If you haven't checked out Google Classroom lately, you'll find that there are some exciting new changes! If you're using Google Classroom, you've probably already noticed them. However, if you haven't, check these out!!!
- If you've used Classroom, you know that Google added a Classwork page. This was a great improvement. However, you still couldn't organize your topics or assignments. Now you can! You can drag and drop assignments and topics to rearrange them how you want them organized! You can drag an entire topic to a specific location on the Classwork page, or drag individual items within - and in between - topics. This is HUGE!!
- There is a new GRADES page. This page is easy to see every assignment and every grade for the class. One of the top requests from educators was an improved grading workflow. Gradebook allows teachers to easily input and view grades across their classes and students. With the ability to view all assignments and grades in one place, teachers can stay organized and holistically follow the performance of an entire class over time.
- Many teachers have asked if the Google Classroom grades can be easily transferred to PowerSchool. The answer is they can be transferred via a spreadsheet import, but I'm not sure that it's easier than just inputting the grades. If you'd like to do this, you have to export a grade spreadsheet from PowerTeacher, put your grades into this spreadsheet and then import it back to PowerSchool - a lot of work. However, if you use classroom, you can choose an assignment and export the grades in that assignment to a spreadsheet. Then you can copy and paste from this spreadsheet into the template from PowerSchool. If you want to try this, let me know and I'll come work with you!!!
- Classroom has a new look and feel! Among the changes, you’ll see a more intuitive design flow—plus a new approach to shape, color, iconography and typography, on both the web and the mobile app. The class code easier to access and project so students can easily find and join. And finally, there are 78 new themes with custom illustrations, ranging from history to math to hair dressing to photography. Now, you can customize your Classroom more than ever before.
- More Classroom Support! With new tools and changes comes the need for more support. In the Teacher Center, you’ll find updated videos in the First Day of Classroom trainings with the new design and features Google rolled out in 2018. They have also built a new and improved Help Center, combined with the Community and product forum.
Other/Previous Changes To Google Classroom Prior To 2019-2020 School Year
1. Post Questions
You can post questions to your class and allow students to have discussions by responding to each other’s answers (or not, depending on the setting you choose). For example, you could post a video and ask students to answer a question about it, or post an article and ask them to write a paragraph in response.
2. Reuse Assignments
If you reuse curricula year after year–or at least reuse documents, there is an update you might like. Now you can reuse assignments, announcements or questions from any one of your classes — or any class you co-teach, whether it’s from last year or last week. Once you choose what you’d like to copy, you’ll also be able to make changes before you post or assign it.
3. Improved Calendar Integration
Classroom will automatically create a calendar for each of your classes in Google Calendar. All assignments with a due date will be automatically added to your class calendar and kept up to date. You’ll be able to view your calendar from within Classroom or on Google Calendar, where you can manually add class events like field trips or guest speakers.
4. Bump a post
Sticking posts on blogs, tweets, or Facebook updates has long been a thing. Now you can do it on Google Classroom as well by moving any post to the top.
5. Due dates optional
Project-based learning, Self-directed learning? Maker ed? If you use long-term projects or other due-date-less assignments, you can now create assignments without due dates in Google Classroom.
6. Attach a Google Form to a post
If you’re a fan of Google Forms (here’s a post on using Google Forms to create a self-graded exam), this is a change you’ll appreciate. Many teachers have been using Google Forms as an easy way to assign a test, quiz or survey to the class. Teachers and students are able to attach Google Forms from Drive to posts and assignments, and get a link in Classroom to easily view the answers.
7. YouTube Functionality
Love YouTube, but concerned with objectionable content? Google hears you. “Because it also contains content that an organization or school might not consider acceptable, last month we launched advanced YouTube settings for all Google Apps domains as an Additional Service. These settings give Apps admins the ability to restrict the YouTube videos viewable for signed-in users, as well as signed-out users on networks managed by the admin. Learn more here.” Right now, our domain in not restricting videos, but we can!
As always, if you want help with any of these, let me know!!