This Google Classroom Feature Makes Life Easier

Google classroom has many benefits as a learning management system, but some features are more helpful than others. What’s my favorite?  Assignments that automatically create copies or templates for students. 

Why?
Learning projects that push students to deeper learning are more complicated.  As a teacher, I have two choices, create a rubric with bullet points to keep kids on track or create a template that guides students.  Templates are far better because I can include video, instructions and tips in a format that’s easy for students to navigate.  Additionally templates are editable for the students, making grading easier and final products more polished. 

How?
Just open your Google Drive account and build a document that matches the requirements for your project.  Add links, instructions, pictures and examples.  Once you are complete, give it a descriptive name.  The video below will explain this in detail.  

Now go into your Google Class and select the class you want to use and click the Google Drive Icon.  By clicking recent, the last document you worked on will appear.  This is a huge time saver because you don’t need to sort through and find your files.
Google will ask you what options you want, by clicking “make a copy” for each student, it will automatically put a student’s name on the file.  No more forgetting to put a name on your paper!  This automatically creates a copy in the students Google Drive account that they can access either through Google Drive or Google classroom.
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These steps can be completed in seconds.  This is one of the reasons why I believe Google Classroom is a leader in getting content to kids.  Whether you are using it for class or making online copies for parents to access.  This will save you time and energy when creating assignments. 
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These are lessons I use that can be used with Google Drive.