To link in Google Classroom, you primarily use the "Add" button available when creating assignments, materials, questions, or announcements, allowing you to attach external websites, files, or videos directly to your posts.
Adding Links to Assignments
Linking resources to assignments is a common practice to provide students with necessary materials, external readings, or submission platforms. This method ensures students have easy access to supporting content.
Here’s how to add a link when creating an assignment:
- Navigate to Classwork: From your Google Classroom, click on the Classwork tab.
- Create a New Assignment: Click the + Create button, then select Assignment from the dropdown menu.
- Enter Assignment Details: Provide a Title and Instructions for your assignment.
- Add Your Link:
- Click the Add button (which often looks like a paperclip or plus icon).
- From the options, select Link.
- A pop-up window will appear. Paste the URL (web address) of the resource you want to link into the provided field.
- Click Add link.
- Assign or Schedule: Configure other assignment settings such as points, due date, topic, and rubric, then click Assign, Schedule, or Save draft.
Linking in Announcements and Class Materials
Beyond assignments, you can also embed links directly into your Stream announcements or Class Materials. This is ideal for sharing general resources, class websites, or supplemental content that doesn't require a specific student submission.
When creating an announcement (on the Stream page) or new material (under the Classwork tab > Create > Material), the process is very similar:
- For Announcements: Start a new announcement on the "Stream" page. Use the "Add" button at the bottom of the input field to select "Link," or simply type the URL directly into the announcement text box. Google Classroom will often auto-hyperlink it.
- For Materials: Go to the "Classwork" tab, click "+ Create," then choose "Material." Similar to assignments, you'll find an "Add" button to select "Link" or other resource types.
Common "Add" Options and Their Uses
Google Classroom provides various ways to attach resources, each serving a specific purpose:
| Resource Type | Method of Addition | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Web Link | "Add" > Link (paste URL) | External websites, articles, online tools |
| Google Drive | "Add" > Google Drive (select file) | Documents, presentations, spreadsheets from Drive |
| YouTube Video | "Add" > YouTube (search or paste URL) | Educational videos, tutorials |
| File Upload | "Add" > File (upload from your device) | Local files not stored in Google Drive |
Embedding Links Directly in Text
For quick sharing or when you want a link to appear seamlessly within instructions or descriptions, you can often just type or paste the full URL directly into any text field (like the instructions box for an assignment, the description for material, or an announcement). Google Classroom typically recognizes the URL format and automatically makes it clickable for students.
Tips for Effective Linking
- Provide Clear Context: Always explain what the link is for. For example, instead of just "Click here," write "Review this article on [Topic] (link) for background information."
- Use Descriptive Link Text: If you're embedding a link within text where it doesn't auto-hyperlink (or if you're using a rich text editor where available), consider using descriptive words instead of the full URL when possible.
- Check Links Regularly: URLs can change or become broken over time. Periodically check that all your shared links are still active and lead to the intended content.
- Consider Accessibility: Ensure that linked content is accessible to all students, including those using assistive technologies.
