Ideas for Google Classroom in Band

I've written about using Google Classroom before, but I'm seeing more and more conversations about it in places like the Band Director group on Facebook.  On every post from someone using it, there are often people asking in the comments about ways people use it with their groups.  I've been using it for about a couple of years with students and love it!  This is very obviously not an exhaustive list, but here are some ideas and tips for getting started.

Ideas for use:

• Playing Assessments.  Have your students upload videos of themselves playing for you.  No more class time lost to tests and now you can really focus on the student playing.  I check tests from the comfort of my couch and no longer have to keep an eye on the other 50 kids in the class as I try to watch one play.  I can also back videos up, pause, and rewatch to give specific feedback if the student needs help.  What's beautiful is that many of the students will record themselves over and over until they get a good recording which means...they practice!  
• Practice Reflections.  Basically students submit a weekly video of themselves demonstrating progress on a previous goal and setting a new one.  It's been a low key way to check on progress, check for trends, and get students taking more ownership of their learning.
• Listening assignments.  Post a recording from class or a YouTube video for students to write about.  You can have them create their own document to respond to questions or create a template for them to fill in (the template works well for students who may still be figuring out how to use Google Apps).
• Student Choice.  Let your students give ideas for pieces to play.  Post links to recordings or a list of possible choices.  Have them listen and give feedback with things like a Google Form, Padlet Wall, comment on the post, or use GC itself to create a direct question for students to write responses.
• Go Paperless! Save a tree and post everything to GC. Permission slips, reminders, announcements, etc. 

Some tips:

• Start small.  If your students are unfamiliar with Google Apps, keep your first few assignments simple to help them learn how to use it.  This was a mistake I made when starting off and it caused some serious speed bumps.  Don't assume that they know how to use the tech the way you want.
• Encourage BYOT.  Personal devices in class can be a distraction if we let them.  But if we teach our students how to utilize them as the tool they can be, we're promoting responsible tech usage and digital citizenship.  If you're going to have them upload videos, have them bring the device they'll be using to class and try it there.  Between you and other students, they can troubleshoot and get help with different ways to upload.
• Be flexible.  It's going to take some time to get all of your students (and their families) on board.  Our assignments have due dates, but I will take just about anything through the end of the marking period for the chance at full credit.  While much of the reasoning for this is due to my personal philosophy on learning (if they learn the Db scale a few weeks later than others, they're still learning and demonstrating proficiency), it also takes away the anxiety of uncooperative technology.  
• Help parents too. Give paper copies of instructions on things like enrolling or completing assignments. Also, as of August 2016, parents can now enroll for Guardian Summaries! Click here for more information from Google on this helpful feature to keep families in the loop!
• Connect with others. There is a Facebook Group called Google Classroom for Music Teachers where there are a lot of great ideas and resources shared. 

Do you use Google Classroom already?  What are some ways you use it with your performing groups?  Please share in the comments!

If you'd like to learn a little more about the nuts and bolts of Google Classroom, check out this post I did for Band Directors Talk Shop.