Pro Tip 4: Use Ctrl + f
Use the keyboard shortcut, Control + F (Command + F on a mac), to search for keywords or assignment numbers (as mentioned above) on the page. Teach students this trick, too!

From Shakeup Learning

Pro Tip 5: Pick an Organizational Strategy for Topics
Using the topics feature on the classwork page helps organize assignments for students and teachers. There are several different ways to organize. You might organize by week, unit, topic, or file type. You an also organize more deeply by subtopic. For ideas, check out this post on How to Organize Assignments in Google Classroom.

From Ditch that Textbook

Pro Tip 6: Create a Class Resources Topic
Every class needs a place to store resources, links, class rules, syllabus, etc. Create a special topic for resources and class materials and keep it near the top for easy access. Be sure to name these files clearly so that students know exactly what is there.

From Shakeup Learning

Pro Tip 7: Make it Visual with Emojis
Let’s say your items in the Google Classroom classwork page have different characteristics …some may have videos, some may be written activities, some may be from different academic subjects, some may have different styles (poetry vs. short story vs. novel), some may just be fun or funny things you want to share with students. For any of those characteristics, assign an emoji in the name for that characteristic. Emoji Keyboard

From Ditch that Textbook

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Pro Tip 8: Use Direct Links to Assignments
Did you know you can get a direct link to a specific assignment? This makes it so easy to refer students back to a particular activity. Just go to the Classwork page, locate the assignment, click on the 3 dots to the right of the assignment and copy the link. Add it to an agenda or send it in an email, a chat or another form of communication!

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From Shakeup Learning

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Pro Tip 9: Start Everything From Classroom
Make Classroom the central hub for everything you do, even activities that aren’t digital! Having one place where students can always count on for directions and information makes navigating academic life a lot easier.

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From Ditch that Textbook

Pro Tip 10: Break Projects Into Small Assignments
Project-based learning is so important, and as we try to move past the static, one-and-done assignments, we have to think differently about how we implement in our classrooms.
Big projects can be overwhelming for students, especially those who haven’t learned how to manage their time. It’s important to give them milestones and chunk the project into smaller assignments with checkpoints. In fact, that’s one of the implementation tips from the book, Shake Up Learning: Practical Ideas to Move Learning From Static to Dynamic.

From Shakeup Learning

Pro Tip 11: Use Private Comments For Reflection
Some teachers take the private comments feature a step further and make it part of the assignment by requiring that students add a reflection as a private comment after they submit their assignment. Sean Fahey suggests using an open-ended question or give students a prompt like, “What did you like most about the assignment?” or “What part challenged you the most?” You can also pair this idea this with Screencastify and have students record their reflection via video and attach the link in the private comment box. Be sure to add this task to your directions, so they don’t forget!

From Shakeup Learning

Pro Tip 12: Attach a Template Doc To Assignments
Attach a blank Google Doc or a template to each assignment as a copy for each student. In Google Classroom, you can view the assignment page and see a thumbnail for each student. This allows you to see progress, or lack thereof, at a glance.
Even if you do not have a template for your assignment, Michelle Baragar suggests attaching a saved blank document to use as a template so that you can still get the thumbnail view!

From Shakeup Learning

Pro Tip 13: Create a Parent Corner on Assignments for Littles
With remote learning in full swing, parents can use some extra guidance and help with the tasks at hand. Create a parent corner for each assignment describing any background information or support that parents might need. 

From Google for Littles

Pro Tip 14: Use the To-Review and To-Do View to Manage your Work
Staff have a to-review section in Google Classroom to see what work has been submitted and in need of review. Students have a To-Do view where they can easily see all the work that needs completing across classes. 

From Shakeup Learning