How to use Google Classroom, Google's free learning platform to create and grade assignments

Google Classroom exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and soon had more than 150 million users.

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• Google Classrooms is a free learning platform created by Google.
• Anyone with a Google account can make a Google Classroom — not just teachers or students.
• Google classrooms is used by more than 150 million people worldwide.

Google Classroom is a free learning platform created by Google with the purpose of making it easier to not only create assignments but also simplifying the distribution and grading.

Google Classroom has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in August 2014. More than 70 million G Suite for Education users were on it by August 2017, and its popularity exploded even further when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. By 2021, it had reached more than 150 million students and educators.

Google Classroom lets you share announcements, host virtual lessons, and even create interactive questions for YouTube videos.

While Google Classroom can be used by anyone, if you are creating a classroom at a school for students you must use Google Workspace for Education.

Here's everything you need to know to get started.

How to make a Google classroom

Despite its power, creating a Google classroom is surprisingly straightforward. It can be completed in just 3 steps.

1. Go to classroom.google.com
2. Click on the add button, which looks like a plus (+) sign, and click Create class.

Click the "+" button. The Create class and Join class buttons will both pop out of the add button.

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1. Fill in a name for the class and click Create.

Quick tip: The same screen where you can fill in a class name is also where you can include a section, room number, and class subject.

How to use Google Classroom

Once your Google Classroom is created, you now need to add content to it and invite students.

Adding content to your Classroom

Under the Classwork tab, click Create. In this menu, you have the ability to create an assignment, quiz, question, or add material or topics, which are like section headings.

Click "Create" and write out instructions for students, or upload your assignment as an attachment.

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Google Classroom will then provide two blank fields and prompt you to enter a title and assignment instructions for students. You can create assignments from Google's suite of programs, including Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets, or you can attach links, documents, or YouTube videos to the assignment.

You can also share photos with students using Google Photos.

After you create the assignment, you can set a due date, assign it to specific students or all students, and even post a rubric.

Inviting students or teachers to your Classroom

Navigate to the People tab and click on the Invite teachers or Invite students tab as applicable. Then enter their email address(es) and click Invite.

Alternatively, you can have students join your class by using the Class code.

1. Navigate to classroom.google.com
2. Click on the add button, which looks like a plus (+) sign, and click Join class.
3. Input the class code you received from your teacher and click on the blue Join button in the top right corner of the window.

Enter the class code and click Join.

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Quick tip: Students can also join a Classroom through an invite link. Click on the three vertical dots to the right of the Class code field and click Copy class invite link.

How to unenroll from a Google Classroom

If you wish to leave or otherwise unenroll from a Google Classroom, that is accomplished in a quick two-step process.

1. Go to classroom.google.com
2. Click on the three vertical dots beside your class's name.
3. Click Unenroll and then Unenroll in the confirmation window that appears.

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How to archive a Google Classroom

As a teacher, you have the ability to archive a Google Classroom when you no longer need it, for example, when the semester is over.

1. Go to classroom.google.com
2. Click on the three vertical dots beside your classroom's name.
3. Click Archive and then Archive again in the confirmation window that appears.

Click Archive.

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Quick tip: Classrooms must be archived first prior to deletion. If you want to permanently delete a classroom, archive it and then go to Archived classes, click the three dots, and click Delete and then Delete again in the confirmation window that appears.

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