Canvas & Zoom

Canvas and Zoom for Continuous Learning

What is Canvas and how can it be used to support learning?

Canvas provides a platform for teachers to create an online classroom that supports both real-time (synchronous) and self-paced (asynchronous) learning. Canvas is a powerful tool for blended and distance learning.

What is Zoom and how can it be used to support learning?

Zoom is a video-conferencing platform that teachers can use to host their classes online in real-time. Our division Zoom license has robust security controls and an expanded feature set, which can be used to facilitate engaging and interactive learning experiences.

Here are some of the security features of Zoom:

  • All participants are clearly identified by their name when joining a Zoom room.
  • Participants enter a waiting room when they first join a meeting and must be admitted by the teacher.
  • Zoom sessions can only be recorded by the teacher.
  • All student participants authenticate their Zoom account with their PWCS Office 365 account.
  • Students can set their own background to keep their environment private.

Parents/Guardians

Canvas for Parents Canvas for Students Zoom

Parent/Guardian Canvas Support

Canvas Orientation for Parents & Guardians

For Canvas assistance please contact your child's school.

Parent/Guardian Observer Access Code to Canvas

Observer/Parent Access to Canvas:

Parents must begin by requesting a pairing code from their child's teacher or have their child log into Canvas to access the pairing code.

  1. Once parents receive their pairing code, they will need to sign up for a Canvas account. Parents will go to the Canvas login page and select "Parent of a Canvas User".
    Screenshot of Parent Canvas Logon page with link indicated
  2. Parents will enter the information requested including the pairing code provided to them by their child or their child's teacher.

    Parent Signup screen
  3. To add more students to observe, once logged in, parents will want to select Account > Observing. Here, they can identify who they are already linked to and add more children.

    Screen for adding additional students

  4. Once the account has been created, parents can use the Canvas Student App on their Apple or Android devices to access their account. When using the app, parents will select Prince William County Parents when asked to "find school." The Canvas Student app and the Canvas Parent app are similar. Canvas has recommended that the Canvas Student app has a better layout.

Parent/Guardian and Student User Guides

Parent Pointers: A Video Overview Of Canvas With Your Child

Join us as we walk through Canvas; the learning management system students and teachers will be using this fall. Parents will gain an understanding of Canvas and learn how to connect their parent account to their child's account.

Students

Getting Started

New to Canvas and want to know how to get started?

View the Getting Started with Canvas as a Student guide!

Need help with the Canvas Student Mobile App?

View guides for iOS and Android .

Canvas Student Guides and Video Tutorials

Not that you've started using Canvas, you might have some questions. Curious about how to navigate your courses? Participate in discussions? View assignments?

Check out the Canvas Student Guide to get the answers you need!

Looking for video tutorials?

Check out Video Guides for Students!

Students Creating Pairing Code for Your Parent or Guardian

Creating A Pairing Code For Parent Access To Student Courses

  1. As a student you can provide parents or guardians with a Pairing Code to observe your courses. Pairing codes can only be generated using the web version of Canvas, not the mobile app.
  2. Generate a parent/observer code by logging into Canvas
  3. In Global Navigation, select the  Account   link then select the  Settings  link

    Global Navigation Settings image

  4. Select the Pair with Observer link on the right side of the window.

    Pair with Observer

  5. A new window will open. Copy Pairing Code.

    Pair with observer window

    • Copy the six-digit alphanumeric pairing code. You will need to share the code with the observer who will link to your account. The pairing code will expire after seven days or its first use.
    • To close the window, select the  OK  link.
    • Note:  Pairing codes are case sensitive.

Getting Started with Zoom

Setting up your Zoom account and accessing Zoom through Canvas

Grades K-2 Students Only

K-2 Students will access Zoom through Canvas only. Students will log into Canvas, find their course and locate the Zoom meeting link set up by the teacher.

Grades 3-12 Students

There are 3 options for activating your account in Zoom. You only need to activate your account using one of these options.

Option 1
  1. Open the Chrome browser and go to zoom.us. Select "Sign In".

    Screenshot of Zoom sign in
  2. Select "Sign in with SSO."

    Screenshot of Zoom account set up
  3. Type in the company domain: pwcs-zm-edu
  4. Select Continue
  5. Sign in with your Office 365 Email (same as Canvas and StudentVUE)
  6. Select Open when prompted to return to Zoom
Option 2

Activating your Zoom account through Office 365 (PDF)

Option 3

Joining a Zoom Class Meeting from Canvas (PDF)