If you’re teaching a class remotely, Google Classroom is a valuable tool for creating virtual classes, assigning tasks, and staying connected with students. Just in case you’re new to the service, here’s how you can create a Google Classroom for the first time.
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Create a Class in Google Classroom
The best thing about Google Classroom is its accessibility – anyone with a Google account can sign up. With so many people using Gmail, Google Classroom emerges as a top solution for online education. Yet, organizations that use Google Workspace for Education and provide their users with school accounts do have access to some additional features. Nevertheless, even with a free Gmail account you can create a virtual class, add students and kickstart the learning process.
PC
If you’re doing this from a computer, go to the Google Classroom page in your browser of choice.
Press on the Sign in to Classroom button.
Use either your Google account to sign up or if your school has a Google Workspace for Education account, use your school account instead.
Press Continue in the pop-up and you should be immediately redirected to your Google Classroom interface.
Next up, click the Create class button to set up your first class.
Check the box next to I’ve read and understand the above notice… (if you’re using Classroom with a free Google account) and then click Continue.
In the next pop-up, add the details for your classroom including name, section, subject, and room.
Your new class has been created.
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Android
If you want to access Google Classroom on your Android device, you must download the app from the Google Play Store.
Open the app and tap on Get started.
Select a Google account or if your school has a Google Workspace for Education subscription, make sure to sign up with the affiliate email.
Allow notifications for the app (or deny the request if you want) and press Got It in the pop-up.
Next up, press on Create class to set up your first class.
Follow the same steps as above to finish creating your class.
iPhone
You can also use Google Classroom on an iPhone or iPad. First, download the app from the App Store. You also need to make sure that you have at least a free Google account before proceeding.
Open the app and press the Get started button. Select your account whether it’s a regular Google account or one connected to Google Workspace for Education.
Allow notifications or block them, and you’ll be taken to your Google Classroom dashboard.
Here, press on the Create class button to create a new class.
FYI: switching to a new phone? Don’t forget to transfer your Google Authenticator data to the new device.
What to Do After You Create a Google Classroom
Now that you’ve created your first classroom, you can proceed to do several other things:
Edit class information
You can easily personalize your class information. Start by adding a custom header that is indicative of the subject you’re teaching. Press on the Customize button to upload your own media.
You can also write a quick announcement for your classroom. Use the text box underneath the header to write your message.
Invite students
Once you have personalized your classroom, it’s time to start inviting your students. Check the left part of the display if you’re on PC. You should notice a class code. Copy it and share it via email or social apps with your students.
Alternatively, click the code and press on the Copy invitation link option.
With a code in hand, your students can go to the Google Classroom page and sign up with their own account. They should press the Join class button to input the code, then press Join.
In the mobile app, you’ll find the code by opening the classroom in question and then pressing on the gear-shaped icon in the upper right corner.
You’ll find the Class code below. You can also share the invite link too.
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Create assignments
You can create assignments in Google Classroom by switching to the Classwork tab and clicking the + Create button.
Select whether you want to set up an Assignment, Quiz, Question or more. For each, you can set a due date and how many points each assignment is worth.
When a new assignment is added, students will receive a new email alerting them a new task has been added.
As a teacher, you can then view what students submit by opening up the assignment clicking Assigned under the number of students for which you assigned the task and switching to the Student Work tab.
Related: if you need to improve your productivity while working or studying, check out these Chrome extensions that will maximize your workflow.
Google Classroom offers many benefits, but it still might not cover your specific needs. In that case, you might want to take a look at some of the Google Classroom LMS alternatives. If you’re just looking to connect with classmates or co-workers, take a look at our list of worthy conference apps that are free to use.
Image credit: Unsplash, Flaticon All screenshots by Alexandra Arici
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