Canvas for 2020-2021

All students and staff will have access to the Canvas learning management system for the 2020-2021 school year. Summer professional learning sessions are available for staff. Staff can register for the sessions in Performance Matters (Keyword Search “Canvas” under courses).

Google apps for Education

Guilford County Schools has acquired access to the Google suite of apps. These tools will encourage collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and allow you to work one-on-one or with the whole class. Google apps that GCS students and staff will have access to in the 2020-2021 school year include:

• Google Docs/Sheets/Slides/Forms are web-based apps that enable users to create, edit, share, collaborate, draw, export, and embed content as well as create quizzes and presentations.

• Google Drive provides web-based tools that enable users to store, transfer, and share files, and view videos.

• YouTube is a web-based service that allows users to watch, create, and share videos. Filtered YouTube access will allow students to view teacher approved videos.

• Google Jamboard is an interactive whiteboard that can be used by both an individual or as a shared whiteboard space between colleagues or classmates

• Google Keep is a web-based app that is a syncing notepad connected to Google Drive. It also supports photo notes, voice notes, and checklists.

• Google Earth renders a 3D representation of Earth based primarily on satellite imagery.

Nearpod

The district has secured access to Nearpod, a web-based student engagement platform and instructional tool that integrates with Canvas and is available to all teachers for next school year. The Nearpod presentations allow students to engage with the content using polls, quizzes, videos, interactive drawings, and website integration. Teachers can access more than 7000 K-12 standards-aligned lessons or create their own. Lessons can be used in direct instruction, allowing students to interact with the media in class or assigned as student-paced lessons where the student controls the flow of the lesson.

If you have any questions about access for these programs, please contact technology services.