Google Classroom is a super useful tool for teachers who work remotely or want to keep all their classroom supplies in one place. Once set up, you can seamlessly manage assignments, break your class into smaller groups, and distribute links to every essay, resource, or article your students need.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know to set up a brand-new digital classroom.
How to Create a New Class in Google Classroom
Creating a class in Google Classroom may seem difficult at first. However, it’s easy to get started with these simple steps.
1. Sign Into Google Classroom
Head to classroom.google.com and sign in with your Google account. You might need to use your Google Workspace account provided by your company. If you don’t have an appropriate Google Workspace account, you’ll need to consult your IT administrator for assistance.
2. Access the Classes Page
Once logged in, the system should redirect you to the Google Classroom homepage. Click on the “Create” button located in the top-right corner of the page.
3. Set Up Class Information
From here, you will need to provide a few details about your class. Fill in the following details:
- Class Name: Put in a name for your class.
- Section: If it applies, enter a specific section or period for your class.
- Subject: Punch in the name of the subject or topic that your class covers.
- Room: If you have a physical classroom number associated with your Google Classroom, you can enter the room’s number here.
- Grade level: Specify the grade level of your class.
- Description: Add a brief description or blurb of your class to provide students with an overview of what they can expect.
4. Create the Class
After providing the basic information mentioned above, click on the “Create” button, and Google Classroom will create your class and automatically take you to the class page.
You can now begin adding classroom materials and assignments.
5. Add Students
With the main framework of the class done, you can invite students to it. There are three main ways you can do so:
- Send emails with invite links inside.
- Share the class code (provided during class creation) with students, which they use to “Join Class” on their profiles.
- Send invite links provided on “More” > “Invite Link.”
Google Classroom – Make a New Class by Copying
You can also create a new class by copying an old one. This can be helpful if you already have structured coursework from a similar (or the same) class you taught in previous years.
Here’s how to create a copy of an existing class:
- Enter the class you want to copy (you must have access to the course).
- Go to “More” (kebab icon).
- Select “Copy.”
- Edit any information from the old class, such as the year or a description.
- Click on “Copy” again to finalize.
Copying a class doesn’t transfer the students from the original class. You’ll receive a new invite link that you can use. All materials and coursework in the original class are changed to drafts.
Note that creating a class copy can take a while, depending on the amount of coursework and resources that need to be reuploaded by the server.
Troubleshooting and Common Errors
In case you run into any issues when creating your Google Classroom class, follow these steps to quickly get back on the right track:
- Double-check that all information, like the class name and description, is entered correctly.
- Refresh the page or try reloading it to resolve any temporary glitches.
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
- Use a different browser.
- Explore Google Classroom’s help center for troubleshooting guides and FAQs.
- If all else fails, reach out to the Google Classroom support team for assistance or use the forums.
Customize Your Students’ Learning Experience
You can take your virtual learning space to the next level with optional settings. It allows Google Classroom to customize your class to best suit the needs of both you and your students.
Class Information
In the “Class Information” section, you can edit the class name, section, and description. Use an authoritative but friendly voice to communicate the purpose and expectations of the class.
Adding Other Teachers to Your Classroom
If you’re not the only teacher or admin in the class, you can add your colleagues to the class as co-teachers. Be careful not to extend these privileges to any students accidentally. They’ll have all the power over your class as you do.
To add co-teachers, click on “Add teacher” and type in the email addresses of the teachers you want to invite.
How Do You Change the Appearance of Your Class?
Just like with your physical teaching space, you can personalize your digital class in Google Classroom’s appearance to reflect the themes of your learning and identity as a teacher.
Select a Theme
You can go to “Customize” to change your class theme. There are plenty of photos in the gallery to choose from, and you can sort them by subject to find the perfect one. Teachers can also upload custom images to use as themes.
Design the Classwork Page
Customize the appearance of the Classwork page by clicking on the “Classwork” tab.
Choose whatever layout you prefer that will help students navigate through your assignments and materials. It’s vital to have a well-organized Classwork page that allows your classroom to be easily accessible to all learners.
FAQ
Is there a way to use a premade Google Classroom?
You can get a copy of an existing class (which copies all the base information and allows some changes) or receive a provisional class from your administrator. The provisional class is activated when the main teacher accepts it.
Using Your Brand New Google Classroom
Creating your personalized Google Classroom class is not just about setting up a digital space for learning. It’s about creating a transformative educational experience tailored specifically to your needs. This is your platform for growth, collaboration, and academic success. This class is your canvas, and you hold the brush.
The most important piece of the puzzle is not the Google Classroom class itself. It’s your job to use the virtual space to reflect your passion and dedication to your students.
Are you a teacher who uses Google Classroom? How has the transition to online school been for you? Let us know in the comment sections below.
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