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.
Determine the Type of Assignment
To start, review the TechnoKids assignment. Use the flowchart and questions to determine the Google Class Assignment settings you must apply.
- Does the assignment have step-by-step instructions only?
- Does the assignment include questions students must answer?
- Does the assignment require a template that each student needs to produce unique work?
- If the task uses a TechnoKids template, has it been converted into a native Google format? (If not, refer to Step 2)
- Does the assignment require a sample that students view?
- Does the assignment have students create a new file using Google Apps?
Create an Assignment
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.
- In Google Classroom, select the Class that will be completing the TechnoKids project.
- Click the Classwork tab.
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.
- Click Create and choose Assignment from the menu.
- 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.
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.
- Attach the TechnoKids worksheet. It is located in the Project workbook folder:
- Click
, and choose Google Drive.
- Select My Drive, then open the Classroom folder. Open the Class folder.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
TIP:
Create a topic that is the name of the TechnoKids project. (e.g. Candy). This will help to keep assignments organized by project.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- Click Create.
- Select the app from the menu.
- Set the option to Make a copy for each student.
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.
- 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
>> Delete an Assignment
If you make a mistake and you want to remove an assignment, this must be done from the Grades tab:
- From the Grades tab, click the More button beside the assignment you want to remove.
- Select Delete.
- A notification states that any grades and comments will also be deleted. Click Delete.
>> Reorder Assignments
If you make a mistake, you can change the order of assignments on the Classwork tab:
- From the Classwork tab, select the topic.
- Beside the desired assignment, click the More button.
- Select Move up or Move down.
>> Assignments in Class Drive
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.