This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
Published on May 9, 2020, Google Classroom has become one of the most preferred online platforms for schools, despite concerns from parents about its safety and effectiveness during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Google Classroom is a free web service that allows teachers to create and grade assignments for their students. The platform is safe for both learners and teachers, according to Google Cloud Lead Oscar Limoke, who said that teachers can lock their classrooms to prevent unauthorized access.
Mr. Limoke explained that teachers create a class and include the emails of all their students, who are then given a classroom code if they are not invited via email. The platform has attracted over 100 million users and allows teachers to add guardians who can monitor their children's learning.
Google Classroom also provides a range of tools, including Google Drive for files, Google Docs for writing, and Google Meet for video conferencing. The platform is accessible without the need for a dedicated app, and teachers can use it to create assignments, grade student work, and track deadlines.
However, the use of online platforms for eLearning has been criticized for being ineffective and insecure. Some schools have suspended their virtual classrooms due to security breaches, and parents have complained about the high costs of equipment and internet connectivity required for online learning.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has extended the closure of schools until June 4, and many institutions have shifted to eLearning to keep learners engaged. While Google Classroom has become a popular choice for schools, its safety and effectiveness remain concerns for parents and educators.
