Can it!

 

UPDATE: I wrote this post a while back. Since then Google has changed the name from Canned Responses to Templates. Other than the name change, the feature and steps seem to be the same. 
 
     One of the expectations of teachers is that they will answer questions. Even though it's a normal part of the job, it can become really irritating, especially when you have to answer the same questions again and again. Luckily for you there is at least one technological solution that will save you time and possibly save your sanity.
   
     Canned responses is a feature of Gmail that allows you to save an email to reuse as often as you need to. For example, let's say that one of your students sent you an email asking when a project you assigned was due. Your response might be: "All assignments are posted in Google Classroom. If you click on the assignment you will be able to see all the details for the assignment including due date. You can also use Google Calendar to see when assignments are due by looking for anything posted for our class. Remember you have to log in with your district account."

    This is a great response. Instead of giving the date for this assignment, you gave the student instructions for finding the information on their own and putting the responsibility back on them. That is a major 21st century skill (Critical Thinking and Problem Solving). The problem is 5 minutes later, you get another student asking the same thing. You are already getting frustrated because you posted the due date on Google Classroom, on the handout you gave them, and it's posted on the board in your classroom. You quickly find the email you just sent and copy your response and send it. The next morning you check your email and 5 more students are asking the same question. A lot of teachers at this point would do one of the following: 1) just ignore the emails, 2) wait until class to proceed to fussing at the class for being irresponsible, or  3) quickly send 5 emails saying "FEBRUARY 3RD!" All of these responses are understandable, but not nearly as productive as the first email you sent. This is where Canned Responses come in.

    Let's rewind. The first student just asked when the project was due and you have just crafted that great response. You know from experience that this will not be the only student to ask you when the project is due so you decide to create a Canned Response. Here is how you do it:

1. The first time you use canned responses (NOW TEMPLATES), Log into Gmail, go to settings>advanced, enable Templates, and click save at the bottom of the page.
2. Next compose a new email. Make sure the email is exactly the way you want it. Remember, you will be sending it multiple times to multiple people, so don't include student names or write it in a way that is so specific it wouldn't make sense to someone else. 
3. In the bottom right of your composition window (where you write the email), click on more options (3 dots/skinny snowman). 
4. Click on Canned responses(TEMPLATES)
5. Click Save draft as template
6. Click Save as new template
7. Enter a new template name (be specific so you can find it later).

After that you send the email like normal. When you get that second email: 

1. Click reply 
2. Click More options (3 dots/ skinny snowman) 
3. Click Canned responses (Templates)
4. Click on the name of template you want to use 

Your reply is now filled with that same wonderful email you sent the first student. You can repeat this process for every student that asks when the project is due. 

One Last Tip: If you don't do it already, have your students submit questions through email. Once they get into this habit it will make class run smoother, make sure everyone's questions are answered, and gives you a record to show that your answers are correct and consistent.

In the comments below share one question you have had to answer a thousand times this year.