As more and more students and teachers turn to remote learning, technology has become a vital tool in education. Google Classroom is a popular platform that allows teachers to create and manage classes, assign homework, and communicate with students. Google Calendar is another useful tool that can help organize schedules and appointments. By syncing Google Classroom with Google Calendar, teachers can keep track of assignments and due dates more easily. In this blog post, we will explore several methods for syncing Google Classroom with Google Calendar on Android devices.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Syncing Google Classroom With Google Calendar on Android
While Google Classroom and Google Calendar are both products by Google, there is no direct integration between the two. This means that teachers need to find workarounds to sync the two platforms if they want to keep their schedules up to date. There are several methods to choose from, each with its own set of pros and cons.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you start syncing Google Classroom with Google Calendar on your Android device, there are a few things you should prepare for. Firstly, make sure that you have a reliable internet connection. Secondly, ensure that you have updated versions of both Google Classroom and Google Calendar apps on your Android device. Finally, you should have an existing Google Classroom account that is linked to a class you are teaching.
Method 1: Using Google Classroom Calendar Feed URL
Firstly, you can use the Google Calendar Feed URL to import your Google Classroom assignments and due dates into Google Calendar. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Go to the Google Classroom website and navigate to the class that you want to sync with Google Calendar.
2. Click on the three vertical dots icon at the top and select "Calendar" from the drop-down menu.
3. Copy the URL that appears under "Private address."
4. Open the Google Calendar app on your Android device.
5. Click on the three horizontal lines icon at the top left corner and navigate to "Settings" -> "Add calendar" -> "From URL."
6. Paste the URL you just copied in step 3 into the "URL" field and click on "Add calendar."
7. The assignments and due dates from your Google Classroom will now be displayed in your Google Calendar.
Pros:
– It’s a straightforward method that doesn’t require additional apps.
– You can choose to sync all assignments or specific assignments to your Google Calendar.
Cons:
– The sync is only one-way, which means that you will not be able to make changes to assignments in Google Calendar.
– You will not be able to see any classwork that is not associated with assignments, such as announcements or materials.
Method 2: Using Zapier
Another method to sync Google Classroom with Google Calendar on Android is by using Zapier. Zapier is a third-party tool that allows you to connect various apps and automate workflows. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Sign up for a Zapier account if you don’t have one already.
2. Create a new Zap and select "Google Classroom" as the trigger app.
3. Choose "New Assignment" as the trigger event.
4. Connect your Google Classroom account and select the class you want to sync with Google Calendar.
5. Set up an action step by selecting "Google Calendar" as the app and "Create Detailed Event" as the action event.
6. Map the fields to ensure that the relevant information is transferred from Google Classroom to Google Calendar.
7. Turn on the Zap, and the assignments from your Google Classroom will be automatically added to Google Calendar.
Pros:
– Zapier allows for two-way syncing, which means that you can make changes to assignments in Google Calendar, and they will be reflected in Google Classroom.
– You can customize the sync to include different types of classwork, such as announcements or materials.
Cons:
– Zapier requires a paid subscription for more than 100 tasks per month.
– The setup process may be more complicated for users who are not familiar with automation tools.
Method 3: Using Google Tasks
Google Tasks is a to-do list app that can be used to manage assignments and due dates from Google Classroom. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open the Google Classroom app on your Android device and navigate to the class you want to sync with Google Tasks.
2. Click on the three vertical dots icon and select "Tasks" from the drop-down menu.
3. Click on "Add a task" and enter the relevant details, such as the assignment name and due date.
4. Open the Google Tasks app on your Android device.
5. The task you just added in Google Classroom should automatically appear in Google Tasks.
6. To include the task in Google Calendar, create a new Google Calendar event and add the task details in the description.
Pros:
– Google Tasks is a free app that can be used to manage assignments and due dates.
– You can include tasks from different lists, not just Google Classroom assignments.
Cons:
– There is no direct integration between Google Tasks and Google Classroom, which means that tasks will need to be manually added to Google Tasks.
Method 4: Using IFTTT
IFTTT (If This Then That) is another automation tool that can be used to connect different apps and services. Here are the steps to sync Google Classroom with Google Calendar using IFTTT:
1. Sign up for an IFTTT account if you don’t have one already.
2. Create a new applet.
3. Set "Google Classroom" as the trigger service and "New Assignment" as the trigger event.
4. Connect your Google Classroom account and select the class you want to sync with Google Calendar.
5. Set "Google Calendar" as the action service and "Create Quick Event" as the action event.
6. Map the fields to ensure that the relevant information is transferred from Google Classroom to Google Calendar.
7. Turn on the applet, and the assignments from your Google Classroom will be automatically added to Google Calendar.
Pros:
– IFTTT allows for two-way syncing, which means that you can make changes to assignments in Google Calendar, and they will be reflected in Google Classroom.
– You can customize the sync to include different types of classwork, such as announcements or materials.
Cons:
– Some users may find the setup process to be more complicated than other methods.
– IFTTT requires a paid subscription for more than three applets.
Why Can’t I Sync Google Classroom With Google Calendar on Android?
1. Google Classroom and Google Calendar are separate apps with no direct integration.
Fix: You can use one of the methods listed above to sync the two platforms.
2. You are using an outdated version of the Google Classroom or Google Calendar app.
Fix: Update both apps to the latest version from the Google Play Store.
3. Your internet connection is unstable.
Fix: Ensure that you have a reliable internet connection.
Additional Tips
1. You can color-code your Google Calendar events to differentiate between assignments for different classes.
2. If you are using Zapier, make sure to test your Zap thoroughly before turning it on.
3. If you have multiple classes, you can create separate calendars for each class in Google Calendar to avoid clutter.
5 FAQs About Syncing Google Classroom With Google Calendar on Android
Q1: Can I sync Google Classroom with Google Calendar on iOS?
A: Yes, the methods listed above can also be used on iOS devices.
Q2: Will the sync work for past assignments?
A: No, the sync will only work for assignments that are created after the sync is set up.
Q3: Can I add attachments from Google Classroom to Google Calendar events?
A: No, you will need to access the attachments separately through Google Classroom.
Q4: Is it possible to receive notifications for Google Classroom assignments in Google Calendar?
A: Yes, you can enable notifications for the events in Google Calendar.
Q5: Are there any other apps or tools I can use to sync Google Classroom with Google Calendar?
A: Yes, some other apps and tools that can be used include Trello, Microsoft To-Do, and Calendar Sync for Google Calendar.
In Conclusion
Syncing Google Classroom with Google Calendar on Android devices can help teachers stay organized and on top of their schedules. While there is no direct integration between the two platforms, there are several methods that teachers can use to sync them. These methods include using the Google Calendar Feed URL, Zapier, Google Tasks, and IFTTT. By preparing the required materials and following the steps outlined for each method, teachers can choose the one that best suits their needs and start syncing Google Classroom with Google Calendar in no time.