Google Classroom

I like using Google Classroom and I know it is a pretty popular choice. But it isn’t the only option out there if you find that it isn’t doing what you want it to do, or you are having troubles using it. I have found a few Google Classroom alternatives that you can check out.

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Here are a few of the learning management, virtual learning options that I have found that others are using instead of Google Classroom.

Google Classroom Alternatives

Blackboard Learn

Blackboard Learn Ultra has been redesigned with a modern, intuitive, fully responsive interface, Blackboard Learn now delivery a simpler, more powerful teaching and learning experience that goes beyond the traditional learning management system (LMS).

From what I can tell, there is no fee for using this platform. You do need to request a trial, which I did not do.

Edmodo

Edmodo is an educational technology company offering a communication, collaboration, and coaching platform to K-12 schools and teachers. The Edmodo network enables teachers to share content, distribute quizzes, assignments, and manage communication with students, colleagues, and parents.

From what I can tell, there is no fee, and it looks easy to set up and use. They include videos on how to go through the steps which is always helpful.

Showbie

I think that this could be used by homeschoolers. There are a couple different plans, the free plan would limit you in ways that Google Classroom does not.

Options that Aren’t for Homeschoolers

Learning platforms that you may have heard of and wonder if they are right for you.

Moodle

This is not a website for you to use, but a software that you can download, and install on your own server. I do not think that this is something homeschoolers would want to use.

It is free.

i-Ready

i‑Ready is not sold for homeschool or private home use. I only included it here because I have been asked and seen the question out there before.

PowerSchool

I believe through my own searching that this is only available to schools and not homeschoolers.

Schoology

I believe through my own searching that this is only available to schools and not homeschoolers.

Similar posts you may be interested in:

Google Classroom in Your Homeschool

Daily Assignment Pages for Google Classroom & Slides

How to Set up Google Classroom for Homeschool

There are so many benefits to using Google Classroom in your homeschool. It is a relative easy way to share lessons with your kids. It’s an easy way to plan lessons, and to save lessons for other years for other learners as they move up into higher grades.

How to Use Google Classroom in your Homeschool

This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy for more information.

If your kids are like mine, they love to use technology. They love using the computer, or their tablets, if doesn’t seem to matter what they are doing.

Planning & Scheduling Lessons in Google Classroom

Whether you are a stay at home, homeschooling mom or a working homeschooling mom, having all our lessons in one place can be a time and energy saver.

You can create you classroom full of lessons for the day or the week, or even the whole year if you’d like. You can sit down and do your planning, your scheduling for each lesson, for each subject at one time. Maybe you can use this to always be one step ahead.

Then you can schedule when your child is suppose to do the work, and when the work is due to be finished.

Bonus: Reuse these lessons for younger students later on.

Link to Other Content

You can link to other, outside if you will content. You have the ability to link to YouTube videos, and other websites for each lesson that you create. No more having a list of bookmarks and hoping that your child uses the right one.

Testing

Google Classroom allows you to create open ended, or multiple choice questions in their testing feature.

Use Google Classroom for Your Homeschool to Budget

This is a great way to stretch your homeschool budget. Digital products in general are a great way to stretch your budget, as they tend to be lower priced, and you can reuse the material.

Track Your Child’s Progress

You can see when your child has last been active in the classroom. You can set dates for when you child can work on an assignment, but you can also set a due date for assignments. There is also the option to reduce the last minute rush to complete assignments by sending reminders in the days prior to the due date.

Google Classroom also makes keeping track of grades a breeze. This is especially handy if you need to report to a school board, or for creating a transcript.

Complete Customization

All your lessons are able to be completely customized to your needs and wants. We are able to add images to the lessons, whether they are for writing prompts, or as examples, or just to add a pop of color and fun, and interest to your lessons.

Create your own class header image, similar to Facebook header/cover images to make each class have it’s own look.

Google Classroom gives you the ability to create a digital curriculum of your own. Or to add a digital element to your print curriculum. You can create these lessons once, and have them set up for future use.

Setting Up Google Classroom for Your Kids

Setting up your child on Google Classroom is easier than it might seem. They will need a Gmail account (email) but that is easy to set up, and you don’t have to let them have access to it for anything other than school.

Once your child in the classroom, they can use this code to join the class. OR You can invite/add them to the class, in this setting:

The ability to use your Google Drive account, and all the Google suite including Google Slides, Google Sheets, etc, is a bonus. You can create the slide shows, buy slideshows for your children, or have them create their own.

There are so many different ways to use Google Classroom in your homeschool. Homeschool parents can be resourceful and this is just another tool to use, and make work for your homeschool. At no cost to you.

This is all available to you to use for free. It does have a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really quite easy to use and can save you time in the long run.

Recommended Products

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