Online Learning Platforms
TDSB provides and supports two online learning platforms: G Suite for Education and the Brightspace Learning Platform. Both Google Classroom and the Brightspace Online Classrooms are great, fully featured options for teachers to connect with their students remotely. Below is a comparison of the two options, teachers should choose the tool they feel most comfortable with and will best meet the needs of their students.
Comparison of Brightspace Online Classroom and Google Classroom
Web Conferencing Tools
For those staff who are interested in using web conferencing tools as part of their remote learning strategy, there are two options for web conferencing tools that are approved by TDSB and will protect both students' and teacher’s personal privacy. The tools listed below are also supported by TDSB IT Services and are available to staff and students at no cost.
Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/_meet
- All TDSB staff can create and join meetings and it is very easy to use.
- All students (K - 12) have access to join Google Meet but do not have the ability to create meetings.
- Similar to Zoom, Google Meet allows for grid view.
Teacher Guide PDF
Student Guide PDF
Zoom:
- As of November 2020, all TDSB staff can create and join meetings (both from within Brightspace and directly via Zoom)
- All students (K - 12) have access to join but do not have the ability to create meetings
- Zoom allows for grid view of up to 49 cameras
- Increased host controls help ensure safe and secure meetings
Teacher Guide and FAQs
Student Guide
Brightspace Virtual Classroom: Brightspace Learning Platform
- All TDSB staff can create and join meetings (from within Brightspace)
- All students (K - 12) have access to join but do not have the ability to create meetings
Please note the following information to support synchronous learning and online safety:
- Before a student utilizes a district authorized learning tool (e.g., Google Meet), please ensure the Digital Learning Consent Form has not been declined. This form is included in the annual Start-Of-Year Forms completed by every student and maintained at the school level
- Prior to recording a web conference (e.g., Google Meet, Brightspace Virtual Classroom), the teacher should verify the Media Release Consent Form has been completed. This form is included in the Start-Of-Year Forms completed by every student and maintained at the school level.
Google Meet does not require the use of a webcam and when a webcam is off, an individual's first initial only is displayed as their icon. A teacher can record a lesson from their computer using Google Meet with no other participants in the virtual room. This recording can then be saved and posted into a secure online classroom such as Google Classroom or Brightspace.
These recommended tools, provided and supported by TDSB, are for teachers to use in support of remote learning and connecting with students (e.g. G Suite for Education and Brightspace Learning Platform). These are established tools in TDSB that have been used by staff and students for years and TDSB provides a safe and secure environment for our staff and students.