The Middle School at JIS uses Google Classroom for it's Learning Management System. Teachers are able to post announcements, resources, and assignments. Though Google Classroom is mainly for students, there is a parent component that helps you keep track of your child's school work. Google Guardian Summaries notify parents about any new announcements, or assignments that are posted on course pages. This daily or weekly email can be used as a conversation starter with your child about their school work. If you are not getting Guardian Summaries yet, please contact one of your child's teachers and they will input you into the system.
Q: Can we get a list of up coming things google is working on?
A: Click Here for all the Google Classroom updates. And here is a link to the calendar of upcoming Google things.
Q: Can we get rid of the HL site? Why don't we migrate the HL site to Google Classroom? When can we stop using the homework site?
A: While parents can receive "Guardian Summaries" via google classroom, they do not have access to any attachments, links, documents etc. If you have a link to a resource that you wish for parents to also have access, the Home Learning Site is the place for that.
Q: Why can students un-submit assignments and do they get calendar alerts for such assignments?
A: Students can un-submit assignments but when they re-submit it says it's re-submitted. Create a classroom rule about un-submitting if this is giving you problems. When you use due dates on an assignment, the assignment's due date gets puts into the students Google calendar. For students to get calendar alerts, they must change some calendar settings. They should already be getting email alerts for assignments that are posted.
Q: I was not aware that if one teacher invites parent to google classroom , the parent can view all of their child's classes.
A: Once a parent is invited as a Guardian and accepts, they will receive Guardian Summaries for all classes that have Guardian Summaries turned on.
Q: Is there a global sharing amongst teachers using google classroom (in different schools)
A: You can share with other schools but IT will have to whitelist their domain and they will have to whitelist our domain. It takes a couple steps; but it is possible.
Q: Are we suppose to invite parents to see our Google classroom?
A: Yes, Guardian summaries must be made available to parents - most parents are invited during orientation, however, if you do notice a students without a guardian on classroom, please add using the email address from PowerSchool.
Q: Will I get some PLC/Dept time to set up my Google classroom?
A: Google Classrooms should be set up either prior, or within the first few weeks of your class.
Q: We would like to be able to use different fonts/colour etc. on Google classroom so that certain "lines" or key phrases, so the work around is to upload a google doc
A:This is a work around. Attach a google doc or slide, and from there you can format as required
Q: How can we give parents the same view access as the students?
A: Parents can login with their child to Google Classroom.
Q: How can we embed pictures and videos within the text, not as a link?
A: You can add pictures and video right next to text.
Q: Why can't we use Google Classroom instead of PowerSchool for grading?
A: We are using Powerschool for grading. Google Classroom grading can be used for informal feedback.
Q: How to contact all parents (when they aren't signed up)
A: Powerschool should be able to do this for you.
Q: Is there a way to invite parents without going through their students?
A: Teachers can put in parent emails.
Q: Is there a way to turn off submission rights (for students)?
A: If you are having problems with student un-submitting, create a classroom protocol that discourages this. You should be able to access their documents even if they un-submit. If you use due dates and students un-submit after the due date and re-submit, Google Classroom with let you know that the document is re-submitted.
Q: How can GCR be shared with parents?
A: Parents can choose to get Guardian Summaries if teachers turn this feature on. Parents can also login with their child.
Q: How easy is it to create quizzes?
A: This is a Google Forms question. It is really easy to create quizzes with Google Forms. You can post these quiz forms in Google Classroom.