Consolidated Experience in using Google Classroom Platform within University of Bucharest
Bogdan Logofatu, University of Bucharest (Romania)
Dumitru Dan Burdescu, University of Craiova (Romania)
Alina Branescu, Universitatea din Bucuresti (Romania)
Andreea Maria Visan, University of Bucharest (Romania)
Abstract
The acronym DDLUB will be used to identify the Department for Distance Learning of the University of Bucharest, Romania. The University of Bucharest, established in 1864, has been actively contributing to the development and modernization of Romanian education, science and culture. The DDLUB Department was established in 1999, based on the University’s Senate Decision, with responsibilities in designing, implementing and developing the distance learning system (acronym DL) within University of Bucharest.
Since its foundation (almost 17 years ago), DDLUB was continuously focused on promoting the digital technologies in education. A remarkable initiative was the implementation of LMS-GAFE and Google Classroom platform in order to support the communication and collaboration between academic staff and students within University of Bucharest. The Google Classroom platform was launched in August 2014 and we implement it and operated, starting with the academic year 2014-2016.
Chapter 1 will present past DDLUB milestones in using digital technologies. The first virtual campus was created, implemented and operated starting with 2003; the software application was developed based Visual Studio Microsoft.Net; we had also Moodle and Dokeos implementation.
Chapter 2 is dedicated to the period 2010-2015. Starting with 2010 we migrated towards Google Apps suite of applications /platforms which were provided free of charge for education.
In November 2014 we obtained access to GAFE – Google Apps for Education, including Google Classroom platform. Having 17 months of experience, we strongly recommend the use of these platforms within HE institution, especially in Romania.
Chapter 3 will outline the academic activities that will be conducted through Google Classrooms. Article ends with authors' conclusions that could be taken into consideration as recommendations for academic staff and HE decision makers.