The Utilization of Google Classroom As A Means of Blended Learning In 8 th Graders English Learning SMPN 6 Tanjung Pinang

This study examines the utilization of Google Classroom as a web-based learning method in 8th-grade English lessons at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjungpinang. The research used a qualitative descriptive method to analyze teachers’ and students’ issues using Google Classroom. Data were collected from in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and non-participant observation. Results showed that students' perceptions of using Google Classroom were excellent. The first dimension of the study focused on the ease of use, ease of downloading teaching materials, and assignments sent. Around 68% of respondents agreed that Google Classroom was useful for 8th-grade students, increasing learning productivity. The second dimension focused on the effectiveness of Google Classroom, with 44% of respondents agreeing on its ease of use. The third dimension addressed obstacles in using Google Classroom, including internet connection problems, media availability constraints, and student abilities. 24 respondents (47.1%) agreed about network connection constraints, while 29.4% disagreed. The fourth dimension focused on network-related solutions and internet quota solutions. The majority of respondents agreed that finding a new network or seeking help from the school or parents could help overcome these challenges.


INTRODUCTION
Blended learning itself is characterized as the absorption of learning in the classroom with e-learning.In his article, Jordan Khan (2014) states that Google published a specific platform intended as a medium to support the implementation of learning, namely Google Classroom.The Google Classroom feature makes it easy for Teachers to design and organize or design assignments to students easily and quickly, provide direct Journal of Education Research feedback to students effectively, and make interactive communication with students without being limited by space and time Maman et al., (2021).
Google Classroom is considered the best platform for improving teacher performance.Students can also make good use of the Google Classroom facilities.With the high requests on teachers to proceed with the educating and learning measure, teachers additionally utilize internet instructing media like Google Classroom or other media to help the web-based instructing and learning measure.From a few writing surveys, most teachers have not maximally embraced the utilization of Google Classroom.Particularly at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjungpinang.
Teachers at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjung Pinang are struggling to fully embrace the use of online teaching media like Google Classroom.Many students come from oppressed families, making it difficult for them to access resources.Google Classroom offers an alternative to traditional classrooms, allowing students to learn from home.This research explores teachers' and students' challenges in using Google Classroom as a blended learning model in 8th-grade English lessons.
Considering the current holes and the advantages of Google Classroom, this research needs to realize how to utilize Google Classroom as a blended learning model at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjungpinang.What problems are encountered by teachers, and how do teachers and students suggest overcoming the problems they deal with in students using Google Classroom as the teaching method in 8th graders' English Lessons at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjungpinang?
Based on research conducted by Artatiningsih ( 2021), the study's results found that: 1) Implement the Google Classroom Utilization in Distance Learning Management AT SMK YAPPI WonosariGunungKidul successfully done well as the learning method used during the Covid-19 pandemic.Students can follow the learning using Google Classroom media so that the teaching and learning process can occur effectively and efficiently.2) Factors inhibiting the implementation of the Google Utilization classroom in distance learning management at SMK YAPPI WonosariGunungKidul is difficulty getting an internet network.Supporting factors in the implementation of distance learning through Google Classroom is the side creativity of Teachers and students in the learning system.3) The results of implementing the Google Classroom in distance learning management at SMK YAPPI WonosariGunungkidul had positive results and were very effective.
Another previous research conducted by Bih Ni (2020) found that facilities accessed through computers and mobile phones benefit school teachers and students.Blended learning classrooms using traditional and technology-based teaching methods have become the norm for many educators.Using Google Classroom gives students access to online learning.Even if the teacher is not in the classroom, the teacher can provide learning.It is supported by the statement from Beaumont (2018) discovered that Google Classroom provides an intuitive and accessible interface for both staff and students.
The other researcher conducted by Setiyani (2020) in her research explained that factors that affect students learning performance by using Google Classroom include; (1) communication and interaction, (2) collaboration,(3) coordination, (4) ease of access.
Based on the explanation above, the researcher is interested in conducting research that focuses on the Utilization of Google Classroom, and the researcher chooses to write a thesis with the title "the Utilization of Google Classroom as a means of blended learning case studies in 8 th -grade students of SMP Negeri 6 Tanjungpinang".
The researcher pays much attention to the process by analyzing the obstacles or problems encountered and suggestions from teachers and students to overcome the obstacles they face in implementing Google Classroom in language learning for class 8 th -graders students at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjungpinang.Therefore, the researcher chose an English teacher and class 8.1 and 8.2 students at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjungpinang as participants in this study.

RESEARCH METHODS
This study investigates the use of Google Classroom as a web-based learning method for 8th graders' English lessons at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjung Pinang.The research design is descriptive qualitative, using participant observation and case studies to examine social or human issues.The study is conducted at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjung Pinang, located in TanjungAyunSakti, Bukit Bestari District, Tanjung Pinang City.The research participants include English students, Head Master of SMPN 6 Tanjung Pinang, and two English teachers.The study aims to understand the impact of Google Classroom on English learning in 8th graders at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjung Pinang during the 2022/2023 school year.The researcher selected 3-4 students for interviews and sample analysis.
This study used various instruments to collect data, including documentation, interviews, and questionnaires.Documentation covers student activities in Google Classrooms, including attendances, assignments, materials, tests, and grades.Interviews were validated by a team of experts, with constructive comments on the interview guide, item clarity, research problem representation, and work time allotted.The study aimed to understand the effectiveness of these methods in enhancing student learning experiences.

RESEARCH FINDING
Researchers conducted interviews with the school principal, two English teachers, and four student representatives to understand the utilization of Google Classroom in teaching English to eighth grader students at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjung Pinang.The results showed that Google Classroom is an effective webbased learning platform for students, enabling easier submission of assignments, assignment submission, and discussion with teachers.Students are happy with the platform's features, such as the ability to interact with teachers and students through discussion forums.Google Classroom has become an essential platform for interactive learning activities, allowing students to engage in discussions without being limited by space and time.The platform also provides convenience by integrating with other Google applications like Google Mail and Google Meet.
The researcher found that English teachers at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjung Pinang used Google Classroom for teaching and learning.Teachers found it easy to use, with initial training provided.Students found it easy to access materials and assignments, and learning productivity increased.Students welcomed the use of Google Classroom, feeling more efficient and motivated.Although it did not significantly improve learning outcomes, students felt safe and comfortable using the platform.A questionnaire was used to collect data on the implementation process, understanding, obstacles, and solutions faced by students using Google Classroom as a blended learning tool for the 2022-2023 academic year.English teachers at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjung Pinang utilized Google Classroom for teaching and learning.Initial training provided, and students found it easy to access materials and assignments, increasing productivity.Although not significantly improving learning outcomes, students felt safe and comfortable using the platform.A questionnaire was used to collect data on implementation, understanding, obstacles, and solutions.The study reveals that students are satisfied with the convenience of Google Classroom in English classes, with most agreeing with its features.The effectiveness of Google Classroom is supported by its perceived convenience, user interest, and service quality.
The study reveals that teachers face issues with inadequate electricity and internet access, while students face difficulties with low internet connections, internet quota packages, lack of notebooks or cellphones, schools not supporting facilities, and teachers not providing training or tutorials.These obstacles hinder the optimal use of Google Classroom for English learning.Students also express concerns about the lack of support from teachers and schools, with most agreeing that these issues hinder the effective use of Google Classroom as a blended learning medium.
Teachers and students have suggested several ways to overcome problems with the Google Classroom teaching method.They suggest preparing electronic devices, conducting exercises, coordinating with the school principal to increase network power, and finding alternative public Wifi.Students also ask for quota packages from parents or siblings when the quota package runs out.During the Covid-19 pandemic, schools installed Wi-Fi to carry out online learning activities.A questionnaire revealed that 54.9%) of respondents agreed that waiting for the network to continue the learning process using Google Classroom was necessary.
However, 37.3%) of respondents agreed that using the network school when the quota package runs out was necessary.Additionally, 49% agreed that students should borrow their parents' notebooks, laptops, or smartphones while studying using Google Classroom.Factors that support teachers in online learning include mobile phones, quotas, and a stable internet network.

Journal of Education Research
The researcher found that English teachers at SMPN 6 Tanjung Pinang used Google Classroom as a medium for learning English for 8th-grade students.The platform made it easy for teachers to post learning materials, send assignments, and provide results.Teachers can also discuss with students using Google Classroom, which allows them to send daily questions and homework assignments in the Google Form and send them in the assignment feature.This feature allows teachers to immediately provide feedback when students submit their assignments.Google Classroom is a blended learning platform that allows developers to increase, share, and classify assignments without paper.
The study concluded that teachers use Google Classroom for English learning for 8th-grade students at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjung Pinang.The platform's convenience and ease of use were prompted by the pandemic situation, which required teachers to continue teaching.The learning process is effective and efficient because students and teachers can access Google Classroom anytime and anywhere on electronic devices with internet networks.
The researcher found that Google Classroom was effective in learning English in 8th graders at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjung Pinang.Students welcomed the use of Google Classroom, and teachers remained safe.However, there were obstacles such as inadequate electricity, poor internet access, and frequent blackouts.Some students faced difficulties with slow internet loading or packets running out, while others struggled with limited internet data packages.The ease of online-based learning was influenced by factors such as bad signals and limited internet data packages.
Despite these challenges, Google Classroom was found to be a convenient and effective method for teaching English in 8th graders.However, obstacles such as network problems, frequent power outages, and internet quotas hindered its implementation.
The interview results show that students often face challenges when using Google Classroom as a blended learning medium for English lessons for 8th graders at SMP Negeri 6 Tanjung Pinang.They often prepare or charge devices like cellphones and laptops, use a power bank to supply electricity, and seek alternative public Wi-Fi.However, 65% of students feel that learning with Google Classroom is inefficient, while 35% believe it is efficient.To overcome these obstacles, students often ask their parents for money to buy a new data package or find alternative public WIFI spots.The study also used a questionnaire to collect data on the implementation process, understanding, obstacles, and solutions carried out by students during the 2022-2023 academic year.
This study surveyed 51 students at SMPN 6 Tanjung Pinang, using Google Classroom as a blended learning medium.The results showed that students found Google Classroom to be faster, improve learning performance, increase productivity, and obtain a better understanding of learning material.They also found the features easy to operate, found Google Classroom to be fun, and had sufficient internet connection access for studying.Overall, the study suggests that using Google Classroom in English lessons can lead to better academic outcomes and increased productivity.
Beaumont's research reveals that Google Classroom is a free web service that enables users to create virtual classrooms.The study found that students perceive the convenience of Google Classroom as effective in teaching techniques, easy to use, clear and easy to understand, flexible in obtaining announcements, materials, and assignments, and effective in downloading and uploading materials, assignments, and videos.The results suggest that Google Classroom is a valuable tool for improving English learning and communication.The third part of the study focuses on students' perceptions of the Google Classroom teaching method in 8th graders' English lessons at primary school level.The results show that low internet connections, internet quota packages, lack of notebooks or cellphones, schools not supporting facilities like internet quota packages, and teachers not providing training or tutorials about using Google Classroom are the main challenges faced by teachers and students.These obstacles include limited internet packages, network availability, and not all students have devices like smartphones and laptops.
The questionnaire reveals that students face various obstacles when using Google Classroom.Seven (13.7%) respondents strongly agree with waiting for the normal network to return, while 28 (54.9%)agree.The remaining respondents are neutral and do not agree.The majority of respondents use the school network when the quota package runs out, with a majority of respondents agreeing.The majority of respondents ask for additional quota packages from parents or siblings, with a majority of respondents agreeing.
The final statement, "Borrowing a notebook or laptop or smartphone from parents while learning to use Google Classroom," has a majority of respondents agreeing.Online media is effective in preventing the spread of Covid-19 in the educational environment, as educators can provide questions and materials via cell phones or laptops.Table 4.

CONCLUSION
Based on the research results conducted by the researcher, it is obtained from interviews that the 8 th -grader English teacher at SMP Negeri6 Tanjungpinang used Google Classroom as a blended learning teaching media platform.It is to overcome bad networks and power outages.The teacher also advised students to prepare for charging before beginning the teaching and learning process.

Journal of Education Research
The first dimension concerns the dimensions of Utilization of Google Classroom.There are four statements related to using Google Classroom as a Web-Based Learning Method in English Lessons.8 th -grade students of SMP Negeri 6 where out of 51 respondents, around 35 (68%), or most respondents, agree that using Google Classroom as a blended learning medium for 8 th -grade students of SMPN 6 Tanjungpinang can easily use it.Students feel happy because they can keep discussing, receiving, and sending assignments, increasing learning productivity.
There are three sub-dimensions: 1) Internet connection problems, 2) Obstacles regarding media availability, such as laptops and smartphones, and 3) Obstacles in student abilities related to whether teachers provide training in using Google Classroom.The fourth dimension concerns the solution's dimensions in using Google Classroom as a blended learning medium.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Alhamdulillahirobbil'alamin All the praises be to Allâh, the Lord of the 'Alamîn., for the grace, mercy, and grace so that finally I can finish this thesis.Congratulations and greetings are bestowed upon His Majesty the Prophet Muhammad SAW, along with his family and followers who faithfully practice his teachings until the end of time.Hopefully, we all get his intercession in Yaumil Hisab.
The researcher would like to express gratitude and appreciation to the supervisor, Mr. Dr.Andang Saehu, M.Pd for his patience in guiding the writer during the writing process and to Dr.Lidwina Sri Ardiasih, S.Pd., M.Ed.as the second advisor for her advice and suggestions in completing this thesis.
The researcher also thinks of a sincere thank you to his beloved family, wife, daughter, mother, and fellow teachers, Principal Drs, H Aprizal, the students especially grades 8.1, 8.,2, and 83 students of SMP Negeri 6 Tanjung Pinang ended who also support involvement in this research so that researcher can complete their studies properly.May Allah SWT reward him with kindness.
The author hopes that this paper can improve the teaching and learning of English.However, the researcher also realizes that this research is still far from perfect.Therefore, all criticism and suggestions will be appreciated.