In August, Google launched Google Classroom, an online resource that allows for organized, paperless exchanges between teachers and students. Starting this year, many CHS teachers have moved away from traditional classroom lessons with the use of the Google Classroom program. This new addition to the curriculum has been met with both positive and negative responses throughout CHS.

“Classroom is based on the principle that educational tools should be simple and easy to use and is designed to give teachers more time to teach and students more time to learn,” said Google Classroom Product Manager Zach Yeskel in a May press release.

Google Classroom allows teachers to create and share assignments with students on a communal assignment page. Students can complete school assignments utilizing Google Docs, Google Slides or Google Sheets. Assignments can be turned in on the assignment page or saved to Google Drive. After an assignment is turned in, teachers can then grade and return the assignment through the program. Many teachers believe that Google Classroom allows for a more efficient grading process as well as an enhanced level of organization in the classroom.

“I have implemented Google classroom not only because I wanted to reduce the hard copy paper trail, but also so that I could provide more effective feedback to students,” said Advanced Placement and Honors United States History teacher Jon Palarz. “I believe I am able to make much more organized comments within a Google Doc and by returning the work through Google Classroom than I am with my own handwriting squeezed in the margins.”

Some students find the use of the Google Classroom program to be counter productive, arguing that the Internet is a portal for distraction while studying and believe that a return to the traditional classroom setting would be beneficial. Nevertheless, many students have found the program to be very helpful. Students have been pleased that some teachers have been providing computers to those that cannot bring their own.

“I enjoy Google Classroom because it makes all the notes we take in class readily available, no matter what computer I am using,” said junior Jill Yazejian.

Students and teachers have various reactions on the implementation of Google Classroom in CHS. However, by improving communication and organization within the classroom through the use of the program, faculty members hope that Google Classroom will generate more efficient studying and increase the students’ abilities to achieve high grades, ultimately leading to a more successful learning environment.