M6: Blog Post 5

Case Study 1: Google Classroom

Platform Overview

In the K-12 education system, one widely used platform is Google Classroom. It is used for communication, assignments, and resource sharing between teachers, students, and parents. Google Classroom has digital features such as Google Docs, Google Drive, and Google Meet, facilitating classroom management, collaboration, and content delivery. Teachers use this platform to create assignments, post announcements, provide feedback, and grade students’ work (Moonma, 2021). On the other hand, students can submit their assignments using Google Classroom and access classroom resources. Parents can view their children’s academic progress and receive notifications on assignments, upcoming events, and deadlines.

User Engagement

Teachers, students, and parents relying on Google Classroom benefit from its engagement ability since it facilitates efficient communication and collaboration. Google Classroom is instrumental when assigning work, engaging students with multimedia resources, and giving timely feedback. Students can use this platform to complete their assignments, join group discussions, and submit their work. Besides, students can raise questions for clarification on this platform through private comments or class-wide announcements. Google Classroom is also beneficial to parents as it engages them through invite-only access where they can follow their children’s progress and grades. Google Classroom fosters a transparent and supportive learning environment.

Influence on Communication

Unlike traditional communication, Google Classroom provides a written, asynchronous environment that ensures clarity and organization. Teachers can communicate with students using messages and offer effective feedback since the platform supports them. Google Classroom is excellent for communication since it is based on written communication, which improves clarity and limits spontaneous dialogue (Moonma, 2021). The platform also encourages students to construct thoughtful responses.

Information Consumption

Google Classroom influences information consumption because it makes resources more accessible and organized. This platform allows instructors to post assignments, videos, readings, and other vital resources. Students can access these resources at their own pace. Therefore, Google Classroom supports self-directed learning since students can revisit materials and collaborate asynchronously. However, as Noah and Gbemisola (2020) posit, students must have digital literacy skills to navigate this platform. Without digital skills, students can struggle with independent online learning.

Impact on Learning

Using Google Classroom is beneficial and disadvantageous, depending on how it is applied. On the one hand, Google Classroom promotes organization and allows students to track their assignments and deadlines. Google Classroom improves time management and accountability. Besides, parents have a chance to also track the progress of their children in school. On the other hand, using Google Classroom can disadvantage students with limited tech skills and experience. Issues such as unstable internet, lack of internet access, and familiarity with its use can limit some students and parents.

Privacy and Safety

Google Classroom is one of the safest digital platforms to use in the classroom. The platform adheres to privacy and safety standards and is guided by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Teachers, parents, and students’ data is protected, and access is controlled to ensure that only authorized persons can access and view information (Noah & Gbemisola, 2020). However, users should practice safe access by being vigilant in managing access permissions to ensure no third-party applications are integrated into the platform.

Required Guidelines

The use of this platform requires users to have specific literacies. Teachers, parents, and students need digital literacy to understand how the platform works. Users should be proficient in setting assignments, submitting assignments, grading, and accessing resources. Besides, users need media literacy (Moonma, 2021). Students should be able to access the quality and credibility of online resources on this platform. Also, users need privacy literacy. They should understand that personal information shared and protected on the platform is vital.

Impacts for K-12 Education

Google Classroom aligns with many educational goals. For instance, the platform enhances communication, collaboration, and organization of learning materials. Instructors can use the platform to share engaging and interactive resources that support learning. Parents can use the platform to support their children’s learning by monitoring their progress. If well utilized, the platform can be instrumental in the general learning for K-12 education.

Case Study 2: ParentSquare

Platform Overview

ParentSquare is another commonly used digital platform in the K-12 education. Like Google Classroom, ParentSquare connects teachers, students, administrators, and parents through a collaborative online environment (Bakon et al., 2024). Educators can rely on this digital platform to create assignments, assign work, conduct assessments, and discuss with students.

                                                                           User Engagement                                         

The platform facilitates active engagement between teachers, students, and parents. This platform also integrates messaging, notification systems, and event management tools for fostering a collaborative environment. Teachers rely on ParentSquare to send class updates, assignments, and reminders on important deadlines. On the other hand, parents rely on this platform to view their children’s academic progress and school events and communicate directly with teachers (Bakon et al., 2024). Parents can also connect and organize events. The platform supports two-way communication, promoting greater parental involvement and ensuring that students have the necessary support at school and home.

Influence on Communication

ParentSquare supports communication through its user-friendly and centralized tool that integrates messaging, alerts, and content sharing. The platform allows teachers and students to post comments and messages, ask questions, and share materials. This promotes open communication and an atmosphere where stakeholders relate like a community. The platform fosters greater student interaction. ParentSquare facilitates both synchronous and asynchronous communication; thus, it enables teachers and parents to connect in real-time or via scheduled messages.

Information Consumption

The platform supports sharing assignments, links, articles, and videos. ParentSquare provides a centralized location for accessing learning materials. Like Google Classroom, ParentSquare allows for asynchronous learning, giving students the flexibility to access resources when convenient (Bakon et al., 2024). Its social media-like features make education fun, although it can distract learning through non-educational posts and discussions.

Impact on Learning

ParentSquare impacts learning by increasing engagement and communication between teachers and parents. Parents have an opportunity to follow up on their children’s progress. The platform allows parents to provide more targeted support. However, it is vital to note that over-reliance on digital tools like ParentSquare can create challenges for families without internet access or less familiar with the technology.

Privacy and Safety

ParentSquare values privacy and complies with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). Teachers and administrators can control who accesses the platform, and they can monitor student and parent activity. However, ParentSquare is not free from attacks since concerns about digital footprints are not new (Smith, 2023). Teachers must be vigilant in setting boundaries to minimize inappropriate content and cyberbullying risks.

Required Literacy

Operating this platform requires users to have specific literacy skills. First, students, teachers, and parents need digital literacy to navigate the platform effectively. Users also need communication literacy since understanding how to communicate appropriately is vital. Students should know when to post publicly and keep the communication private (Smith, 2023). Besides, users need safety and security literacy. They should understand data protection and safe online behavior to avoid inappropriate interactions and cyberbullying.

Implications for K-12 Education

ParentSquare is one of the vital digital tools in the K-12 education. It is a flexible and interactive platform for students and teachers. ParentSquare fosters collaboration and student-centered learning (Aminah et al., 2021). Instructors can use this platform to develop a more social and engaging learning environment where parents stay informed about their children’s academic progress.

                                                                  

References

Bakon, K. A., Beleid, N., & Zakaria, Z. (2024). Parent-Teacher Interaction System: Development of Parent-Teacher Communication and Collaboration System. AlQalam Journal of Medical and Applied Sciences, 963-972. file:///C:/Users/hp/Downloads/963972.pdf

Moonma, J. (2021). Google Classroom: Understanding EFL Students' Attitudes towards Its Use as an Online Learning Platform. English Language Teaching, 14(11), 38-48. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1318087.pdf

Noah, O., & Gbemisola, K. (2020). Impact of Google Classroom as an online learning delivery during COVID-19 Pandemic: The case of a secondary school in Nigeria. Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science, 33(9), 53-61. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358357486_Impact_of_Google_Classroom_as_an_Online_Learning_Delivery_during_COVID-19_Pandemic_The_Case_of_a_Secondary_School_in_Nigeria

Smith, T. (2023). Educating Families to Engage Families in Grades 9-10 of Public Education (Doctoral dissertation, The University of North Dakota). https://commons.und.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6675&context=theses