What would Google Classroom and Zoom say to each other if they could talk?

“Earth to Google – you awake?” asks Zoom.

Google Classroom lets out a yawn, glancing at the clock on his dashboard. “Crikey Zoom, it’s two in the morning! What in the world is keeping you up?”

Zoom chuckles. “I couldn’t contain my excitement. At 8am, students from all over Hong Kong will be logging on to me  for virtual lessons! They’ll be meeting their friends, getting work done, but mainly just making TikToks behind their teachers’ backs.”

Google Classroom sighs. “Can’t relate. Students will be hopping onto my portal, only to be greeted with a stack of worksheets from that maths teacher they loathe”.

“I don’t want to bang my own drum, but Covid-19 has really brought me a lot of attention! Before the virus, the only people who used me were those call centre scammers,” says Zoom. “Though, I have to say, I’m a bit worried that I won’t be able to withstand all this new-found popularity.”

“Now, Zoom, remember this. Covid-19 isn’t just affecting you, it’s affecting all of us. 

Skype, TeamViewer, the whole lot,” replies Google classroom. “And that means when you malfunction, we’ll be there to pick you up. We’re all in this together, buddy! Now get some rest. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

Hey, Zoom! I admit it: you’re my biggest competitor in e-learning, especially with your steadiness and ability to host more than 300 participants at once. I sometimes wonder how you can stand everyone switching on their cameras at the same time. What an effective way for teachers to check whether kids are learning – teachers won’t need to be DJs  any more! 

Truth be told, I’ve been worried that you might replace me one day. But I think we should put our rivalry aside during this time of hardship, when all Hong Kong kids are forced to stay at home. We gotta learn from each other so that we can cater to all of their e-learning needs. I mean, it’s impossible that either one of us takes up all the e-classes, right? 

So, I’m offering you the code that you always wanted. Yes, the code to a system for teachers to assign homework and quizzes to students. With this, we’ll be able to offer an even more complete learning experience. I’m sure if we work hand in hand, we can stop this epidemic from affecting students’ future. 

> Google Classroom (@gclass) has entered the chat.

> Zoom (@zoom) has entered the chat.

@gclass: You know I never thought the day would come when you and I would team up and essentially take over online education. It’s crazy how important we’ve become to students in Hong Kong in just a matter of weeks!

@zoom: Ikr? Until recently, I was only popular with businesses, who would use me to hold conference meetings. All I can say is, I’m happy to lend a helping hand to students, especially in times like this.

@gclass: I must say though, it’s kind of awkward that despite the other video-calling applications out there, like Skype or Google Duo, students and teachers chose you! (Rumour has it that Google Duo went wild after hearing that you’ve taken over their spot as the “best videoconference application”!)

@zoom: Woah, hang on a sec, I did not plan to take over anyone. It’s not my fault schools suggested using me as their teaching platform instead …

@gclass: Honestly, I don’t really see what the big deal about it is, what matters most is that students get the best online learning experience possible, without having to pay anything – thank goodness you’re free of charge! Btw, if you need any extra exposure, I’d be happy to help promote you on my platform. Let’s just hope Google Duo doesn’t see this, haha!

Dear Zoom,

During these difficult times, with Covid-19 running rampant, I admire your dedication to connecting the citizens of Hong Kong – specifically students and teachers. Right now, students cannot live without us. I, on one hand, notify students about the assignments that their teachers send them through my brother Gmail in a fraction of a second.

Students can easily access their classes and speak to their teacher through me. I also have a homework calendar, which reminds them of upcoming deadlines. You, meanwhile, actually connect teachers and students face-to-face, in real-time! People seem to love you – more than our younger brother Google Hangouts, as you have more clarity. I love your ability to connect people – it is amazing!

Why don’t we join forces and bring more joy to people’s lives?

Let me know what you think!

Yours,

Google Classroom

Edited by Charlotte Ames-Ettridge

<a href="https://poll.fm/10514245">Which answer do you like BEST?</a>

*In case of disputes, Young Post reserves the right to make a final decision on the winner.