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Creating a "Master" Classroom

If you ask me where I got this idea, I'll tell you, I don't know where I stumbled across it first. Was it Kasey Bell on Shake Up Learning? Matt Miller over at Ditch That Textbook with tons of Google Classroom ideas? Or on Twitter from somebody else entirely? I know it was not mine originally. But since utilizing it, I know I have saved myself time and aggravation by streamlining and intentionally creating one original class that all others are based off of.

Overview Video

Explore the why's and how's of creating a "Master" Class in Google Classroom with all of your standard information, materials, & topics. Streamline the creation of your Google Classrooms with this hack!

Step by Step

Create a new class.
Name it "Master Class" or "Template" or something else that makes sense to you! {I put it in ALL CAPS so I don't accidentally use it as a real class}
Include all the links to all the things you use regularly with a class {suggestions below}
Create.
To duplicate, click on the three dots in the top right corner on the class in the dashboard and "Copy"
Viola! As many classes as you need. Develop one, create infinite!

Suggested Materials to Include

Syllabus
Google Meet Expectations
Textbook Links
I'm Finished, Now What? Links (see my Starters page)
Chapter / Unit Set Ups
Resources

FAQ

What is this? How will it help me?

A Master Class Template streamlines the creation process - saving you time while you make intentional plans once!

Can'T I just copy the Class?

Technically, yes. But do you reallllly want to copy everything from a previous class? Announcements & class members do not copy. The assignments are not live. So. Maybe. But starting out (or starting over) makes a Master Class a nice option.

Pro Tips

Comment Settings

When you change the Comment Settings (See video for more about the the gear, and levels of access) in this "Master" class, they will NOT save in the copies of that class.

Don't forget to go back in for each new copy and reset before inviting students into the section!

Notification Settings

When you adjust the Notification Settings as a teacher, they are set globally in Google Classroom.

So.

When you make changes to what notifications you do & don't receive, those preferences cover all of your Google Classrooms.

For more info & guide, see the video from the student view - same features & more available for teachers as well.

Naming Conventions

If you'll pay attention to how you're naming your classes and develop a consistent system, you'll thank yourself later.

I've been using Google Classroom since 2016 and some of my classes are named better than others. "7th Grade Computers" or "Third Hour" are not names that help me very much when I'm looking for something historical.

Include the course and class period by all means, but be sure to include the year and semseter and any other info that you (and your students) would appreciate having the future!

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