Doctopus

Doctopus is an Add-on for Google sheets that acts as a digital photocopier. Much of what you can do with Doctopus, you can now do with Google Classroom, with a few exceptions.

One of the main reasons we still use Doctopus alongside Classroom is that we want to be able to share individual copies of files to students, but with read only permissions. So far Classroom doesn't offer that option.

To begin using Doctopus you first need to create a Google spreadsheet. You then run the Doctopus Add-on.

If you don't already have it in your Add-ons you can easily search it out and install it.

Launch Doctoups from the Add-ons menu.

Next you will need to select a roster, import one or create one.

I have the option of using rosters that I had already created, but if this is your first time using Doctopus, you will need to first create a roster.

To create a new roster select build a new roster at the bottom of the list and choose the on this sheet option.

Click the Create Option Button.

Here is the next step, adding your students.

Finally click the Refresh button and name you class. You will see an option for creating folders. This is the best way to organise your classroom and assignments.

Now that you have your roster ready to go with student names and email addresses click on the following button. This will create an add teacher folders, and student folders.

There will be a class view where you can place items that are read only, but that all students can see. There will be a class edit folder which is great for collaborative work where you want students to add their on items to the class collection. You will also have a student folder containing the individual student folders.

At this point you will see Doctopus adding new headings to your columns. Don't change these.

You can now begin the process of sharing the assignments with them.

Doctopus will prompt you to choose the type of sharing arrangement you prefer.

There are some very useful options here, including sharing with differentiation and group sharing for project work.

In the following example I have selected individual-all the same.

You can assign different levels of access to the class for these documents, as well as for the individual students. You can even add a colleague, which if great if you are team teaching or covering classes.

Click Save and Continue.

Next select the folder that contains your assignment and select the file you want to assign.

Here is an example from my folders.

Click Save and Continue.

You can now decide whether or not to create a new folder to house this individual assignment within the existing folders or to simply use the existing folders.

Notice that you can select different options for the file names that will be assigned. You can also notify your students of the assignment via email when you assign it. If so ensure that you have included a subject and a message for them, or confusion may ensue.

Finally Doctopus will show you a summary of your settings and you will have the option to edit them or run the operation.

Now you can add a grade to the work and written feedback, as well as mail this information to each student personally.

We will take a look at Goobric Rubrics and Google Docs in the New Year.