Have you ever spent fifteen minutes typing out a complex set of instructions, or agonizing over a paragraph of student feedback, only to realize it would have taken you thirty seconds to just say it? Yeah, me too.

Well, Google has finally answered our teacher prayers. Say hello to the brand new AVS (Audio-Video-Screencast) button built directly into Google Classroom! The official feature announcement is available here, but in this post I’m sharing practical ideas for using this new feature in your classroom.

👉 A quick heads-up before we dive into the fun stuff: This feature does require a Google Workspace for Education Plus or Teaching & Learning Upgrade license.

Related Post: Which Google Workspace version do I have?

If you’ve been relying on third-party extensions like Loom or Screencastify to record quick videos for your students, you can officially simplify your workflow. The AVS button makes it incredibly easy to record video in Google Classroom, along with audio and screencasts, with no recording limit!

Plus, everything you and your students record is automatically saved directly to Google Drive! Because these recordings live in Drive, they have the exact same permission and sharing options as your usual Docs or Slides. This makes it incredibly easy to manage who can view them, organize your folders, and reuse your videos year after year.

If you have the right license, here is how you can start using the AVS button to save time and connect with your students.

1. Video Sub plans

You can now use the AVS button to record and post announcements directly to your stream page.

This is an absolute game-changer for sub plans. Instead of leaving a static wall of text for the guest teacher to read, you can record a quick, friendly morning message outlining the day’s expectations. It’s also fantastic for sending quick weekly reminders or clarifying an upcoming deadline.

2. Assignments that SHOW

When you are building an assignment, you can record video in Google Classroom to provide verbal instructions or include a quick screencast demonstrating exactly how to navigate a tricky website.

But this isn’t just a teacher tool—students can use it too! Students can use the AVS button to record and share responses to an assignment.

Teacher Tip: With the rise of AI tools, verifying student understanding can be tricky. Combat AI cheating by requiring students to submit a quick, 2-minute verbal reflection using the AVS button alongside their written assignments. It’s an incredibly powerful way to hear their thought process and ensure they actually grasp the material!

3. Feedback: Personalized and Clear

Sometimes, showing a student what you mean is so much easier than trying to explain it in a comment box.

Teachers can now attach an AVS recording to a private comment on student work. Taking thirty seconds to record a screencast of a student’s essay, highlighting a specific sentence, and verbally explaining how to improve it takes your feedback and personalization to a whole new level.

💡 Important Pro-Tip on Student Permissions

If you’re excited to have your students start posting videos, keep this one crucial setting in mind: The record button is partially tied to your Stream posting policy. If you go into your settings and disable the ability for students to post to your Stream page, it will also prevent students from being able to record video in Google Classroom to share on the class stream. Don’t worry, though! Even if you disable stream posting, students will still be able to submit private videos to you in their assignments.

Want more practical Google Classroom tips?

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