Fundamentals

How Classmoji maps to Github

If you’ve used Github before, Classmoji will feel familiar. Every Classmoji concept has a Github counterpart, and they nest the same way: an organization holds repositories, which hold issues.

A Github organization is a Classmoji classroom, a Github repository is a Classmoji repository, and the issues inside a repository are your assignments. On the people side, org members are your students and Github teams are your teams.

Everything stays in Github where your code already lives.

Classrooms

A classroom is scoped to a Github organization, but one org can hold multiple classrooms. For example, a teacher might use the same Github organization for the same course they teach in different semesters.

Repositories

A repository is a unit of work backed by a Github repo, like a lab, a project, or a weekly problem set. Repositories hold assignments, and you can weight them for grading or mark them as extra credit.

Modules

Modules are an ordered layer on top of your content. A module groups repositories, pages, slides, and quizzes into a sequence students move through, like a week or a unit. Unlike a repository, a module isn’t backed by a Github repo. It’s a Classmoji-only way to organize what students see and the order they see it in. Modules stay hidden until you publish them.

Assignments

Assignments are Github issues inside a repository. Each assignment tracks a student’s work within the context of that repository, keeping everything organized in the same place your code lives.

Emoji Grading

Instead of numeric scores, Classmoji uses emoji to represent grades. Each emoji maps to a grade range. The goal is feedback that feels less punitive and more expressive. If you’ve only ever graded with numbers, this feels weird for about one week. Then you won’t want to go back.

Tokens

Tokens are a flexible deadline extension system. Students get a set number of tokens per term and spend them to push due dates, no email required. Assign them at the start of the semester and your inbox stays quiet.

Memberships and Roles

Everyone in a classroom has a role: Owner, Teacher, Assistant, or Student. Roles control what each person can see and do. The Owner created the classroom and has full control. Teachers are teaching staff with broad access to run the classroom. Assistants can grade but not configure the classroom. Students can only access their own work.