Navigating Networked Communities and Digital Ecologies

Teaching middle school technology means being in the middle of constant online motion, between tabs, tools, and teenage curiosity. My students aren’t just using devices, they’re growing up in digital spaces where every click, comment, and upload shapes how they connect, learn, and express themselves. My role goes beyond teaching how to use tech, it's about helping them navigate it thoughtfully and responsibly. Two platforms that we use all the time are Google Classroom and Remind. One keeps our lessons and assignments organized, the other helps us stay in touch when life gets busy. These tools are more than just helpful, they make my classroom run smoother.

Google Classroom is a free, learning management system developed by Google for educational settings. Kaukab and Nayab (2018) writes, “Google Classroom can be used as a blended learning tool to elevate classroom productivity” It allows teachers to create, distribute, and grade assignments in a fully digital environment. It connects easily with tools like Google Docs, Drive, and Meet, making it simpler for teachers and students to stay organized and communicate in a digital learning environment. 

(Picture of Google Classroom Icon)

In my classroom, I use Google Classroom to post assignments, resources, give feedback, and communicate with students. They turn in assignments, ask questions in the comments, and even tag me when they’re stuck on something. What I love most is that it gives my students the flexibility to work at their own pace, revisit instructions, and engage in class discussions without the pressure of raising their hand in front of everyone. Parents can opt in for guardian summaries, which has helped me be able to have more conversations with parents about schoolwork, especially for those who don’t always hear much from their kids.

(Image of what a Google Classroom could look like)

Google Classroom shapes the way teachers and students communicate. It encourages clear, concise, and often more formal communication, whether through private comments on assignments, class announcements, or discussion threads. Because it allows for asynchronous interaction, students have more flexibility to ask questions or turn in work on their own time. This structure also helps reinforce norms around academic digital communication, including tone, etiquette, and professionalism.

(Tech & Learning. (n.d.))

The platform also impacts how students consume information. Materials such as videos, articles, and links are typically organized into topic-based threads, encouraging students to scan, annotate, and manage digital content efficiently. However, if students are not taught how to critically evaluate the resources provided, there’s a risk they may engage with content on a surface level rather than diving deeper into meaningful inquiry. I spend an entire mini-unit teaching my students on how to use Google Classroom effectively, and I have found that this helps my students, and me so much.

There are several clear benefits to using Google Classroom, including increased access to resources, better organization for students, opportunities for differentiated instruction, and the ability to provide timely, individualized feedback. However, some challenges do remain, such as,  students can get tired of too much screen time, lose focus when there's not enough interaction, or become disengaged if learning isn't active and creative.

In terms of privacy and safety, the Google Privacy policy states, “Google for Education provides industry-leading education technology that helps create a safer digital learning environment for every school, every classroom, and every student.” This helps to protect students' data. Still, privacy concerns can still come up, especially when outside apps are added without proper review. As teachers, we need to monitor student interactions, and our schools must make sure accounts and settings are managed securely.

To use Google Classroom effectively, students, teachers, and parents must develop certain digital literacies. Whether it’s keeping files organized by class period, subject, or unit, being thoughtful about how we communicate, or knowing how to stay safe online, these digital literacies are essential for meaningful learning.

Overall, Google Classroom helps make learning more personalized, gives students equal access to materials, and keeps communication flowing between teachers and students. But it’s most effective when teachers use it creatively and with purpose, not just for sharing work, but for building real engagement. Parents also have an important role in supporting time management and encouraging student independence.

The next platform I want to talk about is the Remind app. I first started using Remind this year, and it has become such a staple in our school. We use the Remind app for Monday messages, keeping in touch when we're on field trips, and so much more. Remind allows me to send quick, clear updates directly to students and their families through text messages. I can schedule announcements, share last-minute changes, and even send encouragement notes to parents when their students do something positive. Robinson P. and Robinson Z. Note “As we usher in new styles of teaching and learning, social media and memes, in particular, can foster just-in-time teaching related strategies and help personalize and customize collaborative learning opportunities for every learner in an increasingly connected world.”  Sometimes on a random morning I will send a funny meme to my students to get them ready for the day. What’s great is that parents don’t need to download the app or check their email constantly, they get the messages straight to their phones, which makes it incredibly accessible, especially for busy families or those who don’t speak English as their first language (Remind has automatic translators). 

(Picture of Remind app icon)

Remind shapes communication in a very effective way. Remind is for fast, informal, but still professional interaction. It’s helped me build stronger connections with families who might not otherwise feel comfortable reaching out. For my students, it’s a simple way to remind them about due dates, which I have found has made a difference. It is not used for academic content, but Remind definitely supports my student’s success. I truly think it has helped my students become more responsible simply because they’re getting consistent reminders about deadlines. It is such a helpful tool to constantly bug my students about due dates. For families, especially those who have multiple kids or tough work schedules, these messages make it easier to stay in the loop and support learning at home.

(SmartSocial.com.)

Like with any tech tool, there are some boundaries I’ve had to set. Remind does a great job when it comes to privacy, phone numbers stay hidden, and everything is logged, but I’ve learned it’s important to be clear about when and how I’ll respond. I make sure families know I won’t be replying late at night, and that our communication stays focused on supporting students. Still, it’s comforting to know that all of this happens in a safe, secure space.

Using Remind well requires its own kind of digital literacy, not just for students, but for parents and teachers, too. Families need to be able to read quick messages and pick up on tone and purpose. If students message me back, they have to understand how to use that privilege responsibly. On my end, I have to make sure my communication is clear, respectful, and consistent.

What I really value about Remind is how it strengthens my connection with my students and their families. It is a reliable tool that is easy for students and families to use. It helps me build trust with families, clear up miscommunication before it becomes a problem, and keep the lines open between school and home. When used with care, it goes beyond messaging, it becomes a way to build real relationships.

Both Google Classroom and Remind play important roles in K–12 education. Google Classroom supports academic organization and content management, while Remind enhances communication and accountability. Together, they require a range of literacies, technical, informational, and social, that students, teachers, and parents must develop to participate meaningfully and safely in digital learning environments.

References

Azhar, K. A., & Iqbal, N. (2018). Effectiveness of Google Classroom: Teachers’ perceptions. Prizren Social Science Journal, 2(2).

Robinson, Z. Z., & Robinson, P. A. (2021). Using social media tools for promoting critical literacy skills in the classroom. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED611606.pdf

SmartSocial.com. (2023, March 13). Remind app guide: What parents, educators, & students need to know. https://www.smartsocial.com/post/remind-app

Tech & Learning. (n.d.). These are the new Google for Education features teachers need to know about. https://www.techlearning.com/news/these-are-the-new-google-for-education-features-teachers-need-to-know-about

Google Support. (n.d.). About Google Classroom. https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/answer/10467843?hl=en