What is Google Classroom? Tips for using the teacher and student file-sharing tool

The government recently launched The Oak National Academy, a new platform to support online learning, while the BBC introduced Bitesize Daily lessons, a 14-week online programme devised using UK school curriculums.

Meanwhile, teachers are still sharing coursework and assignments with students using Google Classroom.

Here’s what you should know about the platform and tips for using it.

What is Google Classroom?

Google Classroom is a system that teachers can use to create, share and mark their students’ homework, and for students to access and complete assignments.

The Classroom is integrated with other G Suite software, like Google Drive, Google Docs and more.

“Google worked with educators across the country to create Classroom: a streamlined, easy to use tool that helps teachers manage coursework,” the Google Classroom website states.

How do I use Google Classroom?

Google Classroom is a free web service provided by Google for schools, which aims to streamline the distribution of work between teachers and students.

The Classroom uses other G-Suite features like Google Docs for writing, Gmail for communicating and Google Calendar for scheduling.

Students are invited into their specific classrooms through a private code set up by the school.

Each class created will automatically generate a new folder in each student's Google Drive account, where students submit their work to be graded by the teacher.

Teachers can set assignments in Google Classroom, schedule due dates with Google Calendar and more.

How do I sign up for Google Classroom?

To get started with the Google Classroom, you’ll first need to be signed up for the G Suite for Education.

If you’re not set up with G Suite for Education, simply go to this page on the Google Classroom site to get started.

G Suite for Education is free for eligible institutions - those institutions must have a verified not-for-profit status and be a government recognised, formally accredited institution that delivers nationally or internationally approved certifications at primary, secondary, or third level.

It would usually take two weeks to process a G Suite for Education application, however due to the coronavirus pandemic, Google is “expediting school approvals for G Suite for Education”.

When you’ve submitted your application, you’re automatically signed up for a 14 day trial whilst your application is processed.

What devices are supported with Google Classroom?

As well as being accessible through computers like Macs and PCs, the Google Classroom is also available as an app for mobile devices and tablets like the iPad.

Unfortunately, it is not available for Windows mobile devices.

Simply head to your app store and download Google Classroom.

Once it’s downloaded, tap on the app and sign in to get started.

You’ll also need to download and install Google Docs, Sheets and Slides if you want to be able to use all the features of Google Classroom on your phone.