Setup Guide

DrawSplat^TM Google Drive and Sheets Setup

These steps configure the optional Google Apps Script backend for Drive saves, cloud rooms, templates, and turn-ins.

1. Create the Google Backend

1. Create a Google Sheet named DrawSplat^TM Saves.
2. Open Extensions > Apps Script.
3. Paste the contents of apps-script/Code.gs into Apps Script.
4. Save the project.
5. Run the setup() function once.
6. Approve the requested Google Drive and Google Sheets permissions.

The setup function creates or prepares:

• a Drive folder named DrawSplat^TM Saves
• a Boards sheet
• a Rooms sheet
• a Templates sheet
• a TurnIns sheet

2. Deploy the Web App

1. In Apps Script, choose Deploy > New deployment.
2. Select Web app.
3. Set Execute as to Me.
4. Set Who has access to the narrowest option that works for your class or district.
5. Deploy.
6. Copy the Web App URL.
7. Paste the URL into DrawSplat^TM under Options > Google integration > Script URL.

For a hosted classroom deployment, you can place that URL in DEFAULT_GOOGLE_SCRIPT_URL near the top of assets/js/app.js. That keeps students from needing a script= value in shared links.

3. Teacher Classroom Workflow

1. Open DrawSplat^TM.
2. Switch to Education Tools.
3. Enable assignment mode.
4. Create the panels needed for table groups.
5. Add backgrounds, templates, prompts, or teacher-layer content.
6. Enter a unique room name in Collaboration.
7. Optionally enter a room password.
8. Start Cloud Sync.
9. Click Copy Student Link. DrawSplat^TM generates the student URL for the current room and copies it to the clipboard.
10. Share the copied link with students.

Each room name acts as a unique shared whiteboard instance. The generated student link includes role=student and the room name so students open directly into the correct shared board.

4. Student Workflow

Students open the copied link. The link uses role=student, which locks DrawSplat^TM into student mode.

Students can add:

• sticky notes
• images
• drawings
• text
• Mermaid diagrams
• word clouds

Students cannot use the student link to:

• edit the Google Apps Script URL
• change panel backgrounds
• clear panels
• add panels
• edit teacher-layer objects

5. How Saving Works

Teacher saves initialize or update the full room board.

Student saves are merged by the Apps Script backend. The backend preserves:

• teacher panel backgrounds
• teacher-layer objects
• existing student-layer objects from other students

Room passwords are stored as salted SHA-256 hashes in the Google Sheet, not as plain text.

6. Security Notes

The room password is a classroom access gate, not a full identity system.

Google login and account-level access are controlled by the Apps Script deployment setting. For real student authentication, deploy the Web App using the narrowest access setting allowed by your school or district.

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