational
technology consultant and market analyst, in a National Public Radio report.
“Rather than understand the needs and build a holistic solution, Google has the
ability to throw stuff out and see what happens.”
