Setting Up a Class

Lesson Description:

Setting up a class can be exciting, but it can also be a little intimidating. In this lesson you will learn useful information about how to set up your Google Classroom. Before you get started, let's look at what Google Classroom is.

Key Vocabulary:

LMS- Learning Managment System

Integrated Platform- software or websites which combine different applications and services.

G Suite - Collection of Google applications including Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Gmail, and more.

What is Google Classroom?

Google Classroom is an Integrated Learning Management System. That may sound complicated but it's really not when we break it down.

Integrated Platforms

Whenever a program or website is referred to as integrated, or as having an Integrated Platform, it simply means that program or website combines with other programs or websites in order to do more. Google Classroom integrates with most Google services, also known as the G Suite. Classroom also integrates many other websites to give you the most options when it comes to providing students with learning opportunities.

Learning Management System

A Learning Managment System (LMS) is any program or website that makes it easier to do administrative tasks for a class. That can include grading, attendance, assignments, testing, as well as track and report data. A program/ website doesn't have to have all of these functions to be an LMS, but it does need have more than one function or it is considered a stand alone program/ website.

Putting it Together

Google Classroom allows teachers to create assignments, track student performance, and report it back to them and their parents. It does this by integrating other applications such as Google Docs, YouTube, and Gmail. That is what makes Google Classroom an Integrated Learning Management System.

Should You Use Google Classroom?

Before you set up your class you need to have a clear understanding of what Google Classroom can and can't do. If you are hesitant to invest time to set up a Classroom because you have tried other programs that ended up wasting your time, Google Classroom will not be exactly the same as other, more intricate programs. If you are super excited to set up your Classroom so that Google can replace everything that you currently use, don't start throwing away old lessons just yet. Take a look below at some of the things Classroom is good at, and some of the things it doesn't do as well.

What Google Classroom Does Well

Allows teachers to distribute assignments to students.
Makes grading assignments from G Suite (Docs, Slides, Sheets) much easier.
Creates Calendars for classes with posted due dates.
Sending communications to students and parents.
Gives students a way to share their thoughts in online discussions.
Gives students a place to access important materials for class.

What Google Classroom Does Not Do Well

Present content for instruction into a seamless lesson.
Automatically grade all types of assignments.
Automatically sync with all outside programs and educational websites.

Deciding To Set Up A Classroom

As you can see from the pros and cons list, Classroom has a lot going for it. Most teachers will find it worth the time, but if you are still on the fence, here are some rebuttals for common reasons teachers do not want to set up a classroom:

1. I don't give digital assignments.

Even if you don't give digital assignments you can still create assignments with Classroom so that students can see due dates in their calendar, as well as access digital copies of any handouts you give them in case they lose them or need to start over.

2. I don't have the time to keep up with it.

Creating a class in Classroom takes less then 5 minutes. Once it is created, use it when you need it. For some teachers this will require a lot of prep time; however, if you are a teacher that only wants to use it once a semester, that is fine.

3. I want students to use Office (Scratch, Quizlet, etc).

Students can easily attach files that are outside of the G Suite, and many apps and websites are already integrated into Google Classroom. Click here to see 50 Apps that are Integrated into Google Classroom. Some of the grading options will be lost when you do this, but it will be easier and more reliable than having students email you their work.

4. I'm not sure what I will do with Google Classroom.

Think of Google Classroom like a traditional workbook. Classroom is great for giving and collecting assignments, as well as keeping your students organized. Just like you wouldn't use a workbook as your only form of instruction, Classroom will not be everything you need. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't use it at all. Use it when you want students to visit a website instead of writing a link on the board, have students submit a digital research paper instead of a printed copy, send out reminders to students instead of having an announcement made over the PA. There are too many possibilities to ignore it completely.

Creating a Class.

In your browser, go to classroom.google.com
Log in with your district Account (THIS IS A BIG DEAL).
If you have never been on Google Classroom before it will ask if you are a student or teacher. Click Teacher.
In the top right of the Classes page (This is the home page for Google Classroom), click on the + link, and click Create Class.
Give you class a name.
You also have the option of adding details about your class, this is highly encouraged but not required to create the page.
Once you have entered the information click Create.

Assignment

Watch the Video below and then click the Assignment image to go to the Google Classroom Assignment.

NOTE: In order to complete assignments you will need to join Google Classroom 101. Email for Class Code.

In The Next Lesson

Learn the basics for creating assignments in Google Classroom.

Home Next Lesson Creating Assignments

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