Google tools have become a ubiquitous way to allow students and teachers to connect, learn and collaborate. Many Indian students and teachers have turned to Google for everything from communication to learning.
According to a survey by Boston Consulting Group, a Google for Education Partner, and EdTech service provider Schoolnet, 75% of Indian teachers are interested in using Google for Education tools to teach students to learn better.
The study showed that teachers predominantly used Google for Education tools to conduct online quizzes (66%), have online classes (56%), and store student data like attendance and scores (42%).
Even as schools reopen, 76% of Indian teachers surveyed said they plan to use its tools regularly in the future. The survey was conducted with over 50,000 teachers across three states.
The following are the top three Google tools that Indian teachers have used for online teaching:
Google Meet
Integrated into Google Classroom, Google Meet lets teachers create a dedicated meeting space for each class. Online classes take place on Google Meet, and the assignments are posted and submitted on Google Classrooms. Google Meet is also used for virtual parent-teacher meetings. In the South Andaman district, the Department of Education started online teaching through Google Meet for a few selected schools. The initiative received a positive response from the students and parents. Afterward, the government planned to expand this initiative in other zones of these islands where net connectivity is available.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a free web service of Google for all schools that wants to provide education digitally. While Google Meet is the virtual room where students meet and collaborate, Google Classroom stores courses, assignments, and lectures. In Maharashtra, Pune, the local government conducted Google Classroom training for all teachers online with the help of Google for Education through the State Council for Educational Research and Training. As part of the initiative to improve the teaching-learning process, 40,000 teachers in the state have been provided with free G Suite IDs. The IDs will allow teachers to create and share files, spreadsheets, and documents for better student learning.
Google Forms
Google Forms is a free online tool that can help engage students in the learning process, improve their class participation, and provide teachers with a way to evaluate their learning. Andhra Pradesh has created a Google form to collect the work done statement of the teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic time. Moreover, teachers regularly upload their work, such as correcting the student’s workbooks, remedial education according to the alternative academic calendar, etc. Meanwhile, the home assignments were provided and evaluated using Google forms for students.
Having the right tools is always a great way to make any class more educational. With all of Google's tools, students and teachers can stay connected, collaborate, and study together, no matter how far away they are from each other.
Image credit: iStockphoto/Indrajit Guha
