Microsoft Teams vs Google Classroom: Tools, Function and Comparison

Safalta Expert Published by: Aditi Goyal Updated Sat, 15 Apr 2023 07:04 PM IST

Source: Safalta.com

Online education has risen dramatically over the past few years, notably in 2020, thanks to developing technology and situations that call for learning from home. The two most widely used platforms for online learning in schools are Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams.
Just as online Digital Marketing has been on the rise, similarly, online education has also grown in the past few years.

These platforms enable file sharing and communication for online learning. For educational purposes, these platforms are utilized all over the world and act as virtual classrooms. Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams are two well-liked online collaboration tools for teachers. Although they have some similarities, their techniques, functions, and features clearly differ from one another. Let us example both of them in detail:

Table of Contents
Microsoft Teams
Google Classroom
Comparison


Microsoft Teams


Microsoft Teams is a platform in the cloud created by Microsoft that provides both individuals and teams with a variety of tools for interaction, collaboration, and project management. It is a component of the Microsoft O365 toolkit and has grown in popularity as a platform for remote work and online collaboration.

Microsoft Teams is indeed a platform for collaboration that offers a number of tools for project management, communication, and collaboration. It is a feature included in the Microsoft O365 toolkit and has a number of characteristics that render it a flexible tool for both online and face-to-face learning.

Teams provide a wide range of features and abilities, such as:
  • Text and real-time messaging: Teams enable users to chat individually or in groups, facilitating collaboration and real-time communication.
  • Elevated video, as well as audio conferencing, is available through Teams, making it simple to hold online meetings and communicate with team members wherever they may be.
  • File sharing and real-time document collaboration are made possible by Teams, making it simple to collaborate together and ensure everybody is on the same page.
  • Access to all of your work in one place is made simple by Teams' inclusion with the other Microsoft Office 365 apps like SharePoint and OneNote.
  • Teams can be easily customized to meet your unique needs thanks to a variety of customization options, such as the ability to add third-party apps and create custom tabs.

Generally speaking, Microsoft Teams is an effective tool for team collaboration that can support teams in remaining connected and effective, regardless of where they're located.


Tools and Functions:

  • Teams allow for the use of conversation and video conferencing for communication between students and teachers. They can participate in online meetings and work together in real-time.
  • Users can work together on spreadsheets, presentations, and documents in teams. For seamless collaboration, this also aims to integrate with other Microsoft tools like OneNote.
  • File sharing makes it simple to work collaboratively with coworkers or teachers because individuals can collaborate on folders and files within Teams.
  • Assignments and Grading: Within the Teams platform, teachers can create tasks, assign them to students, grade them, and give feedback.
  • Integration with several other Microsoft Office tools: Teams can work seamlessly with many other Microsoft Office tools like SharePoint, OneDrive, and Planner.
 
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Google Classroom


Google introduced Google Classroom, a web learning management system, with schools and other educational institutions in mind. It is made to assist instructors in creating, distributing, and assessing data in a paperless setting. All schools and teachers can use Classroom for free. It is a feature of the Google Working Space for Education toolkit. 

Google Classroom is indeed a browser tool created by Google that makes it easier to distribute files, communicate with students, and give out tasks. It is a component of a Search engine Workspace for Education toolkit and offers a number of characteristics that render it a well-liked option for both teachers and students.

Google Classroom has a wide range of options and features, such as:
  • Simple setup and administration: Teachers can easily create classrooms, consider inviting pupils to join, and control online accounts, class lineups, and permissions.
  • Assignments and grading: Using a rubric or a points-based system, teachers can create and assign tasks, official statements, and questions to students.
  • Collaboration and communication: Via personal remarks, group discussion, and other interactive tools, the classroom makes it simple for students to communicate with one another as well as with teachers.
  • Collaboration with students and teachers on projects and tasks is made simple by Classroom's inclusion with other Google applications such as Drive, Docs, and Sheets.
  • Mobile accessibility: Students and teachers can access Classroom from any location at any time using any mobile device or platform.

In general, Google Classroom is indeed a useful tool for teachers that simplifies the schedules and grading process, promotes teamwork and communication, and aids in building a more effective and interesting learning environment.


Tools and Functions:

  • Google Classroom gives teachers a platform to interact with students in the classroom through articles and announcements.
  • Assignments and Grading: Within the Classroom platform, teachers can create tasks, assign them to students, grade them, and give feedback.
  • Interconnectivity with some other Google tools: For a smooth workflow, Classroom combines with some other Google tools like Google Docs as well as Google Drive.
  • Students are able to quickly access and share documents with one another, as well as with their teachers.
  • Mobile App: Students and teachers can easily connect and stay informed about assignments and announcements with the help of Classroom's mobile app.


Comparison:


Both Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams provide a number of characteristics that make them popular options for education. But there are some significant variations between the two platforms.
  1. Integration: Google Classroom combines with other Google tools, whereas Microsoft Teams incorporates effortlessly with some other Microsoft Office tools. For some users, this may have an impact on the workflow and user experience.
  2. Both platforms support video conferencing, but Microsoft Teams offers more sophisticated features, like the potential to blend pasts, that can be helpful in a digital classroom environment.
  3. Mobile App: Unlike Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom does have a mobile app. This may be a consideration for customers who want mobile access to the platform.
  4. Collaboration: Microsoft Teams provides more sophisticated collaboration features, including real-time document collaboration and OneNote integration.

 
Overall, Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams are effective resources for online and face-to-face learning. Individual requirements, preferences, and the available technology infrastructure will determine which option is best for each person.
 

1. What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform developed by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft 365 suite of productivity tools. It is a unified communication and collaboration tool that enables teams to communicate and collaborate through video and audio conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and more.
 

2. What is Google Classroom?

Google Classroom is an online learning management system developed by Google for use in schools and educational institutions. It is designed to help teachers create, distribute, and grade assignments in a paperless environment.
 

3. What are the main differences between Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom?

The main difference between Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom is their focus. Teams is primarily a communication and collaboration tool for teams, while Google Classroom is primarily an online learning management system for teachers and students. Teams offer a wide range of features for collaboration, including video conferencing and chat, while Google Classroom focuses on assignment creation, distribution, and grading. Additionally, Teams is a part of the Microsoft 365 suite of tools, while Classroom is a part of Google Workspace for education.
 

4. What are some common features of Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom?

Both Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom offer a range of features, including:
  • Integration with other productivity tools (e.g. Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
  • Easy communication and collaboration between team members or students and teachers
  • Mobile access
  • Customization options
  • Ability to create and distribute assignments and announcements

5. Which one is better for online learning, Microsoft Teams or Google Classroom?

Both Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom are powerful tools for online learning, and which one is better depends on the specific needs of the user. If you are primarily focused on collaboration and communication between team members, Microsoft Teams may be the better option. If you are primarily focused on creating and distributing assignments, and grading student work, Google Classroom may be the better option. However, both tools offer a wide range of features that can be used in conjunction with each other to create a more comprehensive online learning environment.