Digital Resources for The Paperless Google Classroom

Digital Classroom for The Paperless Google Classroom- Are you ready to go DIGITAL with the Paperless Classroom? Google Classroom is taking over many schools and classrooms. It is important to start learning about the 21^st century Paperless Classroom. Many classrooms have been converting to 1:1 with technology and many are starting a little at a time. It is our responsibility as educators to learn and become fluent with the new ways of teaching and learning. You may be wondering where do I start… or if you are an expert, you may be wondering where can I find resources to meet my student’s needs.

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What are some items you will need? I have personally worked with these forms of technology for my students and my own children: Google Chromebook, Amazon Kindle, Dell Surface Tablets, and Chrome Tablets. I would also suggest headphones, and if needed containers to store and charging dock stations. These are all big investments and a big commitment. Many campuses and districts have technology teams to help with getting set up and started.

How do I get started with Google Classroom?

1. Google Classroom: To create an account is free! Yes, it is absolutely free to create a google classroom and to use it! You would sign on to google and set up a classroom account.
   • You can use Classroom if you log in using a Google Apps for Education account – classroom.google.com
   • Click on the [+] button in the top right to create your first class, click “Create class.”
   • Add a class name and a section. The class name should be the title of the class. You can add your students to the class, or they can start to join. It will prompt them for a class code- make sure they keep this handy.
2. Setting Up Students Google Accounts: You will have to sign up students to have their google accounts. You will need this to assign class assignments and to grade activities. They will also need class code to get to the assignments. Comment settings, you will decide if you will allow students to comment or not. You will also set up grade settings.
   • Adding students to your class: Students need to go to classroom.google.com to sign in. You can also add your students manually which I recommend on the People Page or you can give them the class code for them to join.
3. Teach Expectations: Many teachers teach how to be a Good Cyber Citizenship. You can find a helpful FREE packet here to use
4. Model: Modeling how to use google classroom. You may need to start from how to log on, to how to navigate the web, to completing assignments. This will all take time. The more modeling you do the easier it is for them to use on their own. I also would hang posters with directions for them to have handy when you are not able to walk through step by step.

Google Classroom Recommended Activities

• Digital Spelling and Word Work Activities for ANY word list! This has quickly become a popular resource, take a peek HERE!

• Digital Book Reviews for Any Book or Novel: You will find 28 book review templates

• Google Slides Digital Activities: Research Templates [perfect for studying science & social studies], Graphic Organizers perfect for using with any book/ text, Writing Prompts

Google Websites to Check out

• Math Game Websites: Here are some fun math websites your kids will enjoy: Istation, Flocabulary, Kahoot
• ELA Game Websites: Funbrain, BrainPop, ABCYA
• Other Fun Apps: Pic Collage,  Author Websites to listen to online books, GoNoodle, Handwriting Without Tears, Amazon Kindle has free books online for students.

Last few Tips for Google Classroom

• Google Classroom works with Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail so teachers can assign work to students. Teachers can attach documents, links, and images to their assignments. All activity is online using a computer or mobile device.
• Teachers can set when students will see assignments and their attachments. When attaching a Drive file (document, slides, or sheets), the teacher can choose to:
  • Allow students to view the file—All students can read the file, but not edit it.
  • Allow students to edit the file—All students share the same file and can edit it.
  • Make a copy of the file for each student—Students get an individual copy of the file that they can edit.
    • The student’s name is automatically added to the document title.
    • When a student turns in the assignment, the teacher sees the file labeled with the student’s name.
• Here is a screenshot of what you will do. I learned playing around with it and testing it. Like with anything it is trial and error. You got this!

What should I expect with the Google Classroom?

As a teacher we usually have high expectations and we are tough on ourselves if something doesn’t work out. I would recommend giving it time. With everything there is a trial and error- especially using technology. I do recommend that you recap expectations daily with your students, that you model frequently, and that you give it time. These are just some ideas and tips I have for beginning the Paperless Classroom journey! It is exciting as there is so much to learn and grow in.

Grab today’s Digital Freebie here to help you get started with the Paperless Journey!

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