Google Classroom App: Your Complete Guide to Making and Adding Learning Videos 2024

How to Add High-Quality Educational Videos to Google Classroom

Technology has transformed classrooms, making learning more engaging and accessible. Google Classroom leads the way by giving educators tools to share materials, manage assignments, and spark student collaboration. One standout feature is the ability to add educational videos, which can boost student understanding and participation.

What Is Google Classroom?

Google Classroom is a web-based platform where teachers and students interact virtually. Teachers can:

• Create and distribute assignments
• Grade student work
• Share resources like links, documents, and videos

Google Classroom integrates with familiar Google products:

• Google Drive stores files
• Docs, Slides, Sheets allow document sharing
• Calendar tracks due dates
• Google Meet and Gmail support real-time and asynchronous communication

Google Classroom also supports third-party apps, such as CK-12 for learning resources and Edpuzzle for interactive videos.

Why Add Videos to Google Classroom?

Studies show that incorporating videos in education improves knowledge retention and understanding (NextThought, 2017). In fact, 93% of teachers believe that videos make learning more effective and enjoyable (Kaltura, 2015).

Videos help by:

• Breaking down complex topics
• Making lessons more engaging
• Bridging geographical and language gaps

With Google Classroom, teachers can easily share video content to reach students anytime and anywhere.

How to Upload or Attach Videos in Google Classroom

You can add existing videos or record new ones directly in the app. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Uploading Existing Videos

1. Record your video with a smartphone, tablet, or camera. Lower resolutions reduce file size and upload time.
2. Upload the video to Google Drive by using your device’s “Share” button and selecting Google Drive.
3. Open the Google Classroom app.
4. Select the class and assignment you want to add the video to.
5. Click “Add Attachment,” then choose “Google Drive.”
6. Select your uploaded video and follow the instructions to attach it.
7. Once uploaded, click “Turn In” to submit.

Adding YouTube Videos

1. Go to “Classwork” then click “Create > Assignment.”
2. Add assignment details.
3. Click the “Paperclip” icon and select “YouTube.”
4. Search for a YouTube video or paste the URL.
5. Click “Add,” then complete the assignment and click “Turn In.”

Recording Videos Within Google Classroom

1. Open Google Classroom on your mobile device.
2. Navigate to “Assignment” and click the “Paperclip” icon.
3. Choose “Record video” to start filming.
4. When done, the video saves to Google Drive and attaches to the assignment automatically.

How to Add Captions and Subtitles to Google Classroom Videos

Adding captions or subtitles increases content accessibility:

• Supports students with hearing difficulties
• Helps learning in noisy environments
• Assists non-native speakers with understanding

Captions show spoken audio for those who cannot hear. Subtitles translate or transcribe the original language for broader comprehension.

Methods to Create Captions and Subtitles

Using Automated Transcription

YouTube provides an automatic captioning tool:

1. Upload your video to YouTube.
2. Go to YouTube Studio and select “Subtitles & CC.”
3. Review and edit the auto-generated captions for accuracy.
4. Publish your captions, then share the YouTube video in Google Classroom.

While convenient, always check automated captions for errors. For greater accuracy, consider a dedicated AI transcription service.

Using Google Docs Voice Typing

1. Open Google Docs and select “Tools > Voice Typing.”
2. Play the video audio through your computer and click the microphone icon. The software generates a text transcript in real-time.
3. Edit for clarity and punctuation.
4. Use the transcript to create captions. Upload this file to YouTube or attach it in Google Classroom alongside your video.

Manual Transcription

1. Play the video and type what is said in a document.
2. Edit and format the text into caption blocks.
3. Upload the finished captions to YouTube or include with the video in Google Classroom.

If you prefer not to type yourself, outsourcing to a professional transcription service ensures high accuracy.

Professional Transcription and Captioning

Professional companies like GoTranscript offer closed caption services and subtitling solutions. Their expert transcriptionists deliver accurate captions, making learning videos more accessible to all students.

• Transcription proofreading further improves accuracy.
• Audio translation services help when videos need to reach non-English speakers.

Check transcription pricing and captioning rates for affordable solutions.

How to Add Captions to Google Drive Videos

If your videos are stored in Google Drive:

1. Prepare your caption file (from automated, manual, or professional transcription).
2. Open Google Drive and find your video.
3. Click the “More” button, then “Manage caption tracks.”
4. Select “Add new caption tracks” and upload your caption file (usually .srt or .vtt).
5. Play the video to confirm the captions display correctly.

Creating Learner-Centered Videos for Google Classroom

Quality matters. Effective videos should:

• Be clear and concise (under 10 minutes works best for attention spans)
• Focus on one topic at a time
• Include visuals or screen recordings where appropriate
• Use captions and subtitles for accessibility

Final Thoughts: Make Learning Inclusive with GoTranscript

Adding educational videos, captions, and subtitles to Google Classroom supports all students—especially those with learning challenges or language barriers. While built-in tools exist, GoTranscript offers transcription, captioning, and subtitle services for unmatched accuracy and convenience. You can quickly order transcription or order captions to ensure your Google Classroom materials are accessible, engaging, and effective for every learner.