As a student in Google Classroom, you cannot directly change the due date of an assignment. This functionality is exclusively available to teachers and instructors, who manage and create the assignments.
Can Students Change Due Dates in Google Classroom?
No, students do not have the technical ability or permissions within Google Classroom to alter the due dates of assignments. Google Classroom is designed to give instructors control over assignment settings, including deadlines, to maintain structure and fairness across the class.
What Can a Student Do About a Due Date?
While you can't change the due date yourself, there are proactive steps you can take if you foresee an issue meeting a deadline or if you've already missed one:
Communicate with Your Teacher
The most effective approach is to promptly communicate with your teacher. Clear and respectful communication can often lead to a resolution.
- Private Comments: On the specific assignment in Google Classroom, you can often add a private comment visible only to your teacher.
- Email: Send a polite and professional email explaining your situation.
- Office Hours: If your teacher holds office hours, consider discussing the matter in person.
When contacting your teacher, be prepared to:
- Clearly state the assignment in question.
- Briefly and honestly explain the reason for your request (e.g., illness, personal emergency, difficulty understanding the material).
- Propose a realistic new due date if applicable.
- Show initiative by outlining steps you're taking to complete the work.
Track Your Assignments Effectively
To avoid needing extensions, consistently monitor your assignments and their due dates.
- To-do Page: Check the "To-do" page in Google Classroom for a comprehensive list of all your assignments and their deadlines.
- Class Calendar: Utilize the Google Calendar integrated with your Classroom to see upcoming due dates at a glance.
How Teachers Adjust Due Dates in Google Classroom
Only teachers have the capability to modify assignment details, including the due date. This process is straightforward for them within the Classroom interface.
Steps for Teachers to Modify Assignments
If a teacher decides to grant an extension or adjust a due date for the entire class, they would follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Assignment: From their Google Classroom dashboard, teachers would go to the specific class and find the assignment they wish to edit.
- Access Edit Options: They would hover over the assignment listing and click on the triple dots (More options icon) typically found to the far right of the assignment title.
- Select "Edit": From the dropdown menu that appears, they would select the "Edit" option.
- Adjust Details: Within the assignment editor, teachers have the option to change various details, including:
- The name of the assignment.
- The release date (when students can first see it).
- The due date and time.
- Points, topic, and rubric settings.
Once changes are saved, the updated due date will be reflected for all students in the class.
Student vs. Teacher Capabilities in Google Classroom
Understanding the distinct roles in Google Classroom can clarify what actions are possible for each user type.
| Feature | Student Capability | Teacher Capability |
|---|---|---|
| Change Due Date | No | Yes |
| Submit Assignments | Yes | No (reviews submissions) |
| View Grades | Yes (for their own work) | Yes (for all students in the class) |
| Create Assignments | No | Yes |
| Join/Leave Class | Yes (can leave, join with code) | Yes (can invite/remove students) |
| Post Announcements | No (can comment on stream) | Yes |
| Edit Class Settings | No | Yes (e.g., class name, theme, grading settings) |
Best Practices for Students Regarding Deadlines
To effectively manage your workload and minimize the need for due date changes:
- Proactive Planning: Review your syllabus and Google Classroom regularly to understand all upcoming assignments and project deadlines. Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your schedule.
- Understand Requirements: Read assignment instructions carefully as soon as they are posted. If anything is unclear, ask your teacher for clarification well before the due date.
- Start Early: Begin working on assignments, especially larger projects, as soon as they are assigned to avoid last-minute stress.
- Seek Help Early: If you encounter difficulties with the material or the assignment itself, reach out to your teacher or classmates for help promptly.
