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
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.
- 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".
- Parents will enter the information requested including the pairing code provided to them by their child or their child's teacher.
- 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.
- 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?
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
- 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.
- Generate a parent/observer code by logging into Canvas
-
In
Global
Navigation,
select
the
Account
link
then
select
the
Settings
link
-
Select
the Pair
with
Observer link
on
the
right
side
of
the
window.
-
A
new
window
will
open.
Copy
Pairing
Code.
- 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
- Open the Chrome browser and go to zoom.us. Select "Sign In".
- Select "Sign in with SSO."
- Type in the company domain: pwcs-zm-edu
- Select Continue
- Sign in with your Office 365 Email (same as Canvas and StudentVUE)
- Select Open when prompted to return to Zoom
Option 2
Activating your Zoom account through Office 365 (PDF)