Setting Up An Even Better Class Manager

When setting up classes on online platforms, it is understandable that the first thing we think about as teachers, is to create a class for each physical class that we teach. This is what is required, at a minimum, to make use of most online platforms. 

The secret sauce: Will I want to differentiate within those classes and set-up groups?

• Use groups when you want to assign different editions of a lesson. For instance, with one of our roller coaster Performance Tasks, you’ll have the option of assigning different roller coasters found in the United States. The lesson structure will be the same, but the data will change for each roller coaster.
• Use groups when you want to differentiate for students who need more supports or are independent learners or are gifted and talented or have common interests.

Before you move to assign a lesson to groups, set them up in Class Manager. Here’s how.

Setting Up Groups with Class Manager

• Click on the Class Manager icon from your NextLesson dashboard or from the orange dropdown menu found on the top right of each page
• Click +Add a Class
• Input your group information; all fields are optional
• Change the group icon by clicking on the default NextLesson arrow icon image
• Click Save
• Google Classroom users will see a Sync button at the top of the Class Manager screen. Learn more about syncing with Google Classroom.

Once you have set up your groups in Class Manager, you will want to share the join code with your students and you can then assign or share lessons with them.

Sharing a Group (inviting students)

1. Click on the Class Manager icon from your NextLesson dashboard or from the orange dropdown menu found on the top right of each page
2. Select the group you wish to share from the My Classes list
3. Provide students or co-teachers with the group join code *If your computer is connected to a projector/monitor, you can enlarge the class code so that it can be easily read by students across the room by clicking on the double arrow icon found on the top right corner of the join code
4. Students will go to their Class Manager and input the code you have provided there. *If this is their first time on NextLesson, they will enter the code you provided as part of the signup process.

Great job setting up some groups within your classes!