# data[].attributes.body
Google Classroom is an online educational tool created by Google, that enables teachers to conduct virtual classes, design course plans, and distribute assignments to students without using paper. This web-based platform enhances students' engagement, participation, and acquisition of knowledge and skills, while also providing accessibility for students with learning disabilities and students who may need virtual learning. This ultimately fosters an effective learning experience.

# data[].attributes.body
All teachers can relate to worrying about the costs of classroom supplies and technology. A lot of teacher resources that help with differentiation can be costly, but Google Classroom is a completely free service! Whoo Hoo!!!

# data[].attributes.body
A short guide to locating google classroom on your device! Fun Fact: My students call the nine-point grid 'THE WAFFLE"!

# data[].attributes.headline
How to use google classroom in your science lessons as a 9-12 science teacher:

# data[].attributes.subject
How to use google classroom in your science lessons as a 9-12 science teacher:

# data[].attributes.body
As a STEM teacher, it is important to incorporate technology within your lessons. These are great ways to help students make connections and build their knowledge while also providing accommodations and support for students that need it!

# data[].attributes.headline
Accessibility features of Google Classroom

# data[].attributes.subject
Accessibility features of Google Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Google Workspace for diverse learners - Google for Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Needs and learning styles differ from student to student. That’s why we create Google for Education products with accessibility in mind, to help every student learn, be inspired, and achieve their full potential.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Are you using Google Classroom™ to organize your special education classroom? Are you wondering how you could optimize this platform for your students with special needs? If your answer is "yes" to either or both of the above questions, then this blog post is for you! Below I have included some tips and tricks on Google Classroom™ that I use for my Moderate/Severe Special Day Class.

One important skill that I focus on in my classroom is building independence in my students. Independence and inclusion of all ability levels are at the forefront of my mind as I design my Google Classroom™ for my class.

Creating Your Google Classroom™

Google Classroom™ is an online platform developed by Google™ for teachers to create online classrooms. In view of that, both you and your students will need to have a Google™ account to use this platform. You may want to check with your school district to see if they have purchased a license for all teachers and students. Once you have confirmed that everyone has a Google™ account, you are ready to rock and roll!

Access Google Classroom™ from your Google homepage.
After signing into Google™, open the Google Apps™ menu in the top right corner. Scroll down to find Google Classroom™.

Create a new class.
Once you have Google Classroom™ opened, create a new class by clicking on the "+" symbol and then "create class" in the top right corner. Follow the directions to complete creating your class.

Add students to your Google Classroom™.

After creating your class, it is time to add students. From your classroom homepage, go to "People", then click on the add students symbol.

Making Your Google Classroom™ Accessible for Special Education

It is important that your students are able to access your hard work on Google Classroom™. Below are some ways I help my students with special needs be successful in navigating my online platform.

This video will show you how to embed a Google Meet ™ link in your Google Classroom™

Uploading and Assigning Resources to Your Google Classroom™

Once you have set up the skeleton of your Google Classroom™, it is time to upload and assign resources to your students! With supporting students' independence in mind, I have summed up a few actions I take when uploading and assigning resources to my students with special needs on Google Classroom™.

Differentiate by assigning leveled work for specific students.

Being special education teachers, we understand and appreciate the beauty of differentiation. You can assign differentiated work on Google Classroom™ by picking specific students (instead of the default "All students" option) to target assignments.

Assess using quiz function in Google Classroom™.
Assessments are a big part of special education. You can use the "Quiz Assignment" function to accomplish this!

Once you set up the quiz assignment, you can choose to add a pre-created document or create a Google Form™.

Make a copy for each student. When assigning assignments that require students to manipulate with the document (e.g. typing, drag and drop), it is important that every student has their own copy of the document, and their opportunity to show their knowledge. I have made a video to show you how to do so for your students - see below!

This video shows how to make a copy of a specific assignment for each student.

Click here to find the Simply Special Ed resource featured in the video!

Using Google Classroom™ on a touch-screen device

While you are likely using Google Classroom™ on your laptop/desktop, our students with special needs may find using a touch-screen device (e.g. tablet) easier. Having said that, your students using a tablet may find their experience slightly different than their peers using a laptop. For one, tablet-users would download the Google Classroom™ app and access class that way. It is also important to remember that different types of technology give different experiences when accessing multi-media websites, such as FlipGrid™. Keeping your assignments simple will allow for more independent student participation.

I hope you find these tips and tricks on Google Classroom™ helpful as we navigate through this time of uncertainty - together!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Google Classroom™ for Special Education - Simply Special Ed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Are you using Google Classroom™ to organize your special education classroom? Are you wondering how you could optimize this platform for your students with special needs? If your answer is "yes" to either or both of the above questions, then this blog post is for you!

# data[].attributes.body
Grace's story shows how impactful the assistive technology is that google classroom has to offer.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Google Classroom accessibility empowers inclusive learning