Google updates Classroom

Last May, Google published Classroom, the easy way for teachers to share assignments and resources with students.  This was a Beta version with only volunteer teachers having access.  In September, Google launched Classroom to everyone using Google Apps for Education.  Now Google has updated Classroom with more easy to use features.  I know that several teachers in Watertown are using Classroom already, and more may want to try it out.

The five updates are:

• the ability to use Google Groups to invite students to Classroom, 
• sort students by first or last name, 
• mark assignments not submitted online as done, 
• export grades. 
• The update also adds additional control over discussion threads.

Are you interested in learning more about Classroom by Google?

You can get step-by-step directions of how to use Classroom by Google by clicking the below links.  Here is an example of how detailed Google's instructions are:

As a teacher, one of the first things you will do in Classroom is create a class for each of the classes you teach. In a class, you can add students, create assignments, post announcements, return reviewed assignments, and send messages to students.

Classes are interactive for students, too. They can comment on announcements that you make, share a post with classmates, or return an assignment.

To add a class:

1. Sign in to Classroom at classroom.google.com.
2. Click + at the top of the page and click Create class.
3. Enter the class name in the first text box.
4. Enter a short description in the second text box, such as section, grade level, or class time.
5. Click CREATE.

After you create a class, you can choose the image that is displayed for the class in the stream. To change the image from the default:

1. Open the class and click Change Photo at the bottom of the image.
2. Select an image from the gallery and click Pick Course Image.

Note: At this time, only the teacher of a class can change the image in the class stream.

You can also display a profile photo next to your name in both the class stream and on the class card on the home screen. Classroom uses your Gmail profile photo as your Classroom profile photo. See Selecting your Gmail picture for instructions on adding a photo.

From the home screen, you can rename or delete a class using the menu icon (three vertical dots) in the upper-right corner of the class card:

• To rename a class, click the menu icon and select Rename. Enter a new name and click SAVE.
• To delete a class, click the menu icon, select Delete, and click DELETE.

Here are links to more directions:

Sign in and get started

• Add a class
• Add a class resource page
• Invite students to a class
• Create an assignment
• Post an announcement
• Email a student
• View, grade, and return an assignment
• Remove a student from a class
• Change account settings
• Troubleshoot issues

Social Lesson Sharing: Share My Lesson

Share My Lesson is a social lesson sharing site created by teachers for teachers.  It is free and has lessons and resources ranging from Kindergarten through 12th grade as well as lessons for special populations.  They also include a data base of common core standards and resources to support them.

The site also allows you to create a log in and book save any lessons you want for now and in the future.

You can access the site here.  You can watch a short tutorial on how to use the site here.

The SAMR Model

How are you using technology in your classroom?  Here is a description of the four different ways technology can be used in the classroom.

Classroom for Google

Happy Summer Break!

Google Classroom is coming.  Below is a  a short video which will help you begin to learn what it can do.

Using Google Docs

This excellent article shows how Google Docs can change your classroom:

EDUCATION

Teaching In The Cloud: How Google Docs Are Revolutionizing The Classroom

• Tue, Nov 12, 2013
 
• by Mike Kalin
 

Schoology

Schoology is a free and easy to use Web 2.0 application that can help you and your students

• share work 
• have discussions
• collaborate with peers 
• analyze data
• integrate third-party programs such as Google Docs

So if you are looking for an easier version of a learning platform and something not quite as public as google sites, Schoology might be for you.  Last year, one of our middle school foreign language teachers started using it as a solution for students using iPads to share work with him.  He quickly began using all of the functions.  Quizes, collaboration and more.

You can find out more by clicking:  Schoology