Digital Learning Tools Notice Statement

Digital learning tools enhance classroom learning by giving students more ways to communicate, collaborate, create, think critically and demonstrate their learning. TDSB provides students with a range of approved digital tools, including Google Workspace for Education, Brightspace, Canva for Education and the TDSB Virtual Library. These tools are selected for their educational value and to support teaching, learning, assessment and the Ontario Curriculum.

TDSB staff use digital tools to support student administration, including registration, attendance, scheduling, report cards, communication with families, and educational planning. These tools help schools manage student information accurately and efficiently, support day-to-day school operations, and meet legal and Ministry reporting requirements. Access to these tools is limited to authorized staff who need the information to perform their duties.

See below for more about system-wide digital learning tools.

Google Workspace for Education

Google Workspace for Education is a suite of web based productivity tools. All TDSB students and staff have a Google Workspace account. TDSB has a contractual agreement with Google for Google Workspace for Education which is significantly different from a personal Google account anyone can create. The agreement provides TDSB with content ownership, application controls & support and protection from advertisements. You can read more about Google Workspace for Education here and their privacy and security practices here.

TDSB students have access to these core Google Workspace for Education apps:

Calendar - individual calendar
Docs - word processing
Drive - file storage
Sheets - spreadsheets
Slides - presentations
Forms - surveys
Classroom - online classroom
Keep - note taking
Sites* - website creation
Gmail* - email

*access to these tools begins in Grade 4. Students in Grades 4 & 5 can send and receive email from TDSB staff and students only. In Grade 6, Gmail becomes fully functional and students can email individuals outside TDSB.

Brightspace

Brightspace is an online learning management system provided to all school boards in Ontario through the Ministry of Education. It includes an online classroom, a portfolio tool to help students document and share their learning with teachers. All TDSB students have a Brightspace account. Read more about Brightspace.

Canva for Education

Canva for Education is a version of the Canva design platform specifically for Education. It enables the creation of digital and print objects including images, presentations, posters and yearbooks. Read more about Canva for Education.

TDSB Virtual Library

The TDSB Virtual Library provides online access to a collection of curriculum relevant, digital tools and resources that support literacy, research and inquiry. These resources include encyclopedias, databases, ebooks, videos, and subject-specific websites. All users can search their school’s library collection and teachers can order professional and classroom resources through an integrated library catalogue. The TDSB Virtual Library is available to all staff and students 24/7 from school or home.

PowerSchool

PowerSchool is used as TDSB's student information system to support student administration and registration, attendance, scheduling, reporting, and educational planning. It is also used to communicate from school to home and distribute report cards. Only authorized staff have access to PowerSchool.

GoGuardian

TDSB uses an application called GoGuardian to monitor a student’s use of the Chrome browser while logged into the TDSB portal through their TDSB account. GoGuardian collects information about the websites visited by students to support learning through technology and digital citizenship. The application also allows teachers, during class time, to open and close tabs for students to direct them to educational resources and minimize distractions.