Google Classroom Basics: Creating and Using Topics

Study Notes

Introduction

Google Classroom is a free online learning platform designed by Google for schools. It was introduced in 2014 as part of Google Apps for Education (now known as Google Workspace for Education). Since then, it has grown in popularity among educators and students alike, offering a variety of features that facilitate remote and traditional classroom instruction. In this article, we will explore the basics of Google Classroom, its key features, and some best practices for creating and using topics within the platform.

Features of Google Classroom

Creating and Using Topics

Topics in Google Classroom allow teachers to categorize and organize their posts, making it easier for students to find and access relevant information. Here's how you can create and use topics:

Creating a Topic

To create a topic, simply click on the 'Create topic' button and enter a topic name. Once created, you can select the topic by clicking on its name, and then click 'Save' to confirm your selection.

Filtering By Topic

You can filter your classwork by clicking on a specific topic on the left-hand side of the screen. To return to all topics, simply click on 'All topics'. Additionally, you can reorder your topics by dragging and dropping them or by using the 'Move up' or 'Move down' buttons next to each topic name.

Renaming a Topic

To rename a topic, click on the topic you wish to rename, and then click 'Edit' to modify the topic name. Remember to click 'Save' once you're finished.

Additional Features of Google Classroom

Google Classroom offers various features that facilitate collaboration and communication between teachers and students. Some key features include:

Posting Announcements

Announcements allow teachers to share updates with their class without assigning any work. Teachers can schedule announcements and control replies and comments made on them.

Live Classes

Live classes enable teachers to conduct real-time virtual sessions using Google Meet. Up to 250 people can join the call, while around 1,00,000 viewers can live-stream the session.

Virtual Discussions

Teachers can invite students to answer question-driven discussions and respond to their classmates, fostering engagement among learners.

Grading System

Teachers can choose different grading systems within Google Classroom, including Total Points, Weighted by Category, and No Overall Grade options.

Conclusion

Google Classroom provides an intuitive platform for educators to manage assignments, faculty collaboration, and student interaction both online and offline. By organizing posts into topics, teachers can make finding relevant materials easier for students and customize the classroom experience according to their curriculum. With its range of features, Google Classroom continues to be an essential tool for modern education, allowing teachers and students to collaborate effectively regardless of location.

Description

Explore the basics of Google Classroom, including how to create and utilize topics to categorize and organize classwork. Learn how topics can help teachers streamline content sharing and make it easier for students to navigate through course materials.