Remote learning

[LuciferMorningstar]

Hi all,

 

First time post! We are looking at how we can improve our remote learning environment, we currently use Google classroom but are looking at the possibility of moving to Microsoft teams. Has anyone any first hand knowledge of using both and which is preferred both for the management and end user experience?

 

Thanks in advance.

[dmj]

I've used both in two different educational settings.

IMO Teams is much more geared towards business and Classroom is very much focused on schools. I preferred Teams for chat and videoconferencing, but Classroom wins handsdown for things like homework submission and remote classrooms.

 

The management of both was effectively a non issue because they can both be configured automatically using API's and I rarely needed to touch anything.

[3s-gtech]

We have both, automatically synced and managed so they run side-by-side. The Google side doesn’t get much use but our Chromebooks plug into it all, and if any staff start who prefer GC they’re welcome to do so.

[jmak]

I set up Google and Microsoft tenancies purely for interest when the first free offering for schools came out.

 

I then started sneaking functions into general use - the school website was a Google Site and we used forms and I ran various office systems based on Google Apps and introduced Chromebooks successfully.

 

We made the decision to start a move to "the cloud" in about 2017 and I presented both options but recommended Google. At the time it wasn't quite as full featured as a hybrid MS solution, but it was much simpler to manage and I still think it has a better user experience. The school chose Microsoft because they believed it would be more familiar.

 

Where I work now we have both and people are free to choose, but Google seems to be withering away. I still think it's more straightforward for users - Google Drive for Desktop integrates better than any of the mess of solutions that MS has and while their productivity apps don't have all features of the MS desktop apps, they do 99% of what 99% of users need.

 

In your situation, I'd want specific examples of things that can't be done or are difficult in Google Workspace. MS does offer extra features, but unless you need them I still think Google works better and is easier to manage.

[jthompson]

GC has been getting some nice additional features of late, so it does feel like Google are still interested in pushing it forward.

 

It's obviously designed for teaching and learning workflows, with a deliberately simple, focussed UI. Guardian features could be better, though.

 

IMHO Teams is a hot mess of a UI, and I've written it off almost on that basis alone.

[LuciferMorningstar]

Thanks, the vast majority of teaching staff seem happy with GC but a lot of the senior staff prefer teams. Its a difficult one and either way it seems someone will be upset about the decision. We don't want to use both side by side, its either one or the other.

 

Its the usability bit that bothers me the most as MS always seem to complicate things, whereas Google is easier and cleaner for the end user. A lot of staff aren't tech savvy so if its easier to use then its easier to get them onboard and using it to the benefit of the students who need remote learning.

[LuciferMorningstar]

GC has been getting some nice additional features of late, so it does feel like Google are still interested in pushing it forward.

 

It's obviously designed for teaching and learning workflows, with a deliberately simple, focussed UI. Guardian features could be better, though.

 

IMHO Teams is a hot mess of a UI, and I've written it off almost on that basis alone.

 

I agree and I have been fighting against moving away from GC but the powers that be are constantly trying to push the MS route.

[dmj]

I agree and I have been fighting against moving away from GC but the powers that be are constantly trying to push the MS route.

 

MS products are rarely chosen on technical merit.

[jmak]

We've been free to choose what we use, but a couple of months ago were told to get our Google Drive storage within the free allowance by this weekend. We've just been told not to worry now that MS and Amazon have announced similar quotas.

[mavhc]

Microsoft mixes up OneNote and Teams and Sharepoint to try to cobble together something for teaching. The essential "Students edit their own version of the assignment file" is hidden under "More Options" for some bizarre reason. And OneNote is a complete mess, if not mostly dead.

 

Google classroom is specifically designed for class use

[highsky]

Yes, if SLT care dor the teachers and students experience between them two products Google Classroom is a more mature product.

For automation Salamander can do both, Wonde used to do only GC.

Not sure if Google sync can do it too.

 

The only pain point, if you are a gui person, was the admin part of it.

Saying that i haven't been supporting it in the last few months so can't tell if this has improved.

[jthompson]

The only pain point, if you are a gui person, was the admin part of it.

Saying that i haven't been supporting it in the last few months so can't tell if this has improved.

 

The Visit a class feature that was added in the summer is handy for IT support, pastoral and subject leads. https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2023/06/visit-class-google-classroom.html