All throughout the unprecedented spring, I would refer to Google Classroom as the unsung hero of remote learning. It truly was a life preserver to help keep many of us afloat during an extremely challenging time. Now, as we gear up to enter the fall in a VERY new way, Google Classroom comes to the rescue once again. It allows for a singular place to distribute and collect work, communicate with students either through Meet or email, and also share with your plans and posts with colleagues. This tool continues to improve each and every year, however, it is still missing a few key pieces that we would all like to see. Knowing Google, they will eventually add those key pieces but until then we can manipulate this fantastic tool with a few hacks. Let’s take a look at some of my favorites below!
Google Classroom HACKS 🛠
Track who views your links
Do you want to see if the kids are clicking the links you put in Google Classroom? Check out this trick!!
Use a different font
Seriously, this is amazing! I heard about this from Janice Griffin, 7th grade teacher at my school. Check out the website: https://coolsymbol.com/cool-fancy-text-generator.html
Type what you want for your Google Classroom topics, assignments, material or any item really! Copy and paste it into your Google Classroom, and VIOLA! Different Fonts!
Emojis in Classroom 💥😃🦸♀️️
Emojis may allow for your Google Classroom to stand out! I like using an extension for emojis, but you could also use the Emoji Keyboard built in to your device or an Emoji website. Check out the Emoji extension here. Copy and paste them into Google Classroom. Personally, I love seeing them in the Topics on the Classwork Page. Eye-catching AND engaging!
If the Google Classroom Genie 🧞 appeared and granted you 3 features, what would you choose? and you CAN’T wish for unlimited wishes…mine would be: Subtopics, Discussion board options, and options to hide student names in the people tab. I would LOVE to hear your suggestions!
Tip of the week: Extend your Desktop
Non-Classroom related….Need two screens for remote learning? One to see your students and one to present to your students? Try extending your screen! This works so awesomely well when you’re connected to a projector. Bonus – if you have a board that you can touch (like a Smartboard, Touchview, etc) you can fully touch that second screen. This works great with Meet, Jamboard, GoGuardian, Peardeck teacher dashboard and many more!
I truly wish you the BEST first week – seriously, it’s going to be FINTASTIC 🦈 !
Take Care!
oFISHally yours,