{"id":1974,"date":"2021-11-04T17:05:44","date_gmt":"2021-11-04T17:05:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gatlabs.com\/education\/?p=1974"},"modified":"2026-03-24T10:32:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T10:32:33","slug":"online-teaching-guide-in-google-workspace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gatlabs.com\/education\/blog\/online-teaching-guide-in-google-workspace\/","title":{"rendered":"The Teacher’s Guide to Online Teaching in Google Workspace (1\/6)"},"content":{"rendered":"Improve your online teaching in Google Workspace in 6 steps.<\/strong>\n

Chapter 1: Understand your Google Workspace Toolkit<\/h2>\nGoogle Workspace for Education<\/a> offers teachers a comprehensive toolkit to replicate the physical classroom online.\n\nFrom the ease of collaboration and instruction to managing student work, organizing grading and classwork, and improving instant communication.\n\nHowever, to fully reap the powerful e-learning capabilities of Google Workspace, you first need to understand how to best use each tool.\n\nFrom there, you can set up your digital environment the right way and explore any needed add-ons or 3rd party Google Workspace tools.<\/span>\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n

This eGuide is developed by:<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nGAT Labs<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 Google Workspace Partner and global leader in Google Workspace management, audit & security.\n\nKim Mattina <\/strong><\/a><\/span>\u2014 Renowned Author, GoogleEDU Gold Product Expert, Google Certified Trainer, Educator and Technology Teacher.\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n
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The Anatomy of Your Digital Classroom<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nSo what does your physical K-12 classroom look like, what are its main components?<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>\n\nA teacher, students, desks, bookshelves, and an interactive board?\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nSimilarly, the digital classroom is made up of six basic components:\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n
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\"Online<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

1. K-12 School Devices<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nDesktops, Chromebooks, etc.<\/strong>\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nWhether your school or district provides 1:1 devices or follows a BYOD policy<\/a>, the devices you use play an important role. That’s because not all devices are built equal.\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nSince Google Workspace for Education is a set of\u00a0cloud-based tools,\u00a0any computer with an internet connection <\/strong>would work for online teaching there.\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nHowever, choosing a device that \u2018boosts\u2019 those tools can go a long way. 1:1 Chromebooks<\/a> would definitely be our pick.\n

Google Workspace + Chrome\u00a0=\u00a0a match made in heaven\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Chromebook<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nNote:<\/em><\/strong> That\u2019s just our recommendation. If you\u2019re already using another device that\u2019s working well for you, that’s great too.<\/em>\n

Now let’s accessorize \u2014 here are some options:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nHeadsets & Mic:<\/strong><\/a> You can never invest \u2018too much\u2019 in your headset and mic, they’re your digital \u2018ears and mouth\u2019. If one fails, major disruption follows.\u00a0Make sure you choose a comfortable and maybe wireless set.\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nA Printer:<\/strong><\/a> Throwing in a basic printer is handy for mapping out workloads or complicated tasks.\n\nAdditional Monitor<\/strong>:<\/a> Connecting an additional monitor to your main device helps you see your student\u2019s faces better (very important) <\/span>during virtual sessions while using your primary monitor for your content.<\/span>\n\nChromecast: <\/strong><\/a>Cast Google Meet to your TV<\/a> and take the live classroom to the \u2018bigger screen\u2019 at your home.\n\nVideo conferencing light:<\/strong><\/a> Brighten up your surroundings while conferencing with your students or peers (Use Kim\u2019s Lume Cube referral code link<\/a> and grab your discount).\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n

2. Reliable Internet Connection<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nMake sure that your broadband connection is strong and reliable<\/strong>. There\u2019s nothing worse than being cut off amid a live classroom session or not being able to log in on time for class.\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nAlso, ensure your Wi-Fi network is Private and Secure<\/strong> to prevent hackers from piggybacking on your session and gaining control of your device.\n

How to Secure Your WiFi Network:<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n
    \n \t
  1. \n
      \n \t
    1. Change the name of your router from the default.<\/li>\n \t
    2. Replace your router\u2019s pre-set password with a strong one.<\/li>\n \t
    3. Hide your network from view.<\/li>\n \t
    4. Keep your router software up to date.<\/li>\n \t
    5. Disable Remote Administration.<\/li>\n \t
    6. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\nFun Fact:<\/strong> Did you know that you can use some Google Workspace tools offline when you don\u2019t have internet access? \u2014 Yes,\u00a0 Gmail, Drive, and Calendar can be used offline. Check with your Google Workspace admin<\/a> to enable Google Workspace for offline work.\n

      3. Cloud Collaboration and Communication tools \u2013 <\/em>Google Workspace<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n
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      \"Google<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/span>\n

      I. Collaboration<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n