Teachers perceptions of google classroom: Revealing urgency for teacher professional learning

Abstract

As the use of educational technology is at the forefront of today’s educational revolution, it is imperative that educators are employing online learning environments such as Google Classroom to enhance 21st century pedagogy and student learning. This mixed method research study consisted of an online survey and interviews from K-12 educators in a small rural school district. The researcher concludes that using Google Classroom as an LMS will assist educators in creating learning environments that boast organization, accessibility, mobility, and 21st century learning skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving, creativity, and technology use. This research reveals continuing gaps between the possibilities of eLearning and the training of teachers to use it and develop their teaching practices within a technological mainstream that moves beyond positivity about its value. The researcher recommends that teachers receive immediate and sustained professional learning regarding the use of Google Classroom. This learning should focus on the pedagogical side of technology integration to enhance 21st century learning.