Your First Month using SpacesEDU: A Step-By-Step Guide

Get your classroom up and running with digital portfolios in five steps, plus one bonus step to bring families on board.

Step 1: Read the Getting Started Guide

Download the Getting Started with SpacesEDU guide (PDF) to understand the basics before setting anything up.

Step 2: Set Up Your Learning Environment

Prepare your physical or virtual space for reflective, tech-friendly learning:

• How do I set up my classroom environment?
• How do I set up my remote learning environment?

Step 3: Introduce Students to Portfolios

Use our ready-made slide decks (with speaker notes) to get students excited:

• Introduction to Digital Portfolios: High School
• Introduction to Digital Portfolios: Elementary and Middle School

Step 4: Create Your First Teacher Post

Model what a great post looks like. Need inspiration? Here are 5 ideas for your first Teacher Post.

Step 5: Get Students Posting

Now that students have seen your example, it's their turn. Invite them to your class and prompt their first post:

• Record a short video introducing themselves
• Upload a photo and describe why it matters to them
• Write a text reflection on what they're excited to learn

How do I invite students to join my class?

Bonus: Bring Families Into the Conversation

Once students are posting, invite families to see and respond to their work:

• Parents' and Family Guide to Digital Portfolios
• How to invite parents to create an account
• Download: Family Feedback Prompts (PDF)

Good to Know

• You don't need to complete all five steps in exact order. Adjust the timeline to fit your schedule.
• Students adapt to new tools quickly. Focus your energy on modeling expectations, not troubleshooting technology.
• Once families are connected, they can provide feedback directly on their student's posts.

Updated on: 23/07/2026