It also serves as a way of communicating. Teachers can post announcements and upcoming assignments, as well as email both students and their parents.
It relies heavily on the use of Google Drive, a free cloud-based file-sharing program. It allows teachers to use Google docs, Google Forms and many other Google services to create and store assignments.
How to access Google Classroom
Before you start using Google Classroom, you'll need to make sure you're signed in to your Google account.
Google Classroom can be accessed by visiting classroom.google.com. There's also a mobile app that can be downloaded on both iPhone and Android devices.
- The mobile app is great for accessing your classroom on the go, but you'll probably have an easier time performing tasks like grading and creating assignments on a computer.
Creating a class
When you open Google Classroom, the first thing you'll need to do is create a class. Click the Plus icon in the top-right corner, then select Create class.
This will bring up a dialog box asking if you're planning on using Google Classroom at a school with students. Google Classroom requires schools to use G Suite for Education if their teachers plan to use it in their actual classrooms. This provides teachers and students with more privacy and security measures. If you're using Google Classroom for your own personal use, you won't need to worry about this.
You'll then need to enter the name of your class. There's also the option to enter a Section, Subject, and Room if you're using Google Classroom in a school and want to include this information. When you're done, click Create.
Navigating Google Classroom
Once you've created a class, you'll be taken to that class' page.
Study the image and notes below to learn more about the Google Classroom interface.
- Menu: In the Menu, you can access other classes, your calendar, to-do lists, and more.
- Stream Tab: The Stream tab is kind of like your class' homepage. You'll find all of your posts here, as well as upcoming work.
- Classwork Tab: The Classwork tab is where you'll create, assign, and grade all of the work for your class.
- People Tab: In the People tab, you can view and communicate with the students and teachers in your class.
- Class Settings: In the Class settings menu, you'll find the details about your class, including its section, room, and class code. You can also control whether students can post and comment on the Stream.
- Upcoming: Stream: In the Stream, you can post your own announcements for your class to see. You can also allow your students to post and comment on the Stream.Here, you'll find any work that's due soon and other reminders for things like tests and trips.
Adding students to your class via email
Once you've created your class, you'll need to add your students to it. One method you can use is to invite students via email. To do this, you'll first need to navigate to the People tab.
Click the Invite students icon.
This will bring up a menu where you can type your students' various email addresses. Once you've added these, click Invite.
This will send an email to your students, with a link inviting them to join your online classroom.
Adding students with a class code
The second option for adding students to your class is using a class code. This is a 5-digit code that anyone can use to join your class if you provide them with it.
To access it, first click the Class settings icon in the top-right corner.
You'll find the class code under the General tab. From here, you can share your class code with your students however you'd like.
We hope this lesson gives you a better understanding of how you can use Google Classroom with your students.