Google classroom - An effective tool for online teaching and learning in this COVID era

Abstract

Background: Nationwide lockdown due to corona virus pandemic compelled the medical colleges to conduct online classes to compensate for the loss of academic period. Among all the available apps, Google classroom was found to be more user friendly app with many built in features. After using one month of Google classroom app in the department of Forensic medicine, a feedback survey was done to know the effectiveness of online classes and in particular about the advantages and disadvantages of Google classroom as a tool for teaching and learning online. Material and Methods: A Questionnaire which had both objective and open ended questions was administered to 150 phase II MBBS students who underwent online classes conducted by department of Forensic Medicine and 6 instructors who took classes. Results: Students felt that undergoing online classes was the best way of utilizing lockdown time (54%). Both students and teachers found the app very user-friendly and easy to navigate. Students felt that, using anytime anywhere (68%), interaction through private comment section (90%), getting the constructive feedback (86%) and material available for revision all the time (84%) were the advantages of Google classroom. While teachers found, tracking of assignment, grading system and record keeping as advantages. No automated update option, network issues, No search option and No integration were few disadvantages quoted by students and teachers. Conclusion: Online classes are the best way of utilizing the lockdown time to make up the loss of academic period. Google classroom is an effective tool for teaching and learning online classes because of its ease of use and features which are both teacher friendly and student friendly.