# Manage classroom channels and automatic updates

Written by Geeta Thakker
Updated 2026-10-04

Assigned instructors and admins can create channels and edit their names, topics, and posting rules. Open the classroom from [My classrooms](/classrooms), then use **Add channel** or a channel's edit control.

## Create a channel

1. Select **Add channel** below the classroom's channel list.
2. Enter a **Channel name** and, optionally, a **Topic** explaining its purpose.
3. Select **Only instructors can post** if the teaching team should start messages there.
4. Select **Create channel**.

The channel is visible to everyone with classroom access. Restricting who posts does not make a private staff channel: students can still read, react, and reply in threads. Use a name such as `project-showcase` that students can recognize in `#channel` suggestions.

## Edit or archive a channel

Use the pencil beside a channel or its settings button in the header to change its name, topic, or posting rule. Save the changes before directing students to it.

Built-in channels keep the same link when renamed and offer **Reset to default**. **#prompts** and **#updates** always restrict new messages to instructors and admins, even with a different display name. Other built-in channels, including day channels, can also be restricted.

For a channel you created, **Archive channel** removes it from the active list. Creating a channel with that archived name again restores its history. A custom channel's address follows its name, so share the current link after renaming it.

## Control automatic class updates

Open **#updates** and use **Auto-updates on/off** in the header. Automatic updates are on by default and can include class reminders, a class going live, schedule changes or cancellations, and available recordings.

Turning the switch off stops future automatic posts for that classroom. It leaves existing posts in place and does not control workshop reminder emails. You can still publish an instructor update yourself.

Automatic classroom events also appear in the [notification bell](/help/articles/community-notifications). These classroom updates are separate from teacher-community event RSVPs, which do not schedule automatic reminders.

## Share the channel with students

Type `#` in a message, select the channel suggestion, and send. Students can select the resulting channel link. For pinning, review, or student moderation, use [Moderate classroom messages and members](/help/articles/moderate-classroom-messages).