M6D2: Blog #5: Case Study examining digital tools (Google Classroom & Remind)

    

  Jilly Woodhouse

CURI-6010-B02: New Media and New Literacies

M6D2: Blog #5: Case Study examining digital tools

 

Case Study: Google Classroom and Remind

Overview & User Engagement:
          Google Classroom is a free, web-based learning management system developed by Google, designed to streamline the process of teaching and learning in K–12 education. It allows teachers to create virtual classrooms where they can post assignments, share resources, give quizzes, and manage grades. The platform integrates seamlessly with other Google tools like Docs, Slides, and Drive, making it a one-stop hub for digital learning. Teachers engage with the platform to organize coursework and provide feedback, while students use it to access lessons, complete and submit work, and communicate with their teachers. Parents, while not given direct access to the platform, can opt to receive email summaries about their child’s assignments and progress, keeping them informed and engaged in their child’s education. The platform also includes a “Stream” section, where teachers can post updates and students can comment or ask questions, allowing for two-way communication within the class. This combination of group and one-on-one communication makes Google Classroom an effective tool for managing classroom interactions and fostering ongoing engagement among all participants (Google, 2025).

Influence on Communication, Learning, and Safety:
            Google Classroom significantly shapes how communication occurs in K–12 settings by shifting it from face-to-face interactions to a structured, digital format. Teachers can post announcements or feedback that all students see, or send private comments to individuals, promoting clear and efficient communication. The platform encourages collaboration through shared documents and group assignments, while also influencing how students consume information, by allowing them to access resources, videos, and readings anytime, anywhere. Positively, it supports differentiated learning and increases student accountability. However, reliance on digital tools may reduce in-person interactions and challenge students who struggle with self-motivation or access to devices. In terms of privacy and safety, Google Classroom adheres to strict security protocols and complies with laws like Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and Family, Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), but schools must still ensure that students use the platform responsibly and that personal information is safeguarded, especially when used by younger learners (Google, 2025).

Overview & User Engagement:
            Remind is a communication platform specifically designed for education, enabling safe and efficient messaging between teachers, students, and parents. Its primary function within the K–12 landscape is to simplify school-to-home communication by allowing teachers to send real-time updates, reminders, announcements, and attachments directly to students’ and parents’ phones or devices. Teachers engage with Remind to communicate about assignments, class events, and schedule changes without needing to share personal contact information. Students can receive one-way messages or respond in limited formats when enabled, helping them stay on top of deadlines and expectations. Parents benefit from timely notifications that keep them informed about their child’s academic responsibilities and school activities, strengthening the home-school connection. Messages can include text, images, or links, and the platform supports translation into multiple languages, making it accessible for diverse families. Its simplicity and mobile access make it a popular choice for maintaining consistent and clear communication outside of classroom hours (Remind, 2019).

Influence on Communication, Learning & Safety:
            Remind alters traditional communication by making it more immediate, concise, and mobile-friendly. It supports short, text-like messages that foster regular, low-effort engagement from all parties, especially useful for families with limited time or language barriers through the automatic translation features. This format enhances information access by delivering bite-sized updates, links, and attachments directly to users’ devices. In terms of learning, Remind boosts student accountability and parent involvement, both of which positively impact academic performance. However, its focus on brief messaging may limit deeper educational interaction and relies on consistent device access. Regarding privacy and safety, Remind complies with Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and Family, Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), offering secure communication without revealing personal phone numbers. Still, schools must ensure appropriate use policies are followed, especially to prevent overuse or misuse in younger student populations (Remind, 2019).

Required Literacy

                Google Classroom requires users to have digital literacy skills that include navigating online platforms, managing digital documents, and understanding how to participate in virtual classrooms responsibly. Students must be able to access assignments, submit work electronically, and engage with feedback using tools like Google Docs or Slides. Teachers need to skillfully organize course materials, communicate clearly through posts and comments, and manage student submissions efficiently. Parents benefit from basic digital literacy to interpret email summaries and support their children’s use of the platform. Beyond technical skills, critical literacy is essential where users must evaluate digital content, respect online etiquette, and maintain academic honesty. These literacies ensure that interactions on Google Classroom are meaningful, respectful, and productive, promoting a safe and effective learning environment.

                Like Google classroom, Remind demands communication literacy and digital etiquette to ensure effective and responsible interactions among students, teachers, and parents. Users must understand how to send and receive brief, clear messages and recognize the importance of concise communication in maintaining engagement without causing information overload. Students need to respond appropriately when allowed, while teachers must balance promptness with professionalism in their announcements and replies. Parents should be literate in interpreting notifications and using translation features if necessary to stay informed. Importantly, all users must be aware of privacy concerns, such as not sharing sensitive personal information and understanding the boundaries between school communication and personal conversations. Developing these literacies helps prevent misunderstandings, protects user privacy, and fosters a respectful communication culture that supports learning and community-building.

Implications 

              Google Classroom and Remind have significant implications for K–12 education by supporting key educational goals such as enhancing communication, fostering student engagement, and organizing learning efficiently. Google Classroom aligns well with goals around personalized learning and collaboration by allowing teachers to share resources, assign work, and give timely feedback all in one digital space. It helps students develop digital skills and take more responsibility for their learning. Remind complements this by facilitating quick, clear communication between teachers, students, and parents, ensuring that important information and reminders reach families promptly. Educators can use these platforms to create a more connected and responsive learning environment, tailoring instruction and support to meet student needs. Parents play a vital role by monitoring updates on these platforms, encouraging their children to stay on task, and communicating with teachers when needed. Together, Google Classroom and Remind help bridge the home-school gap, supporting students’ success both in and outside the classroom.

             For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools like those in the New York  District of Education used Google Classroom extensively to deliver lessons, distribute assignments, and hold virtual discussions when in-person classes were paused. Teachers uploaded video lessons and interactive quizzes, allowing students to learn at their own pace while staying connected. On the other hand, schools rely on Remind to send real-time updates to parents and students, including reminders about virtual learning schedules, meal pickups, or emergency alerts. Teachers use Remind to quickly communicate last-minute changes or motivate students with encouraging messages. Parents play a critical role by regularly checking Google Classroom to track their child’s homework and using Remind to stay informed, especially when language barriers exist. These real-world uses show how both platforms help create a supportive, organized, and connected learning environment that extends beyond the classroom walls.

References

Google. (2025). Classroom management tools & resources. Google for Education. https://edu.google.com/intl/ALL_us/workspace-for-education/products/classroom/

Remind. (2019). Remind. Remind. https://www.remind.com/

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