Schools’ Essential Guide To Google Classroom

Google Classroom is Google's very own hub or landing spot for classroom connectivity and collaboration. This free tool helps educators easily manage and assess the progress of learners, whether it be from school or in the comfort of their own homes! 


Google Classroom allows you to set up a class within minutes. This not only simplifies both teaching and learning, it is also a great way to enhance communication with both students and guardians.


Unsure of where to start with Google Classroom?

Discover how to create/manage your class and assignments in minutes.


Create A Class

After you log into Google, click on your nine dots in the top right-hand corner. It is here you will find all of your Google Apps. By clicking on the classroom icon you can see all of the classes you have created. If this is the first time you are logging into Classroom, you might be prompted to indicate whether you are a teacher or student; make sure you select teacher. Next, click the plus sign in the top right-hand corner and select “create class”. When the pop-up window appears, you can then name your class and simply click “create again”. 


Once your class has been created, you can change the theme that has automatically been selected for you. To do this, look in the bottom right-hand corner of the banner and choose “select theme”. Your choices will appear in a gallery and you’ll be able to choose one that appropriately represents your content matter. Once you have decided, select “class theme”. 


You can also upload your own photo matching banner dimensions of 1000x250 pixels, however, different sized images may not work within the banner. 


How To Add Your Students

Next, we’re going to discuss how you can add students to your classroom. 


At the top of your classroom, you will notice four tabs; stream, classwork, people and grades. In this instance, we are only going to be looking at the “people” tab. This is where you can add students, parents or other teachers to your classroom. The first way to add students is to go to the people tab and look under the students heading, then click the “add people” icon. From this point, you will be able to enter your students email addresses manually or copy and paste them from a list, if you have one available to you. 


Once they log in, they will automatically see the class icon appear and can simply click “join.” While this may be more time consuming on your part, it is easier for your students. 


The second way you can add students to your class is by giving them a join code. This is most common. You can find this code at the bottom of the people tab before you add students. In addition to this, you can also find it by clicking on the settings gear, where the class code can always be found. By clicking on the arrow next to the code, you can display it larger on your screen. Once you have copied your code you can paste it anywhere you would like, such as an email, text or class website. The code can also be reset or disabled if you wish for your students to no longer join using this code, once it has expired.


To join the classroom, students can log in to Google Classroom and click the plus sign followed by “join.” They will then need to enter the code provided and will automatically be accepted into the classroom. 


How To Create Announcements for Your Students

Now that you know a little bit about how Google Classroom is set up, we can take a look at how to create an announcement for your class. This is great for when you need to give reminders to students or simply make general announcements.


When you click on the classroom that you will be working with, it will open up into the stream. From looking at the four tabs at the top of your screen you will see stream, classwork, people and grades. The stream is where you can post both general announcements or reminders. At the top of the screen there is also a box that says “announce something to your class,” this is where you can type general announcements. 


Once this has been clear, this will open your announcement window where you have a number of different options to choose from. 


If you'd like to send your announcement to more than one class, click on the drop-down arrow next to the name of the current classroom that you're in. Then check the boxes next to the classes that you would like to receive this information. 

If you do choose to send the announcement to more than one class, then you do not have the option of sending it to specific students. However, if you send your announcement to only one class, you can choose which students you would like to receive your announcement. This feature is especially useful when you are trying to differentiate or communicate to students on an individual basis. To do this, simply click the drop-down arrow next to “all students,” you should then see a list of all the students that are enrolled in your class and you can then choose accordingly. 


From here you can type the information needed for your announcement, as well as attach documents, files, images, videos or links by choosing where you want to get your attachment from. Keep in mind that when in the announcement feature all files will be viewable and not editable by students.


When you have finished entering the information you need, click “post” to add it to your stream. This will allow all students to see your announcement when they first click into your classroom.


How To Create Assignments for Your Students

Let's keep going in the class work tab in Google Classroom. If you have not yet done so, we highly recommend first creating topics so you can best organize your Google Classroom for your students. 


You can also create assignments for when you want students to turn in their work, this can be done via the class work tab in Google Classroom. It is here you can also create a spot for classroom materials that you want your students to have access to.


It's important to note that, in order for your classroom to run seamlessly, we suggest that files are pulled from your Google Drive and not from your computer. You can visit settings in Drive to automatically convert all files uploaded into Drive to Google editor format.


You can use the topics previously set up when creating your assignments. To do this click on the create button and choose “assignment.” Like the other Google Classroom features, you can choose to send an assignment to more than one class or to specific students. There may be many instances where you might want to send an assignment to just a small group of students in order to differentiate or for group work. Remember that if you choose more than one class to send this to, you will not have the option to send to specific students. 


Next, you can fill out your assignment title, instructions, points for the assignment, due date and of course topic. If you select to use grade categories in the settings of your class, you will see the option to choose a grade category and it will have a default point value that you chose in your settings. However, you can change the point value as needed. 

You will have multiple attachment options, including documents from your computer, drive, videos or links to other websites, which you can also include within your assignment. 


If you want to allow your students to type on the document and simply hit “turn in”, you will need to attach a file. To do this, click the Google Drive icon and select the file you wish to attach to the assignment and click “Add.” You will now see the options for student viewing or editing. Then click the drop-down menu beside the words “students can view file.” 

You will have the following options to choose from:

  • Option one- Students can view file: This will allow students to view the file only, they will not be able to edit. 
  • Option two- Students can edit file: This will allow all students to edit the same document, brainstorm or sign up for a topic.
  • Option three- Make a copy for each student: This option automatically generates an editable copy for each student individually, allowing students to edit the document and turn it into you without saving or downloading. This is the most commonly used setting if you wish for students to each complete their own version of the file.


The drop-down arrow next to the word “assign” gives you the option to assign now, you can save this assignment as a draft, or schedule the assignment to go out at a later time. 


Many teachers like to give students access to classroom materials but don't require anything from them in return, this can also be done within the “classwork” tab. We would recommend creating a topic for each unit labelled “class materials.” 


You can keep materials separate from your assignments by going to “create” and choose “materials”. When adding your files, it is the same process as adding an assignment, the difference being you will not have the option to make a copy for all students. 


You can however add several files to one post or create separate posts. If you don't want the students to be able to edit your document, you will need to confirm that your file is on “view only” in your sharing settings. Once you add materials to the appropriate topic, the student will be able to view any files you add.


We’ve taken you through how you can use Google Classroom to support your distance learning. Using announcements, topics, and assignments in Google Classroom will help you streamline teaching and learning in the virtual environment. 


We have hundreds of videos and micro-courses that can help support your G Suite for Education in your school or district. Simply click here to book a call with MobileMind.

From Observation to Action: How Data-Driven Feedback Fuels Teacher Professional Development

December 23, 2025
Teachers' ability to adapt to new teaching methods, technology, and student needs requires continuous growth and development. This is where teacher coaching and observations become essential—not just as stand-alone practices but as integrated components of a comprehensive professional development strategy. Today’s students are growing up in a digital world quite different from the one that their teachers knew when they were students. For the absolute beginner, the learning curve to using new EdTech can be steep. School leaders are finding that to meet the challenge, they need to update the content and delivery of their district’s professional development (PD) programs. Here is a roundup of educational technology trends that we are seeing today and how these technologies are changing how teachers need to pursue PD. Customizable Rubrics for Tailored Observations One-size-fits-all approaches to teacher observations simply don't work. Every school and district is unique, and so are their instructional needs. By integrating customizable rubrics into the observation process, administrators can easily build and tailor observation tools to meet their specific objectives. Customized rubrics provide a clear framework for consistent, meaningful observations, whether focusing on student engagement, classroom management, or technology integration. With flexibility, administrators can ensure that observations are aligned with the school's instructional goals while teachers receive relevant and actionable feedback. Customizable rubrics also make it easier to acknowledge where a teacher has exceeded expectations, offering a platform for celebrating strengths while pinpointing growth areas. Detailed Feedback: A Pathway to Improvement As the Adult Learning Theory emphasizes, feedback for adult learners should be timely, relevant, respectful of their experience, and provide actionable guidance to foster self-directed improvement and motivation. Teachers need more than a score or general comments to improve—they need detailed feedback and actionable steps. This feedback should not only highlight areas where they excel but also offer actionable suggestions for improvement. The coaching process becomes more effective when observation tools are designed with this level of detail. Teachers can reflect on specific aspects of their practice, understand how to adjust, and work with coaches to implement changes. Detailed feedback is also essential in promoting teacher agency. Teachers are empowered to take ownership of their professional growth when they receive concrete, constructive insights. This kind of feedback loop fosters a culture of continuous improvement, benefiting both educators and students alike. Data Aggregation: Driving Informed Decisions One of the most powerful advantages of integrating teacher coaching and observations with professional development is the ability to aggregate data. By collecting and analyzing observation data over time, schools can gain a holistic view of teacher performance. This information can then inform professional development opportunities, resource allocation, and teacher evaluations when appropriate. For example, data-driven insights can identify common areas where teachers across the school or district may need additional support. This enables administrators to create and facilitate targeted professional development that directly addresses these needs, leading to more effective PD sessions that directly impact classroom instruction. Furthermore, aggregated data ensures a more objective observation process, reducing bias and ensuring that decisions are based on clear evidence. MobileMind, the modern professional learning hub, includes comprehensive coaching and observation tools that align with the entire PD lifecycle . By leveraging customizable rubrics, detailed feedback, and data aggregation, we provide schools and districts with the tools they need to support their teachers effectively and objectively. Through this integrated approach, MobileMind helps administrators and educators work together to create a dynamic learning environment where teachers thrive.

How to Secure Teacher Buy-In When Launching a New Professional Development Program

December 23, 2025
Launching a new professional development program can be pivotal for school districts, impacting everything from teacher engagement to student outcomes. However, even the most innovative PD initiative will only be as successful as its buy-in from teachers. To truly inspire a culture of growth, the PD program needs to feel relevant, manageable, and rewarding to those who will benefit from it most: educators. Below are strategies for securing teacher buy-in. 1. Understand the Core Needs of Adult Learners Teachers, like all adult learners, want to know that their time and effort are being put to good use. Traditional, lecture-based PD sessions often fall short because they don’t align with the practical, self-directed nature of adult learning theory . Adults bring a wealth of prior experience, and they are most engaged when learning is relevant, practical, and can be applied directly to their work. Actionable Tips: Connect Learning to Real-World Applications: Make it clear how the PD content will help solve immediate classroom challenges. For example, if educators struggle with tech integration, provide targeted micro-courses focused on tools they can access. Offer Choice and Customization: Allow teachers to personalize their PD experience by choosing the courses or learning paths that align with their needs or interests. Giving teachers a sense of voice and choice over their learning path fosters a stronger commitment. 2. Embrace Micro-Learning to Respect Time Constraints Time is a precious commodity for teachers. Launching a program that feels like a time drain can quickly lead to resistance. Instead, consider breaking down the PD curriculum into micro-courses—short, focused lessons that fit easily into a teacher’s busy schedule. Micro-learning respects teachers’ time and helps them digest information in manageable portions, leading to better retention. Actionable Tips: Set Manageable Learning Goals: Micro-courses allow for incremental, achievable goals, which can increase teachers’ motivation and sense of accomplishment. Encourage Consistent, Bite-Sized Learning: A structure that promotes frequent, small doses of learning rather than occasional intensive sessions helps to reinforce knowledge without overwhelming educators. 3. Incorporate Gamification to Boost Engagement and Motivation Gamification— integrating game-like elements into the learning experience—can be a powerful tool to engage teachers. Progress trackers, badges, and other rewards provide a tangible sense of achievement and encourage healthy competition. Incorporating gamified elements into PD can inspire friendly challenges and celebrate teachers’ learning milestones. Actionable Tips: Reward Progress and Milestones: Implement a digital badge system to recognize teachers as they progress through their courses. A leaderboard can also motivate by celebrating those who have reached significant milestones. Promote Collaborative Challenges: Gamified challenges or group activities can create a collaborative culture around PD, allowing teachers to encourage each other’s growth and discuss what they’re learning. 4. Highlight the Immediate Benefits and Celebrate Early Wins When teachers can see the value of the new PD program right away, they’re more likely to invest in it. Highlighting quick wins, like how a single session helped a teacher engage their students or streamline lesson planning, can create a positive ripple effect across the district. Actionable Tips: Share Success Stories: Encourage early adopters to share their experiences and successes. Whether it’s a teacher using a newly learned strategy or one achieving a certification, share these wins to inspire others. Recognize and Reward Early Participants: Acknowledge the first group of participants by spotlighting them in meetings or district-wide newsletters. This reinforces a positive perception of the program and encourages others to join. 5. Leverage Peer Influence for a Stronger Commitment Teachers are often most influenced by their peers, so tapping into this social dynamic can be invaluable for PD initiatives. Consider building a “PD Champions” network within your district—educators passionate about professional growth and willing to help their peers navigate the program. When teachers see respected colleagues invested in PD, they’re more likely to follow suit. Actionable Tips: Create a Peer Coaching System: A support system of peer coaches or mentors can make PD feel more accessible and less intimidating for those hesitant to try something new. Hold Collaborative Workshops: Group settings allow teachers to learn together and share insights, creating a collaborative culture around the PD program. 6. Emphasize Flexibility to Reduce Resistance One of the biggest hurdles in PD adoption is the feeling that it adds another obligation to an already packed schedule. By making the program flexible and accessible, you’ll reduce resistance and create a more welcoming environment for learning. Actionable Tips: Allow for Self-Paced Learning: Give teachers the freedom to complete their courses at their own pace, respect their time, and make learning more accessible. Offer Multiple Access Points: Your program should be accessible across devices, with the option to complete sessions during lunch, after school, or even from home, meet teachers where they are, and reduce participation barriers. 7. Gather and Act on Feedback No one knows what teachers need from PD better than teachers themselves. Regular feedback helps you tailor the program and makes teachers feel valued and invested in its success. A successful PD program evolves based on the input of its participants, ensuring relevance and engagement. Actionable Tips: Conduct Quick Pulse Surveys: After a learning path, invite feedback. A short survey or a simple thumbs-up/thumbs-down can provide insights without adding extra work. Host Listening Sessions: Give teachers a voice in the PD program’s evolution by inviting them to share what’s working, what’s not, and what they want to see next. By designing a program that aligns with adult learning principles, respects time constraints, and incorporates gamified and flexible learning options, you’ll create an exciting experience in which teachers are excited to participate. When teachers see the value in PD, they’re more likely to integrate their new skills into their classrooms, benefiting students across the district.