Google Classroom Tips For Teachers

Dec 10 / ELI SMITH




As 2020 has taught us, remote learning is an intensely useful platform that enhances online learning experiences. But for those who are new to Google Classroom, they aren't yet aware of the intricate tips and tricks that come with years of experience using the thing.

Our quick guide below will address some common pain points to ensure that you can focus on giving your students the best learning experience.

Adjust Your Notifications

Google classroom notifies you every time someone accesses information. As a result, it is easy for you to become overwhelmed by notifications. If this is your first time using Google Classroom, adjust your notification settings. You can do this quickly by clicking the menu on the top, settings, and notifications.

Number Your Assignments

So you can keep track of the correct order, place a number next to your assignment, so you know where to start next. You can also mix assigned readings and anything you want your students to do here as well. When putting numbers, be sure you put two or three zeroes initially; otherwise, your assignments will start messing up after 10.

Breakdown Your Assignments Into Smaller Projects

If you are an adult, you know that breaking down your projects into smaller pieces makes it more accessible. If you had to "clean the house" every week, it sounds much more overwhelming than "wipe the counters, take out the trash, mop the floor."

Your students are likely under the same assumption; if you break down large projects into different segments, it will be easier for them to consume. You can do this by placing various assignments into the same folder or providing incredibly detailed step-by-step instructions inside of your projects. .
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Ask More Experienced Teachers To Be A Part Of Their Classroom (Or Your Classroom)

By clicking invite under the co-teachers or the student option, you can invite other teachers to give you advice on how to improve your classroom. This is great if it is your first time using Google Classroom, as it allows you to absorb ways you can improve your methods.

You can also ask to be invited to their classroom to see how they do it as well. You may find yourself noticing techniques you could implement in your classroom. 

Try Google Chrome Extensions to Enhance Online Learning

Extensions are offered with Google Chrome. These are very user friendly and they are free. While in Google Chrome, it only takes two simple clicks to add these extensions. Here are some of our favorites:
  • Custom Cursor adds fun and engagement to your online class meetings and screen recordings.
  • Giphy allows you to copy and paste fun GIFs and stickers in your virtual classroom.
  • Google Keep helps you organize your notes by category. These can be labeled and color coded and accessible from your computer or mobile phone. It's great for grabbing something quickly to share with your students in the virtual classroom.
  • Poll Everywhere is a great way to get students engaged without putting them on the spot. 
  • Share to Classroom allows you to push webpages to your Google Classroom and your students can instantly open them.

Final Thoughts

As 2021 begins, it seems as though remote learning is here to stay. As we see this enterprise's growth, it is easy to get overwhelmed by an entirely new classroom environment. 
Eli Smith is a technical expert on education-based software and technology. He has used various education-based programs and is always looking for the best way to help people learn remotely. When he’s not writing on technical issues, he pretends to be The Hulk with his four-year-old son. You can find out more about him on copysmith.org.
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