Issue 46: 10 Ways Google Classroom Can Transform Your Online Academy (For Free!)

Have you ever found yourself lost in the sea of options for managing an online academy, wondering if there’s a simple, effective tool to get started?" As someone who’s spent years teaching and guiding beauty, spa, and wellness educators, I know the struggle of trying to find the perfect platform to organise your courses. Learning management systems (LMS) can feel overwhelming—too many features, hefty costs, or just not the right fit. But there’s one tool I keep coming back to: Google Classroom.

Let me say this upfront: Google Classroom is one of the most underrated tools out there. It doesn’t get nearly enough credit for how user-friendly and effective it is, especially for educators just starting out. That’s why, in my recent 4-part video series on how to kickstart your online academy, I spotlighted Google Classroom as the ultimate tool to get started. Not only is it completely free, but it’s also a powerhouse for managing learners, assignments, and communication—all in one place.

In this article, I’ll share 10 ways Google Classroom can help you transform your online academy and why it’s perfect for beauty, spa, and wellness educators.

1. Create and Organise Courses

When I first started using Google Classroom, I was amazed by how simple it was to create and organise my courses. I can set up separate classes for each topic or module, making it easy for my learners to navigate. The ability to categorise everything—assignments, materials, and announcements—by topic keeps my classroom structured and clear.

For me, this is a game-changer when managing multiple courses. With just a few clicks, I’ve created a visually intuitive space where learners can find everything they need without feeling overwhelmed.

?? Watch my video: How to Create and Host a Course on Google Classroom

2. Upload and Share Learning Materials

One of my favourite features is how effortlessly I can upload and share materials with my learners. Whether it’s a PDF, a video, or a link to an external resource, Google Classroom makes it easy to keep everything in one place.

For example, I’ve used this feature to share detailed product knowledge sheets and step-by-step guides for spa treatments. Learners appreciate having everything at their fingertips, and it’s a relief knowing I don’t have to email materials separately. Plus, with the seamless integration with Google Drive, updating resources is quick and stress-free.

3. Schedule Assignments

Scheduling assignments in Google Classroom has been a lifesaver for me. I can prepare tasks in advance and set specific due dates, ensuring my learners stay on track. It’s incredibly satisfying to know that once I’ve scheduled an assignment, everything runs automatically—from notifications to reminders.

I’ve also found the ability to attach videos, documents, and quizzes to assignments particularly useful. For example, I’ve used it to assign quizzes on anatomy and safety protocols, complete with supporting documents to guide my learners. It saves me time and helps learners stay focused.

?? Learn how to use this feature in my video: How to Create Assignments with Rubrics in Google Classroom.

4. Design Rubrics for Assessments

I love how Google Classroom makes it simple to create rubrics for assignments. With its drag-and-drop interface, I can quickly customise rubrics to match the specific criteria I want to assess. This has been a game-changer for providing clear expectations to my learners.

For example, I use rubrics to evaluate practical skills in spa treatments, where I outline levels like "Outstanding" or "Needs Improvement" with detailed descriptions. It ensures consistency and transparency, which my learners really appreciate.

?? Dive deeper into my video: How to Create Assignments with Rubrics in Google Classroom.

5. Streamline Communication

One of the features I rely on the most is Google Classroom’s communication tools. The announcement feature and class comments make it so easy to keep everyone informed. I use the "Stream" feature to post updates, reminders, or answer questions in real time.

For example, I’ve used it to remind learners about upcoming deadlines or to share additional resources for challenging topics. The ability to moderate comments or allow open discussions creates a collaborative and supportive learning environment tailored to my teaching style.

6. Track Student Progress

The Gradebook feature in Google Classroom has been incredibly helpful for keeping tabs on how my learners are performing. I can easily monitor submissions, grades, and progress, which helps me identify who might need extra support.

For instance, when teaching anatomy or client communication techniques, I’ve used this data to adjust my approach for learners who might be struggling. It’s also rewarding to see when someone is excelling, and I can provide positive reinforcement to keep them motivated.

7. Provide Personalised Feedback

One of the features I love most about Google Classroom is how easy it is to provide personalised feedback. I can comment directly on assignments, offering constructive advice and pointing out areas for improvement.

The private feedback option ensures my learners feel supported without comparing themselves to others. For example, I use this to provide detailed notes on a learner’s technique in a spa treatment demonstration or suggest alternative approaches for written assignments. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make a big impact.

8. Automate Grading

I’ve found that Google Classroom’s auto-marking quizzes are a fantastic time-saver. Setting them up with multiple-choice or true/false questions allows me to provide instant results for my learners. Not only does this save me hours of manual grading, but it also ensures consistency and accuracy every time.

I often use these quizzes for quick knowledge checks on topics like product ingredients, safety protocols, or anatomy facts. The instant feedback helps my learners identify areas they need to work on straight away, making it an invaluable tool in my teaching.

9. Collaborate with Co-Teachers

One of the most helpful features for larger academies or collaborative teaching is the ability to add co-teachers. I’ve worked with co-teachers in courses, and it’s made sharing responsibilities so much easier.

For example, while teaching the Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training to spa and wellness professionals, I focused on the leadership and management aspects, while my co-teacher handled the practical elements of spa operations. Similarly, when delivering a course on spa management, I concentrated on strategic planning and staff leadership, leaving detailed operational content to my co-teacher. This approach not only lightened the workload but also provided learners with a richer and more diverse educational experience. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

10. Seamless Integration with Google Tools

Google Classroom’s integration with other Google tools like Docs, Slides, and Sheets has been a game-changer for me. I often create interactive assignments or collaborative projects that learners can work on directly in Google Drive.

For example, I’ve had students collaborate on a skincare product research project using Google Sheets or create a group presentation on spa management techniques in Slides. Everything is seamlessly connected, making the learning experience smooth and efficient for learners and educators.

Bonus: Turn On the Originality Report Feature

One feature I’ve used over the last three years is the originality report for assignments. It’s like having a built-in plagiarism checker, similar to Turnitin. This tool helps me ensure that the work submitted by learners is original by comparing it to online sources and documents.

I’ve used this for written tasks like essays and reflective journals to encourage learners to produce their own work. It’s worth noting that the free version only allows you to use it on 5 assignments, but even so, it’s a great way to maintain academic integrity in my courses.

Why Google Classroom Deserves More Attention

Google Classroom’s simplicity and functionality make it an incredible option for educators, especially those in the beauty, spa, and wellness fields. However, one thing to keep in mind is that Google Classroom is not designed for commercial use—you can’t sell courses directly through the platform. Instead, it’s a powerful tool for managing communication, tracking learner progress, and organising your virtual classroom.

If you’re hesitant about diving into more expensive LMS platforms, Google Classroom is a fantastic place to start. It’s free, intuitive, and adaptable to your needs as an educator.

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Catch up on my 4-part series on Kickstarting Your Beauty Wellness Academy with Google Classroom:

Part 1: 5 Decisions to Make Before Starting An Online Beauty and Wellness Academy

Part 2: How to Use Google Classroom to Manage a Beauty Wellness Academy

Part 3: How to Use Google Classroom to Create and Host Your Course.

Part 4: How to Create Assignments and Rubrics in Google Classroom