Digital Differentiation with Google Classroom
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The issue some teachers face when giving an assignment in Google Classroom is that the assignment must be given to every student in the class. There is currently is no way to give different assignments to students. Every student receives all of the assignments. So when several groups of students are working collaboratively on different assignments within the same class, management in Google Classroom can get tricky. Differentiating assignments in Google Classroom is possible with a little creative thinking. Below are three ways that will allow you to differentiate assignments in Google Classroom.
3 Ways to Differentiate Assignments in Google Classroom!
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Teacher Choice
Teachers often need the flexibility to differentiate assignments for students based on ability, learning styles, reading level, etc. In this case, the teacher chooses the assignment for each student/group of students. Managing assignments can get complicated very fast, but I hope the ideas below will help you better manage differentiated assignments in Google Classroom.
- Create the assignment with an assignment number (see also 6 Tips for Getting Started with Google Classroom) and a very general title or goal. Keep the assignment title general to the topic of study, unit or learning target. (Ex: #013 Author Study: Edgar Allan Poe)
- In the directions of the assignment, specify that students will receive their individual assignments via email and/or Google Drive. (Ex: Check your email for specific instructions for your group.)
- If you attach anything, like a rubric, make it view only. Other files will be shared via Drive, not Google Classroom.
- Below is an example of what this assignment could look like from the teacher view.
- If these are collaborative/group activities, assign a group leader. The group leader is responsible for creating any new files and turning these in through Google Classroom for the entire group. This method will help alleviate some of the file ownership issues in Google Classroom when trying to turn in work. The other students in the group may also be responsible for submitting a reflection and/or marking the assignment as done in Google Classroom.
- Make sure they understand how to attach their work to the general assignment that was posted in Google Classroom. Below is an animated gif showing the options students will see when they click on an assignment. Students can attach from Google Drive, local files, or add links. They can also create new files from here: Google Docs, Slides, Sheets or Drawings.
- Optionally, you could email each student or group of students with the specific assignment and directions.
- Example email: You are in Group A. Your group members are Amber and Jackson. Together with your group, you will create an iMovie trailer about Edgar Allan Poe. See the attached rubric for requirements.
- Example email: You are in Group A. Your group members are Amber and Jackson. Together with your group, you will create an iMovie trailer about Edgar Allan Poe. See the attached rubric for requirements.
- The assignment is still organized in Classroom and will keep you from having blanks in your grade book. Additionally, your files will still be organized in the Google Drive folder for review.
Digital Differentiation with Google Classroom
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Student Choice
Student choice is a great way to differentiate and allow students to take a more flexible learning path while tapping into interests and learning styles. It is possible to use the Google Classroom platform. Luckily, it’s very easy to build in choice in Google Classroom assignments. If you create an assignment with multiple Google files where each student gets a copy, you will have a file management mess. You will end up with files that are not used, and students confused on which file they should turn in through Google Classroom. To avoid this mess, try one of the options below.
- Create the assignment with an assignment number and detail the choices in the directions and/or in an attached (view only) document. (Note: This is also great way to use digital learning menus and choice boards.)
- You can also attach links to digital tools that may be offered as a choice for completing the assignment. (Example: Using one of the digital tools below, create a digital story retelling, “The Tell-Tale Heart,” in your own words. Then add links for the digital tools you would like them to choose from, like Powtoon, WeVideo, etc.)
- Students will then choose to attach their own files to complete the assignment (as shown in the animation above).
Long-Term Projects and Modifications
Another solution that some teachers are using to keep track of group work or even modify work for individual students is to create separate classes inside Google Classroom for each group, or even for individual students. (Note: This is really only worth the time if these groups are long-term, or reused. Also a great option for students who require regular modifications.)
How do you differentiate assignments in Google Classroom? Please share in the comments below! I know there are some experts out there that can help us all learn!
Other Google Classroom posts you may like:
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