Critique: Basic use of Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals

Sep 23 / Monica Hill


This critique will provide an evaluation of the free e-learning module, Basic use of Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals, provided by Google for Education. This evaluation will identify elements of instructional design learning theories, and e-learning principles within the module's design. The analysis will provide the module's perceived learning theory, authoring tools, audience, learner needs, intended outcomes, and overall visual effectiveness.

Learning Theory 
After the exploration of the Basic use of Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals e-learning experience, I found the module to be built on learning principles that provide a solid foundation for using Google Workspace in any learning community. The module's primary instructional design principle emphasizes how teachers build on their practical use of knowledge through working with the suite's tools for classroom productivity and collaboration, which is rooted in constructivism, by connecting all members of the learning community; educators, students, and parents for the optimal learning outcome.  

Authoring Tool 
The module appears to be hosted on a LMS (Learning Management System), with a direct pathway via domain link. It has a navigational menu, dividing each lesson into scrollable webpage sections. I assume the authoring tool for the design elements were created using templated HTML format, which is typically the format for course creation capabilities within the LMS. Also, LMS platforms allow Instructional Designers to embed external audio and videos, which Google includes those elements in this module to enhance engagement. 
 
Instructional Design Aspects
The module addresses the need for teachers to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms, manage their time, and communicate with students and parents. It enhances educators' learning outcomes with  fundamental hands-on learning experiences that can be applied in the classroom and beyond. As stated in the article by Ertmer & Newby, "one does not learn to use a set of tools simply by following a list of rules. Appropriate and effective use comes from engaging the learner in the actual use of the tools in real-world situations." This approach aligns with constructivist learning theories. 

Intended Audience & Learner Needs
The module is for educators who want to use Google Workspace in their teaching. It helps them learn the basics of the platform, so they can create engaging and collaborative learning environments. With the completion of the e-learning experience, teachers should feel confident using tools like Google Forms, Docs, Classroom, and Meet to improve how they teach and how students learn. If the ADDIE model was used in designing this module, the Analysis stage would identify the need for educators integrating Google Workspace into their digital instructional strategies. 

Intended Outcomes
The module focuses on organization, communication, and evaluation, showing teachers how to use Google Workspace to create a smooth workflow for themselves and their students. It covers tools like Google Drive for organizing classrooms, Gmail and Meet for communication with teachers, parents, and students, and Google Classroom and Forms for managing student work and tracking progress. Google Sheets is also highlighted for analyzing student growth, and Google Calendar and Tasks for time management.

In conclusion, the Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals module effectively introduces teachers to the platform, focusing on improving classroom organization, communication, and evaluation. While the module achieves clear learning objectives and intended outcomes, the overall visual presentation is quite dry. The corporate color scheme and heavy reliance on text prioritize information delivery but lacks visual engagement.

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