DL Spotlight: Google Classroom with Drew Simmons

Drew Simmons is an 8th-grade ELAR teacher at Richland Middle School who has committed to using Google Classroom this school year. We recently had a chance to sit down with Drew and ask him a few questions.

Question: Drew, how are you using Google Classroom in your eighth grade ELAR classes here are Richland Middle School? 
Mr. Simmons: “I can post students assignments and examples into the stream anytime of day, from anywhere. I am allowing the students to have a choice on how they want to present or complete their work since I can now accept digital work so easily. They can submit a file or a link to their work.”

Question: Have you gone completely digital this year?
Mr. Simmons: “No, for those students that prefer not to use technology for everything they can turn in their work in traditional ways. Some students just really like a traditional notebook.”

Question: What have you noticed about your student’s work since moving to Google Classroom?
Mr. Simmons: “It has all but eliminated excuses like: I don't have the paper, I lost it, I don't know what to do, or I didn't do the work because I was absent. Now the students know where everything is, even when they are absent. They know where to go to find what they missed.” 

Question: What has been the biggest surprise or personal “ah-ha” moment?
Mr. Simmons: “I would have to say how easy it is to use. We had talked about moving to Google Classroom for a couple of years, but it seemed daunting. Boy, that was not the case. It is extremely easy to use, and it organizes everything for you in Google Drive folders.”  

Question: Have there been any unexpected benefits to the implementation of a classroom management system?
Mr. Simmons: “Yes, the parents can and have requested access to assignments through Google. Now that we have the g.birdvilleschools.net email activated I regularly receive permission requests from parent to view assignments and other files. It has also improved my relationships with parents and guardians. Once they see how much is available online and how easy it is to access for their child, they are pretty surprised and very appreciative.” 

Question: What are your plans or goals moving forward?
Mr. Simmons: “I'd like to be completely online at some point, but I would need several more devices to accomplish that. I'd like my students to work with tech every day if it is the best tool for the job. They could work with their data on a more frequent basis, and I could redefine what kind of activities and learning occurs in my classroom."

Question: If you had to pick one thing you want to implement before the school year ends what would it be?
Mr. Simmons: “One thing? I would have to say adding flipped content to my Google Classrooms. I’d like to make my own flipped videos eventually.” 

To learn more about how to integrate Google Classroom with your curriculum, contact your Digital Learning Specialist.