Using Google Classroom in the School Library

​

​KLA Virtual Conference  

​10/29/2020

by Amy Brownlee, MLS
District Librarian 

Sterling Public Schools
​Sterling, KS
Google Classroom has lots of practical applications in the library whether you’re meeting face-to-face with students, running a book club, training staff, or providing activities for at-home learning.  Learn basic features of Google Classroom: how to set up a class, how to easily get people enrolled in your Google Classroom, how to create discussion threads and post assignments, and how to schedule a Google Meet chat.  We will also discuss and demonstrate digital tools that easily integrate with Google Classroom (Kahoot, Quizizz, Flipgrid, Quizlet, Pear Deck).
 RESOURCES 
Google Classroom Tips
  • Give discussion / posting guidelines up front. I tell kids Google Classroom is an extension of our classroom. Don't make random or unnecessary comments.
  • Discussion - Can post in class stream. If you want to be sure every student participates, post a question under Assignments and Google Classroom will keep track of who answers and who doesn’t. Posting under Assignments also keeps discussions neatly organized.
  • Set up email filter so all Google Classroom messages don’t clutter your inbox. (You can turn off email notifications, but I like to leave them on.)

Email Notices

Setting up a Google Classroom email filter in Gmail
Can turn email notices on or off. Generates a lot of email notices. I suggest setting up a filter so it all goes into a folder.  If you’re the teacher, you get email notices when a student comments on the stream, submits an assignment LATE, or RESUBMITS an assignment. You DON’T get an email when a student submits an assignment. This is one reason why I suggest putting discussion topics under ASSIGNMENTS. ​
  1. Settings (gear - see all settings) > Filters & blocked addresses > Create new filter (at bottom of page)
  2. From @classroom.google.com > Create filter
  3. Check boxes:
    Skip inbox
    ​Apply label - Create a new label and name it what you want. I named mine “Classroom (Google)”

Google Meet

Google meet allows you to schedule, run and record an online video conference. You can set up a Google Meet by using a nickname (which can only be used by people in your school district), use the code generated in your Google Classroom, or schedule it through your calendar.  I prefer using the first two options.  There are lots of online guides, videos, and tutorials on using Google classroom.  Here's a guide: Google Meet for Teachers. 

Digital Tools

​Here are some digital tools that either integrate directly into Google Classroom or work well for online assignments. For resources that integrate directly, students will not need another code or login. They can access the resource directly from Google Classroom (fewer steps).
  • Kahoot & Quizizz - Online quizzes. Students can compete. Create your own or search for a quiz someone else has created. Can play live or can give link and students play on their own. Kids are competitive and love to see who wins!  Kahoot gives points for a correct answer and based on how quickly you answer.
  • Quizlet - Online flashcards
  • FlipGrid - Post question. Students answer with a short video.
  • Padlet - Online bulletin board. Can type text, post photo or video. No login required. Easy to use and versatile!
  • PearDeck - Add-on to Google slides. Adds interactive elements.  Students can type in a response, for example.
  • Explora (EBSCO database) articles (free from the state library) can easily be shared in Google Classroom.
  • Epic ebooks (FREE) for elementary - Student accounts can easily be created by connecting with Google Classroom.​
Try it out!
Here are links that will allow you to try some of the digital tools.
  • Kahoot -  "How is the library organized?" 8 question quiz. Expires 11-16-20.
  • Quizizz - "Genre" quiz. Expires 11-2-20.
  • FlipGrid - Tell about a book you enjoyed. Record your video response!
  • Padlet - I made this page for the teachers at my school to try Padlet. They posted about what they did during the summer. Click the pink circle with the + at the bottom right of the screen and add a post!

Activity Ideas

abpres.weebly.com    >  classroom

brownleea at usd376.com