August 29, 2024
Guide: Creating Classrooms
In Speakable, educators can create classrooms in two ways: by setting up a Join Link Classroom or by syncing with an LMS or Clever.

Overview

This guide provides educators with two methods to create classrooms in Speakable: using a Join Link or syncing with an LMS or Clever.

With the Join Link Classroom option, educators can easily set up a classroom and invite students to join using a unique link, without needing any external integrations. This method is straightforward and effective for quick classroom creation.

The LMS Roster Syncing option offers more advanced integration capabilities. Speakable integrates with Google Classroom, allowing educators to sync rosters, assignments, and grades seamlessly. For those using platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, or Schoology, Speakable supports LTI 1.3 integration, which enables direct access to activities within the LMS and supports Single Sign-On. Clever integration is also available, enabling automatic syncing of student rosters directly from the Clever platform.

Join Link Classrooms

Join Link Classrooms allow educators to create a classroom and invite students to join using a unique link.

Steps to Create a Join Link Classroom

Click "Create Classroom":

Start by clicking the "Create Classroom" button from the classroom tab.

Choose Classroom Type

Select "UseJoin Link"

Configure Classroom Settings:

Name: Give your classroom a unique name.

Languages: Set the primary language(s) for your classroom.

Color: Choose a color to help easily identify the classroom in your dashboard.

Share the Join Link with Students:

After creating the classroom, a unique join link will be generated. Share this link with your students to invite them to join the classroom.

Student Experience

Joining the Class:

When students click on the join link, they will be prompted to join your classroom.

Log In or Create an Account:

Students will need to log into their existing Speakable account or create a new student account to join the classroom.

Account Creation Options:

Students can create an account using their email or log in with Google or Clever SSO for a seamless experience.

Accessing the Classroom:

Once students have created an account or logged in, they will be taken directly to their new classroom, where they can start accessing assignments and activities.

LMS Roster Syncing

Google Classroom Integration (Free)

Speakable integrates seamlessly with Google Classroom, making it easy to sync classrooms, assignments, and grades. This integration simplifies the management of language learning activities directly within your existing Google Classroom setup.

Setting Up the Google Classroom Integration

Log in with Google:

To begin syncing with Google Classroom, log in to Speakable using your Google account.

Authorize Google Classroom:

Open the "Create Classroom" modal.

Select "Google Classroom" and follow the prompts to authenticate.

After completing authentication, reopen the modal to select the classroom you want to import.

Syncing Your Classroom

To update your classroom roster, open the classroom in Speakable and click the "Sync Classroom" button.

Creating and Syncing Assignments

When creating an assignment, select the "Sync to Classroom" option to sync it with one or more Google Classroom sections. Assignments can also be linked to specific Google Classroom topics.

Grade Passback

For users on the organization plan, grades automatically sync with the Google Classroom gradebook upon assignment completion or scheduled release.

Reconnecting Google Classroom

If you experience a sync failure, you can reconnect Google Classroom by going to the settings page under the Google Classroom tab.

LTI Integrations

Overview of LTI Integrations

Speakable supports Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) version 1.3, allowing seamless integration with various Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Blackboard, Schoology, Moodle, and others. This integration enables organizations to embed Speakable activities directly within their LMS, streamlining the user experience.

Setting Up LTI Integration

Activate Your Organization Plan:

Ensure your organization has an active Speakable Organization Plan to access LTI integrations.

Contact Your IT Admin:

  1. The IT administrator should contact Speakable to initiate the integration process.
  2. Provide details about your LMS platform and specific integration requirements.
  3. Speakable will work with your IT team to configure the LTI integration according to your needs.

Supported LMS Platforms

Speakable supports any LMS adhering to the LTI 1.3 standard, including:

  • Canvas
  • Blackboard
  • Schoology
  • Moodle
  • Brightspace
  • Other LTI 1.3-compatible platforms

Benefits of LTI Integration

  • Seamless Access: Users can access Speakable directly through their LMS.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO): LTI integration supports SSO, allowing users to sign in with their existing LMS credentials.
  • Embedded Activities: Speakable activities can be embedded directly within LMS course pages, making it easy to assign and manage language learning tasks.

Troubleshooting and Support

  • Initial Setup Assistance: Speakable provides full support during the integration process.
  • Ongoing Support: For any issues post-integration, contact Speakable support.

Clever Roster Syncing (Free)

Speakable also integrates with Clever, allowing teachers to import and sync student rosters directly from Clever.

Getting Started with Clever Integration

Log In to Speakable via Clever:

Teachers can access Speakable through the Clever platform without needing a separate Speakable account.

Importing Class Rosters from Clever:

After logging in via Clever, click "Create Classroom," select "Clever," and load your Clever sections.

Select the sections you want to import and click "Import."

Syncing Class Rosters with Clever

To sync an existing classroom, go to the classroom page in Speakable and click the "Sync With Clever" button to update the roster with any changes made in Clever.

Additional Notes

  • Student Login Requirements: Since Clever does not share student email addresses, students must log in through the Clever app to access their assignments in Speakable.
  • Roster Data: Only the first name and last initial of students are imported from Clever to maintain privacy while enabling essential functionality.

Troubleshooting and Support

  • Common Issues: If Clever sections do not load or sync properly, try refreshing the page or logging out and back into Clever.
  • Contact Support: For persistent issues, reach out to Speakable support at support@speakableapp.com