If you haven’t already used this great resource, I’d like to introduce you to Google Classroom. Some people have used Schoology or Edmodo in the past. Google Classroom functions similarly to these other learning management systems (LMS).
1. To get started with Google Classroom, either go to classroom.google.com, or access classroom from the 9 box grid on the top right of your google account. It may not show up in the grid so go to classroom.google.com if it’s not there. You can only access Google Classroom through our G Suite account. You can’t use this with a personal gmail account.
2. Once there, you’ll be prompted to create a class. Currently, only classroom teachers are able to create classes. However, if you wish to create a class, please let me know and I can give you access to create your own class.
3. Don’t feel that you need to only create one class for your group of students. You can create as many classes as you’d like. For example, you can create a class for your language arts class, or you could create a class for a novel you are reading. Maybe you have students in groups reading 3 or 4 different novels at the same time. Create a class for each of them. In math, create a class for each unit you are working on. This way, you have specific information for each class. Students can join the classes that are applicable to them. There is no limit on how many classes they can join. Once the class is over, the students can unenroll from that particular class, but you’ll still have the data.
4. A tip: If you are using docs or slides from a personal email account and you’ve shared them with your school account, you still can’t share them with students through Classroom UNLESS you make a copy of that file. Making a copy puts that file into your school account and you must be the owner of a file in your school account to share with students!
Here is a great cheat sheet to help with everything Google Classroom!
https://support.google.com/edu/classroom/?hl=en#topic=6020277
We have many teachers who have started using Classroom with their students. If you have specific questions, let me know and either I can find out, or use these teachers as resources to you in your buildings.