Student Connect WWCSD Tutorial: Navigating Google Classroom and Digital Learning Resources

The integration of distance learning has led many teachers to adopt Google Classroom as a central hub for online instruction. This tutorial aims to guide students within the Wayne-Westland Community School District (WWCSD) through the essential features of Google Classroom and other digital learning resources.

Accessing Google Classroom

Teachers invite students to their Google Classroom in one of two ways: by providing a "class code" or by sending an invitation directly.

Joining with a Class Code: Once a student receives a class code, they can enter it on the Google Classroom landing page to join the class.
Joining via Invitation: Students may receive an email invitation to join a class. Clicking the link in the email will redirect them to Google Classroom.

First-Time Setup: If a student is accessing Google Classroom for the first time, they may be prompted to specify whether they are a student or a teacher. After selecting "student," Google Classroom will take a few minutes to set up the class.

Understanding the Google Classroom Interface

Upon entering a Google Classroom, students will see the "Stream," which serves as the homepage.

The Stream: Announcements, Assignments, and Information

The Stream displays announcements, assignments, and other information posted by the teacher.

Upcoming Work: A box on the left side of the banner will display any upcoming assignments with due dates.
Google Meet Link: If the teacher uses Google Meet for virtual classes, a link may be posted on the banner at the top of the Stream.
Posting and Commenting: Depending on the teacher's settings, students may or may not be able to post or comment on the Stream. Note that everything posted is visible to the teacher, even if deleted later.

The Assignment Tab: Accessing and Completing Work

The Assignment tab is where students find their assignments. Teachers can post various types of assignments, including:

Assignments: These are traditional assignments with specific instructions and resources.
Topics: Teachers may use "Topics" to organize assignments and resources, making it easier to find specific materials.
Questions: These are quick polls or single questions for the entire class. Whether or not students can view each other's responses is determined by the teacher.
Videos: YouTube videos should open directly within Google Classroom, without redirecting the student to YouTube.

To access an assignment, students should click on the specific assignment under the Assignment tab.

Assignment Details and Resources

When viewing an assignment, the left side of the screen typically contains assignment directions and resources. A "class comment" section may also be available, allowing students to post comments viewable by the entire class (this option is set by the teacher). On mobile devices or smaller browser windows, the class instructions and resources may appear above the student work and private comments.

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The right side of the screen contains the student's work and a private comment section for direct communication with the teacher.

Turning in Work

Google Classroom provides several ways for students to turn in their work.

Creating and Submitting Files

Creating a New File: To create a new file, students can choose the appropriate file type from the "Create new" menu (e.g., Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides).
Completing the Work: Click on the file tile to open and complete the assignment.
Turning in the Work: Once finished, students can turn in their work by clicking the "Turn in" button below the work tiles.

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Important Note: If a work tile is already listed under "Your Work," it is already shared with the teacher, and students do not need to share the file separately.

Using the "Turn In" Button within Google Files

When working on some Google files (e.g., Docs, Sheets, Slides), a "Turn in" button may appear in the upper right corner of the screen, next to the "Share" button. Clicking this button will open a new tab with the assignment in Google Classroom, allowing the student to submit the file.

Removing Incorrect Files

If a student attaches the wrong file or creates too many files, they can remove them from the assignment by clicking the "X" on the work tile.

Accessing Past Work in Google Drive

All assigned work is automatically saved in Google Drive within the Classroom folder. This allows students to easily access and review their past assignments.

Unsubmitting Work for Editing

When a student turns in work, they temporarily transfer ownership to the teacher, preventing further editing. To make changes after submitting, students must first "Unsubmit" the work.

Click the "Unsubmit" Button: Under the "Your Work" block, click the "Unsubmit" button.
Verify the Action: Google Classroom will ask for confirmation before unsubmitting the work.

Additional Digital Resources for WWCSD Students

Beyond Google Classroom, WWCSD students have access to a variety of digital resources to support their learning.

Clever Portal

Clever is a portal that allows students to easily sign in to their school Google accounts and access a centralized dashboard of learning applications.

Office 365

The district provides access to Office 365 for staff, offering a suite of productivity tools.

Google Suite

Google constantly updates its apps and features. Google Drive, Google’s Cloud storage app, has updated multiple times.

Google Drawings: Google Drawings is a tool for creating worksheets, notebooks, or layered images in a document.
Google Forms: Google Forms can be used for surveys, data collection, quizzes, and creative writing activities.
Google Maps: Google Maps has features that can be used to enhance instruction in the classroom and connect students to different locations both locally and around the world.

SMART Notebook

Creating interactive activities in SMART Notebook can be useful for creating personalized content in the classroom.

Funbrain

Funbrain delivers a fun and safe experience for even the youngest children. The Playground helps parents introduce their preschoolers to the Internet and teaches them how to manipulate the mouse and keyboard.

Nourish Interactive

Nourish Interactive is a free resource for nutrition games, interactive nutrition tools and tips for parents and health educators to use to promote healthy living for the whole family.

Technology Tips and Best Practices

Here are some tips to help students make the most of technology in the classroom:

Cite Sources: When writing a paper or compiling a project, cite all sources that are quoted, paraphrased, or referenced.
Ask Three Before Me: Before asking the teacher for help with technology, try asking three classmates first.
Explore Maps: Maps can be a great way to connect students to different locations both locally and around the world.
Engage with Breakouts: Breakout games are a fun way to engage students to use deductive reasoning, collaboration and creativity while integrating different pieces of curriculum or learning. Physical breakouts allow for the players to manipulate the clues and locks.

Important Information for All WWCSD Employees: Mandated Reporting

All district employees fall under the definition of Mandated Reporter. Mandated reporters must make an immediate report to CI by telephone or through the online reporting system, of suspected child abuse or child neglect. Within 72 hours after making an oral report by telephone, the reporting person shall file a written report (DHS-3200). MDHHS encourages the use of the Report of Actual or Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect (DHS-3200) form when filing the written report, which includes all the information required under the law. The identity of a reporting person is confidential under the Child Protection Law. Mandated reporters, who fail to file a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, will be subject to both civil and criminal liability. In a civil action, the mandated reporter may be held liable for all damages that any person suffers due to the mandated reporters' failure to file a report. If a mandated reporter is dissatisfied with the response by MDHHS, the mandated reporter may contact the Mandated Reporter Hotline at 877-277-2585.

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