Collecting and Sharing Student Work
Brush Ninja does not include built-in submission or classroom management tools. Instead, students export their work as files and submit it using systems your school already uses.
This keeps Brush Ninja simple and flexible, but it works best when students follow a clear, repeatable process. This guide explains how to collect, share, and organise work reliably.
Who this is for
This guide is useful if you regularly collect digital work, use an LMS or shared folders, run projects across multiple lessons, or share student work with others.
It applies to all Brush Ninja tools.
The core submission workflow
In most classrooms, collecting work follows the same basic pattern.
Students export their finished work, rename the file clearly, upload or share it, and check that the submission worked. Teachers then confirm files are present, review the work, and archive it if needed.
Keeping this workflow consistent across lessons reduces confusion and lost work.
Choosing how to collect work
Brush Ninja works with most school systems. The best option is usually the one students already know.
Learning platforms such as Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and other LMS tools work well. Students upload exported files as attachments, and teachers can view GIFs and images directly. This fits neatly into existing routines.
Shared folders, either on a network drive or in cloud storage, also work well. This approach suits longer projects and portfolios, but it relies heavily on good file naming and folder structure.
Digital noticeboards such as Padlet are useful when the goal is display and discussion rather than assessment. They work particularly well for storytelling, creative writing, and reflection.
Email should be avoided where possible. Attachments are easy to lose, version control is poor, and organisation quickly becomes difficult.
Teaching the submission process
Many submission problems happen because students are unsure what “submit” actually involves.
It helps to demonstrate the full process at least once. Show students how to export, where the file is saved, how to rename it, how to upload it, and how to confirm that it worked.
Doing this live prevents repeated questions later. A short checklist in your LMS or classroom can reinforce the process.
File naming and organisation are covered separately in Managing Student Files.
Sharing work in class
Sharing student work can support motivation and discussion when done purposefully.
Teachers often show selected examples on the board, run short gallery-style reviews, or use noticeboards for peer comments. Set clear expectations for respectful feedback and keep the focus on learning goals rather than comparison.
Creating collections and galleries
Over time, you may want to build collections of student work. These can be useful for revision, displays, parent evenings, staff sharing, or future examples.
Store files in clearly labelled folders, keep permissions appropriate, and follow school policies on consent and sharing.
Managing larger volumes of work
When dealing with many files, simple systems matter more than complex tools.
Consistent naming, clear folder structures, and separating drafts from final work all help. Regular archiving prevents folders from becoming unmanageable.
Supporting students who struggle with submission
Some students find digital submission stressful.
Common issues include forgetting where files are saved, uploading the wrong version, or panicking when something goes wrong. Early checks, clear routines, and short practice runs can help build confidence. Pairing with a more confident peer can also be effective.
Common problems and fixes
If work appears to be missing, start by checking whether it was exported and where it was saved. Most issues come down to files still being in the Downloads folder, incorrect file names, or uploads that didn’t complete.
On most devices, exported files are saved in the Downloads folder.
Students need to be able to find their exported file in order to submit it. Detailed guidance on file locations and organisation is covered in Managing Student Files.
If a platform rejects a file, check file type and size. Some systems limit GIFs or large images.
