TechnoKids Inc. logo K-12 Technology Projects

Google Classroom

FOR THE TEACHER

These instructions explain how to use Google Classroom to complete a TechnoKids project. There are four steps that guide you through creating a classroom, uploading TechnoKids files, creating assignments, and viewing student work. You must have already downloaded a TechnoKids project from TechnoHub. If you have not, refer to Getting Started.

steps to use google classroom

Step 1 Create a Class

Follow these instructions to create a Google Classroom and invite students to join. If you plan to use an existing class to complete a TechnoKids project, skip ahead to Step 2.



  1. Visit Google Classroom.
  2. Click Sign in and choose Google Classroom.
    3. sign in menu

    TIP:
    If you are already signed into Google, click the Apps menu and choose Classroom from the list of apps. If you are prompted to acknowledge that you have read and understood the notice, check the box and click Continue.
  3. Enter your credentials and sign into your account.
  4. Click Create or join a class. Choose I want to create a class.
    5. create class

  5. Complete the dialog box to enter a class name, section, subject, and room.
    6. create class dialog

    TIP:
    Make sure these details are exactly how you want them before your students join the class. If you make changes later, sometimes there are sync issues which can cause problems with class access.
  6. Click Create.
  7. You will see the Class page:
    8. Google Classroom

    NOTE:
    Google automatically creates a folder in your Google Drive that is the name of the class. When you post assignments they are added to this location.

When a class is created, a code displays in the top left corner of the banner. Provide the code to students to have them join.

    Google Classroom Code

  1. Click the square brackets [ ] beside the code in the banner to enlarge the code.
    2. display class code

  2. When students sign into their Classroom, they will click Join class and enter the code.

You can send an email invitation to invite students to join a class. They will need to open the email message and click Join.

  1. Click the People tab above the class banner.
    2. People tab

  2. Click add student in the Students section.
  3. Add email addresses of the students you wish to invite.
    4. email invite

  4. Click Invite.

Step 2 Upload Files into the Class

Now that you have a Class you must upload the TechnoKids Resources for students. All the files for completing a TechnoKids project are in one folder. It contains worksheets, templates, and/or sample files. When you completed Step 1 Create a Class, Google automatically made a folder in your Google Drive that is the class name. Follow the instructions to post files to this location. Afterwards, you may need to convert templates to a native Google format if they part of the project you are teaching.


  1. Go to the place where you downloaded the TechnoKids project from TechnoHub. The folder must be unzipped.
    2. TIP:
    If you have not completed this step, refer to Step 1 Get Your Files from Getting Started. It explains how to download TechnoKids files with tips on how to unzip a folder on a Windows or Chromebook device.
  2. Open the downloaded TechnoKids project folder. It has a path like this:

    category-project > version
    For example: jnr-candy > Google

  3. Open the TechnoProject Resources folder.
    4. select resources folder

  4. Locate the folder that is the name of the project. For example, if you are teaching TechnoCandy the folder is called Candy. Whereas, if you are teaching TechnoMe the folder is called Me.
    5. resources

  5. Now you know which folder you need to upload into your Google Classroom. Inside it are worksheets, templates, and samples. You will attach these files as part of a Google Classroom Assignment.
    6. workbook folder

Each TechnoKids project includes resource files that are designed for students. These are required to complete the activities.

  1. In Google Classroom, select the Class that will be completing the TechnoKids project.
    2. Google Classroom

  2. Click the Classwork tab.
    3. tabs classwork

  3. Click Class Drive folder.
    4. class drive folder

  4. Click New. new button
  5. Choose Folder upload.
    6. new menu

  6. Browse to the location of the TechnoKids project folder. It has a path like this:

    category-project > version
    For example: jnr-candy > Google

  7. Open the TechnoProject Resources folder.
    8. select resources folder

  8. Select the folder that is the name of the project. For example, if you are teaching TechnoCandy the folder is called Candy. Whereas, if you are teaching TechnoMe the folder is called Me. Click Upload.

    If prompted, click Upload in the confirmation dialog box to authorize the upload.
    9. Google Classroom Drive

  9. OPTIONAL: Some projects have templates. To be able to provide these files TechnoKids has saved them as .doc or .ppt. However, it is recommended that teachers convert the files to a native Google format.
    1. Open the ProjectName folder you just uploaded.
    2. Click on a template. It will open in the Google source program.
      3. Convert Templates

    TIP:
    You may want to delete the original template to avoid confusion once it is converted. To identify the file, look for the extension .doc or .ppt in the name.

TIPS

Sometimes you lose your files. You have downloaded them, but you do not know where they have gone. The good news is that TechnoKids has created a standard file name for all downloaded files. It is technokidsMMDD. For example, the search term technokids1013 will find a file downloaded on October 13 from TechnoHub on your device. Please note, if you do not know the date, just type technokids when searching.

Windows
  1. Click Search in the Windows taskbar.
  2. Type technokidsMMDD.zip into the search box, where MMDD is the month and day the file was downloaded.
  3. As you type, matching files will be displayed in the search results.
  4. Click the arrow beside the file name.
  5. Choose Open file location.
Chromebook
  1. Click the Launcher icon on your Chromebook.
  2. Type technokidsMMDD.zip into the search box, where MMDD is the month and day the file was downloaded.
  3. As you type, matching files will be displayed in the search results.
  4. Click the file to go to the location.

Step 3 Create Assignments with TechnoKids Files

To prepare to teach a TechnoKids technology project, read the Teacher Guide. This document includes preparatory steps, material list, lesson plans, and answer keys. Once familiar with the activities, you are ready to create assignments in Google Classroom.

To start, review the TechnoKids assignment. Use the flowchart and questions to determine the Google Class Assignment settings you must apply.

Create Assignment flowchart

  1. Does the assignment have step-by-step instructions only?
  2. Does the assignment include questions students must answer?
  3. Does the assignment require a template that each student needs to produce unique work?
  4. If the task uses a TechnoKids template, has it been converted into a native Google format? (If not, refer to Step 2)
  5. Does the assignment require a sample that students view?
  6. Does the assignment have students create a new file using Google Apps?

To create a Class Assignment using TechnoKids resources, attach to the post the TechnoKids worksheet as well as any templates and/or sample files if they are required.


  1. In Google Classroom, select the Class that will be completing the TechnoKids project.
    2. Google Classroom

  2. Click the Classwork tab.
    3. tabs classwork

    IMPORTANT:
    The Stream tab is best used for sending messages to students. When creating assignments you MUST USE the Classwork tab. This will allow you to select the option Make a copy for each student.
  3. Click Create and choose Assignment from the menu.
    4. Classwork Menu

  4. Type the TechnoKids Assignment Name as the title. In the instruction box, explain the task. You may wish to type the text that is at the start of the TechnoKids assignment.
    5. Text you may want to include:
    • Open the attached worksheet and follow the instructions to...
    • Open the attached worksheet in Kami. Type in your answers. IMPORTANT: You must SAVE your answers.
    • Use the attached template ___ to complete the task.
    • In the Your work section, click the Add or create button. Select ___ (e.g. Sheets). Click the newly created file to complete your work.
    • Open the file ____ created in Assignment __. Follow the instructions to continue to work on...
    • When done, view Assignment __. Submit your work by clicking the Turn in button.
    • When done, view Assignment __. Click Add or create. Select the file from Google Drive (or paste a link to the file).
    • TIP: You may want to tile your screen so you can see Google ___ (e.g. Docs) and the worksheet at the same time.
    • TIP: To find your work look in My Drive > Classroom > Class Name > Student Name - Filename.

    TIP:
    In a new browser tab, open the TechnoKids PDF worksheet in a PDF Annotator such as Kami. This will allow you to copy and paste the text to quickly add the title and instructions.
    how to create an assignment

  5. Attach the TechnoKids worksheet. It is located in the Project workbook folder:
    1. Click attachment , and choose Google Drive.
      2. attach file

    2. Select My Drive, then open the Classroom folder. Open the Class folder.
      3. select class folder

  6. Determine the type of worksheet:
    • Step-by-Step Instructions Only - Set the option to Students can view file.
    • Includes Questions - Set the option to Make a copy for each student.
      • select type of assignment

    TIP:
    If you do not see the option Make a copy for each student, you are not on the Classwork tab (but likely on the Stream tab). You will need to start over.
  7. From the right pane, set the points, due date, and topic. To decide the points:
    • Number of Questions: Assign a value based upon the number of questions students must answer on the worksheet.
    • Daily Work: Many TechnoKids projects have students complete a task over a series of assignments. In which case, you are only grading the final product. You may wish to set this type of assignment to ungraded or allocate a daily work value such as 5.
    • Marking Sheet: The majority of TechnoKids projects have a marking sheet for the final product. It is located in the Assessment folder. If the assignment has students submit their finished file such as a report or newsletter, allocate the value on the marking sheet.
      • set points, due date, and topic

      TIP:
      Create a topic that is the name of the TechnoKids project. (e.g. Candy). This will help to keep assignments organized by project.
  8. OPTIONAL: IF the assignment requires a template or sample, repeat the steps to insert the file. These resources are located in the Project folder uploaded in Step 2.

    Determine the type of file:
    • Template - Set the option to Make a copy for each student.
    • Sample - Set the option to Students can view file.
      • optional - attach a template or sample

    9. RECOMMENDED:
    TechnoKids templates are provided as .ppt or .doc files. It is best to convert these files to a native Google format BEFORE attaching to an assignment. Refer to Step 2 Upload Files into the Class for conversion instructions.

  9. OPTIONAL: IF the assignment has students make a new file using Google Apps, you may want create this file for students. This option works the best if the task is completed in the same assignment, instead of over a series of assignments.
    1. Click Create.
    2. Select the app from the menu.
      3. create app

    3. Set the option to Make a copy for each student.
      4. optional - create a blank template

      TIP:
      Verify the assignment has the correct files and settings. If you selected Each student will get a copy the attachment CANNOT be modified once the assignment is saved. Instead, if there is an error, the entire post must be removed and then recreated.

  10. When all files are attached, click the Assign arrow. Make a choice from the list:
    • Assign posts the assignment immediately
    • Schedule posts the assignment on a specific date
    • Draft permits edits and will not post the assignment

TIPS

If you make a mistake and you want to remove an assignment, this must be done from the Grades tab:

  1. From the Grades tab, click the More button beside the assignment you want to remove.
  2. Select Delete.
  3. A notification states that any grades and comments will also be deleted. Click Delete.
    4. delete assignment

If you make a mistake, you can change the order of assignments on the Classwork tab:

  1. From the Classwork tab, select the topic.
  2. Beside the desired assignment, click the More button.
  3. Select Move up or Move down.
    4. order assignment

What happens in the Class Drive when you make an assignment?

Google classroom creates a folder with the name of the assignment. Inside it are personalized copies of the worksheets/templates you attached. Later, if a student attaches a file to the assignment, it will also appear in this folder.

optional - create a blank template

Step 4 View and Grade Student Work



  1. In Google Classroom, click a class thumbnail or pick your class from the menu. main menu
  2. Click the Classwork tab.
    3. tabs classwork

  3. Select an assignment. Click Turned in
    4. view class assignments

  4. Click a student thumbnail to view a student's work.
    5. assign 1 turned in student

  5. Review the work.
    6. assign 1 view worksheet

  6. Assess the assignment and provide feedback:
    1. Assign a grade from the Grading pane on the right.
    2. Add a comment. Click Post.
      3. assign 1 grading pane

    3. Click return button.
    4. Confirm the submission, click Return.
    5. Close the browser tab.

FOR THE STUDENT

steps to use google classroom for students

Step 1 Install a PDF Annotator

You need a PDF Annotator such as Kami to type answers into TechnoKids worksheets. Many schools have an IT administrator whose job it is to manage Google accounts. You might need to gain permission before completing the steps below.

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Visit the Chrome web store or Google Workspace Marketplace.
  3. Search for a PDF extension or Google Drive Add-on such as Kami.
  4. Click Add to Chrome or Install.
  5. Follow the onscreen prompts.

Step 2 Join a Class

Your teacher has made a Google Classroom. You must join it to access assignments and grades.


  1. Visit Google Classroom.
  2. Click Sign in and choose Google Classroom.
    3. sign in menu

    TIP:
    If you are already signed into Google, click the Apps menu and choose Classroom from the list of apps.
  3. Sign into your account.
  4. Click Create or join a class. Choose Join class.
    5. join class

  5. Enter the code provided by your teacher. Click Join.
    6. join class code

  6. You will now be able to see the Class:
    7. class screen


  1. Visit Gmail.
  2. Check your Inbox for an invitation email from your teacher.
    3. inbox email invite

  3. Open the message and click the link to join the class.
    4. email invite join

  4. You will now be able to see the Class:
    5. class screen

    TIP:
    If you are already signed into Google, click the Apps menu and choose Gmail from the list of apps.

Step 3 Complete an Assignment

What you need to do depends on the type of assignment your teacher has assigned. Below are some tips for completing and submitting your work.

  1. Visit Google Classroom. Click Sign in and choose Google Classroom.
    2. sign in menu

  2. Click your Class icon.
    3. class icon

  3. Click the Classwork tab.
    4. tabs classwork student

  4. Select the assignment. Click View Assignment.
    5. classwork tab assignments

  5. Read the instructions and then click the worksheet to preview it.
    6. assign1 view assignment

  6. From the Open with menu, choose Annotate with Kami.
    7. open with menu

  7. Use the Text Box and Drawing Tools to enter answers.
    8. kamitools

  8. When done, click Turn in or Save. Select Save Now.
    9. Save Kami

  9. Check to make sure the file saved. There should be a checkmark beside All changes saved. If the menu reads Save Failed your work is NOT SAVED.
    10. IMPORTANT:
    When you click Save Now your teacher can see what you have written on your assignment. However, you still need to submit your work in Google Classroom.
  10. Turn in your work:
    1. When you are done, close the Kami window.
    2. View the assignment in Google Classroom.
    3. Click Turn in.
      4. Turn In

    4. When you are asked to confirm, click Turn in.
      5. Turn In Confirm

  1. Visit Google Classroom. Click Sign in and choose Google Classroom.
    2. sign in menu

  2. Click your Class icon.
    3. class icon

  3. Click the Classwork tab.
    4. tabs classwork student

  4. Select the assignment. Click View Assignment.
    5. assignment with template

  5. Right click on the worksheet name (Press ALT + click the name).
    From the menu, select Open link in a new tab.
    6. open worksheet in a new tab

  6. The worksheet is in view. It has the instructions you must follow.
  7. Click the Classroom tab to return to the assignment.
    8. worksheet with tabs

  8. Click the template to open the file.
    9. open template

  9. Follow the instructions on the worksheet to complete the task.
    10. TIP:
    View the Worksheet and the Template at the Same Time
    tile screen

  10. When you are done, you can click TURN IN at the top of the Google App.
    Or, submit the assignment in Google Classroom:
    1. Click Turn in.
      2. Turn In

    2. When you are asked to confirm, click Turn in.

  1. Visit Google Classroom. Click Sign in and choose Google Classroom.
    2. sign in menu

  2. Click your Class icon.
    3. class icon

  3. Click the Classwork tab.
    4. tabs classwork student

  4. Select the assignment. Click View Assignment.
    5. classwork tab assignments

  5. Right click on the worksheet name (Press ALT + click the name).
    From the menu, select Open link in a new tab.
    6. open worksheet in a new tab

  6. The worksheet is in view. It has the instructions you must follow.
  7. Click the Classroom tab to return to the assignment to make a new file.
    8. worksheet with tabs

  8. Click Add or create. Select the Google app from the menu.
    9. create new file

  9. It should automatically open in a new tab. If it does not, click the newly created file to open it.
    10. open new file

  10. The file will automatically be named Student Name - Assignment Name.
    Follow the instructions on the worksheet to complete the task.
    11. TIP:
    View the Worksheet and the Template at the Same Time
    tile screen

  11. When you are done, submit the assignment in Google Classroom:
    1. Click Turn in.
      2. Turn In

    2. When you are asked to confirm, click Turn in.

  1. Sign into Google Classroom and open your class.
  2. Click the Classwork tab.
    3. tabs classwork student

  3. Select the assignment. Click View Assignment.
  4. In the Your work area, click +Add or create.
    5. submit file

  5. Choose the file location from the menu. Select the file.
    6. add file

  6. When you are done, click Turn in.
    7. Turn In

  7. When you are asked to confirm, click Turn in.

Tips and Tricks

It is important to keep your files organized. Ask your teacher which project you are going to start with and create a folder to hold your work.


  1. Visit Google Classroom.
  2. Click Sign in and choose Google Classroom.
  3. Click the class icon.
    4. class icon

  4. Click the Classwork tab.
    5. tabs classwork student

  5. Click Class Drive folder.
    6. class drive folder

  6. Check to make sure you are in My Drive > Classroom > class.
    7. classroom folder

  7. Click classroom folder. Choose Folder
  8. Type the name of the TechnoKids project. Click Create
    9. new folder

TIP: You can add to, or retrieve files from, this folder easily in Google Drive:

  • Click My Drive.
  • Open the Classroom folder.
  • Open the class folder.

If you cannot submit work using the built-in features, there are other options to hand in your work. You can:

  • Share the assignment directly from Google Drive.
  • Send the assignment by email.
  • Print the assignment and hand in.

Share the Assignment From Google Drive
  1. Sign into Google Classroom and open your class.
  2. Click the Classwork tab.
    3. tabs classwork student

  3. Open the Class Drive folder.
    4. class drive folder

  4. In the left pane, click My Drive.
  5. Open the Classroom > class folder.
  6. Open the project folder.
  7. Click to select the file and click share file.
  8. Add your teacher's email address, a note about the document, and set the viewing options.
    9. share address

  9. Click Send.

Share the Assignment via Email
  1. Sign into Gmail.
  2. Click Compose to start a new message.
  3. Add your teacher's email address, the name of the assignment as the subject line, and a message about the email.
  4. Click insert files using drive to attach a file.
  5. Open the Classroom > class folder.
  6. Open the project folder.
  7. Click to select the file and click Insert.
    8. email file

  8. Click Send.

Print Assignment and Hand in
  1. Sign into Google Classroom.
  2. Open the completed assignment.
  3. Click Print. print
  4. Hand in to teacher.

You can tile or stack screens to see two windows at one time. This will allow you to have an app, such as Docs or Slides, open on the left side of the screen, while having a TechnoKids assignment sheet open on the right side of the screen.

  1. Open the TechnoKids worksheet in the Chrome browser. If you need to type answers, then open the file in a PDF Annotator such as Kami.
  2. Click the top bar.
    3. click the top bar

  3. Press the WINDOWS key on the keyboard. Press the RIGHT ARROW key on the keyboard to snap the window to the right side of the screen.
  4. In the Chrome browser, click New tab. Open the application that will be used to complete the task such as Docs or Slides.
  5. Drag the tab to detach it from the window.
    6. detach tab

  6. Click the top bar. Press the WINDOWS key on the keyboard. Press the LEFT ARROW key on the keyboard to snap the window to the left side of the screen.
    7. tile windows
TIP: You may need to drag the bottom frame of the window to make it taller.

You can tile or stack screens to see two windows at one time. This will allow you to have an app, such as Docs or Slides, open on the left side of the screen, while having the TechnoKids assignment sheet open on the right side of the screen.

  1. Open the TechnoKids worksheet in the Chrome browser. If you need to type answers, then open the file in a PDF Annotator such as Kami.
  2. Click and HOLD the Maximize/Restore button in the top left corner of the window. Press the RIGHT arrow to snap the window to the right side of the screen.
    click and hold maximize/restore

    Or, press the ALT and OPEN BRACKET [ keys on the keyboard.
    keyboard chromebook

  3. Open the application that will be used to complete the task such as Docs or Slides.
  4. Drag the tab to detach it from the window.
    5. detach tab

  5. Click and HOLD the Maximize/Restore button in the top left corner of the detached tab. Press the LEFT arrow to snap the application to the left side of the screen.
    Or, press the ALT and CLOSE BRACKET ] keys on the keyboard.
    6. tile windows on chromebook

When your work has been graded, or your teacher has added comments, you will be able to view them.

  1. Sign into Google Classroom.
  2. Open a class folder.
  3. Open the assignment you want to check.
    4. assign 5 open

  4. When the assignment has been graded the mark is posted at the top of the page. Comments appear beneath the Your work area.
    5. assign5 check grade