How Does Google Classroom Help Educators Personalize Education?
Google Classroom has many great features including the ability to cater to various types of learners in 3 ways:
Based on who the learners are:
Educators can create learning activities (assignments) based on learners’ proficiency in that specific subject. There are options for reteaching and remediation for those who are lagging, and there are enrichment activities to cater to students who are academically advanced for their age.
Differentiation can be implemented by providing extra support for struggling learners. Educators can provide additional resources with visual aids (slideshows, educational videos, graphic organizers, or information sheets), extended due dates, and modified or shortened assignments.
For those students who need a challenge or more rigor, educators can incorporate more critical thinking into the assignments or increase the length or requirements. They also can create additional ways for students to express their creativity by adding a research component to an assignment. Educators can create the perfect assignment to meet the needs of all the students, no matter what those needs may be.
Based on how learners learn:
Learners may also differ in the way they want to receive information. Many learners love to read, whereas other learners want to watch or listen. Google Classroom allows you to upload documents, videos, and audio files, making it possible to share learning content according to your learners’ needs.
There are also multiple learning styles that best fits the personality and abilities of a student. Educators that know what style of learning their students prefer, can differentiate the assignments based on how they learn best. For visual learners, educators can incorporate visual aids such as YouTube videos, colorful concept maps or diagrams, and Google Slides presentations. Kinesthetic learners who prefer a hands-on approach can be given interactive games, drag and drop activities, and virtual field trips. Auditory learners can be provided educational songs or podcasts that go along with the content, or a recording of the teacher’s voice explaining directions and concepts.
Based on how learners engage with the educator:
Learners have different ways of expressing themselves. Google Classroom allows learners to submit their learning activities (assignments) in the form they prefer; as documents, videos, or audio files. This way, the learners have the opportunity to showcase their interests and talent.
Learners who love to write and create poems and essays can use Google Docs. Creative and outgoing students can create videos of themselves acting out or explaining the content. Those who have a way with words can create audio recordings, songs, or podcasts to show what they know. Lots of students enjoy creating slideshow presentations using Google Slides and using written content matched with interactive images and photos to make their point. Lastly, learners who are great with numbers can create charts and data sheets using Google Sheets.
There is something for every student to show their skills with their preferred method, making learning fun and unique to them and their abilities.