If you've never used Google Classroom, I would recommend starting with this short introduction. This video was made about 2 years ago (and Google loves making little changes) so there may be a couple small items like button locations or terms that have changed since then.

If you're looking for "how-tos" for specific tasks in Google Classroom, check the mini-tutorial videos below. If you would like a slightly longer tutorial that covers all the basic functions of Google Classroom, check out this tutorial!

If you prefer to just drink from the firehose when learning about a new tool (like I do!), here is an HOUR-LONG tutorial that will cover anything and everything that you need to know about using Google Classroom!

Since our district auto-rosters classes between PowerSchool and Google Classroom, you'll likely see several pre-created classes already on your Google Classroom dashboard.

You are free to either use the pre-created classes or create your own. Note: If you create your own, you will have to manually add new students that join your class. The pre-created classes will auto-update the roster within a day or two of a new student enrolling.

Auto-rostered classes from PowerSchool: Students will be auto-rostered and updated, but guardians will not. If you would like to utilize the guardian feature, they will need to be added manually.

Manually created classes: If you are creating a custom class for a school club, small group, caseload, grade level team, etc. you'll need to manually add both students and guardians by either using the class code or the invite link.

Fun Fact: A Google Classroom can have up to 1000 students!

All Co-Teachers added to a Google Classroom will have the same level of access and admin control of both the Classroom and the unique Google Meet room for that class. The only things they can't do are delete the class or remove the primary teacher (obviously). This is useful for:

• Student Teachers

• Paras & Aides

• Interventionists

Fun Fact: A Google Classroom can have up to 19 co-teachers!

If you've been added as a co-teacher to someone's class, you will likely receive an email indicating the change. You will also see the invite the next time you sign in to Google Classroom.

Creating assignments is probably the function of Google Classroom that you will use most often, so be sure to familiarize yourself with all the options and be proactive by using Topics to keep your Classroom organized!

Google Classroom assignments can be created using:

• YouTube videos

• Pre-created files from your Drive

• Files saved on your computer

• Links to curriculum or other websites

• A blank Google Doc, Sheet, Slide, Drawing, or Form

If you would like to use a Google Form as a quiz for your students, creating it as a "Quiz Assignment" allows you to easily assign, collect, correct, and grade it within Google Classroom.

Materials are created, added, and organized using the same methods as creating an assignment. The difference is that "Materials" don't have a due date and are automatically "read-only" for all students. This is useful for:

• Syllabi

• Handouts

• Study Guides

• "How-tos" for your students

Google Classroom makes it extremely easy to monitor ongoing student work as well as grade and comment on the completed assignments.

The built-in Classroom Stream page is perfect for quick class announcements or discussions. This can include simple text or documents and YouTube videos.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: By default, your students will all have the ability to add to the stream and comment on posts. This can be disabled in the class settings (gear icon in the top right corner).

Originality Reports are Google's built-in plagiarism checker that can be turned on for assignments where students use Google Docs OR SLIDES (recent update). The student has the option of viewing their own report before turning in their assignment as well.

Keep in mind: As of right now, you are limited to a total of 5 Originality Reports per class. Although (*wink wink nudge nudge*) there is no limit to the number of classes that can be created.

Michelle Emerson offers several tips & tricks to make your Google Classroom easier to use for both you and your students!

Also, if it isn't obvious already, every video made by her at Pocketful of Primary is pure teaching/organizing gold!

Although your Google Classroom grade book isn't our official grade book and you're not required to use it, it's the easiest place to store graded work and comments completed through Google Classroom.

Starting your year with an organized Google Classroom will save you a tremendous amount of time throughout the year, although it's never too late to get it organized.

If you've already spent countless hours creating assignments and materials for a past class that you'll be teaching again, you don't need to start from scratch for a new year!

Making a copy of a class before you archive it allows you to reuse every assignment and material that you created for it! All previous assignments are automatically saved as "drafts" that you can update and reuse!