Common Tools used in Google Classroom for AACPS eLearning
The table below includes information about many instructional apps that teachers will use to create and share instructional materials. Need help with Google Classroom? Scroll to the bottom for the Student and Parent Guides to Google Classroom.
Google Tools
Tool | Icon | Description | Access through: | Help/Tutorials |
Meet | Video conferencing and recording. Allows teachers and students to see and speak with one another, and share what is on their screen. | Desktop/Laptop: Link provided by teacher Chromebook: link provided by teacher iOS: App Android: App | ||
Docs | Write reports, stories, and more. It is Google’s version of Word. | Desktop/Laptop: Classroom or Google Drive in the browser Chromebook: Classroom or Google Drive in the browser iOS: App Android: App | Official Google Docs Cheat Sheet | |
Slides | Create presentations, slide decks, and more. It is Google’s version of PowerPoint. | Desktop/Laptop: Classroom or Google Drive in the browser Chromebook: Classroom or Google Drive in the browser iOS: App Android: App | Official Google Slides Cheat Sheet | |
Drawings | Create drawings, pictures, and graphic organizers. | Desktop/Laptop: Classroom or Google Drive in the browser Chromebook: Classroom or Google Drive in the browser iOS: Device browser* Android: Device browser* *Please note, Drawings do not work well in mobile device browsers. | ||
Jamboard | Sketch out ideas with this digital whiteboard. | Desktop/Laptop: Classroom or Google Drive in the browser Chromebook: Classroom or Google Drive in the browser iOS: App Android: App | ||
Forms | Take or create surveys and quizzes. | If taking a survey/quiz: Use the link provided If creating a Quiz: Desktop/Laptop: Google Drive in the browser Chromebook: Google Drive in the browser iOS: Device browser Android: Device browser | To complete the form, select the link. Form responses are not saved until the user clicks “Submit.” | |
Sheets | Make lists and analyze data with charts. It is Google’s version of Excel. | Desktop/Laptop: Classroom or Google Drive in the browser Chromebook: Classroom or Google Drive in the browser iOS: App Android: App | Official Google Sheets Cheat Sheet |
Other Tools
Tool | Icon | Description | Access through: | Help/Tutorials |
Wixie | Share ideas through writing, voice recording, and art. | If the teacher has provided a Wixie link in Classroom, students MUST open Wixie before selecting the link. Desktop/Laptop: Classlink Chromebook: Classlink iOS: Classlink Android: Classlink | A Parent’s Guide for Using Wixie at Home | |
Discovery Education | Videos, images, student interactives and more on a wide range of topics curated for students and teachers. | If the teacher has provided a Discovery Education link in Classroom, students MUST open Discovery Education BEFORE selecting the link. Desktop/Laptop: Classlink Chromebook: Classlink iOS: Classlink Android: Classlink | From Classlink, select Discovery Ed BEFORE selecting any Discovery Ed weblinks assigned in Classroom. | |
MackinVia | Provides access to the AACPS online databases and ebooks. | If the teacher has provided a link to an online database in Classroom, students MUST open MackingVia and navigate to the database BEFORE selecting the link. Desktop/Laptop: Classlink Chromebook: Classlink iOS: Classlink Android: Classlink | Accessing MackinVia Directions | |
Math Apps | Virtual math manipulatives such as ten frames, base ten blocks, and geoboards. | Desktop/Laptop: Classlink Chromebook: Classlink iOS: Classlink Android: Classlink | Select the icon in the corner of each app for directions on how to use that specific manipulative. | |
Nearpod | Live or self-paced slide decks with built in interactivity and multimedia. | Desktop/Laptop: Classlink Chromebook: Classlink iOS: App Android: App |
Need help with Classroom?
Student Guide to Google Classroom Parent Guide to Google Classroom
AACPS Office of Instructional Technology, February 2021
