We are providing Chromebooks to BPS Students who do not have consistent access to a computer at home. Go to www.bostonpublicschools.org/laptop to request a Chromebook! 

Explore currently available low-cost and free internet options here.

BPS primarily uses two applications to host apps and websites for students: Clever and Google Classroom. Students log in using their BPS Gmail (______@bostonk12.org) and BPS password.

If you are unsure about your student’s email or password, view our password tip sheet or contact our BPSTechnology Help Desk at 617-635-9200.

Clever

Clever, or the BPS Digital Backpack, is a “portal” where you can access many online learning apps used by the district or your student’s school or classroom teachers. Your student's Clever portal will have apps in all major content areas. Go to www.bostonpublicschools.org/backpack and log in using your BPS Gmail and password. 

Need support? Review How to Access Clever at Home or watch an interactive Clever Login Tutorial.

Google Classroom

Google Classroom is an online classroom where students can access resources and assignments shared by their teachers. Go to classroom.google.com and sign in with your BPS Gmail and password.

Need support? Review How to Access Google Classroom from Home, a website with videos in English, Español, Portugués, and Français.

Adults play a big role in students’ learning. Explore learning sites with children, ask them questions about what they are learning, and engage in conversations about what they are watching on TV. Studies show that children learn more when they are able to talk about what they are learning.  

• Tips for Healthy Habits (English)
• Home Learning Tips for Students and Families (English, Español, عربى, Kabuverdianu, 中文, Français, Kreyòl, Português, Afsoomaali, tiếng Việt)

Want to learn what others are saying about the apps, movies, or websites your child is using? Find reviews on Common Sense Media.

• Reviews of educational and non-educational apps
• Reviews of movies and television shows
• Reviews of books

Teachers and admins can bring their content and activities online by posting in Clever, Google Classroom, or on a class website using Google Sites.

Post classwork and learning activities in Google Classroom or on a Google Site. 

• Getting Started: Google Sites (website)
• How to Create A Google Classroom (website)
• Tips for academic work online (one-pager)
• Tips for academic work online video
  
• How to Use Video with Google Classroom (website) 
• Share to Classroom Chrome Extension: Save time and create a more interactive class with the Share to Classroom extension. The extension allows you to push webpages to any of your Classroom classes, so they open instantly on your students' computers. You can post announcements, create assignments, or save webpages to post to Classroom later.
• How to Make Your Online Content Accessible (slidedeck)

Share important links in Clever under your Teacher Page.

• Staff Clever log in & Teacher Page (tutorial)
• How to Access Clever (website)
• How to Create a Teacher Page (website)
• How to Use Clever Badges (article and video)

Keep in touch with students, families, and colleagues in real-time using text and video-based communication. 

• Zoom vs. Meet: Which tool do I use?
  
  • Zoom (video chat and screen sharing with colleagues)
  • Google Hangouts (text chat/video chat with colleagues)
  • Google Meet (video chat and screen sharing with students and families)
  • Teachers can also continue using other methods of communication such as email, ClassDojo, Remind, etc. to stay in touch with families and students.
  • Zoom and Google Meet Safety Tips (downloadable tip sheet)

We recommend reviewing the links below to support you with managing student privacy online. 

How to Maintain Student Privacy Online (website)

Zoom and Google Meet Safety Tips (printable tip sheet)

Live Webinars
Join a live webinar hosted by BPSTechnology (OIIT), BTU/BPS Telescope Network, BPS Academics, and other central office departments and partners.

Self-Paced Options

• LINCspring: Please ask your principal for more information.

Please click on an event in our calendar to register with your BPS email address. You will receive an email with the Zoom link after registration.

All sessions are hosted online in Zoom (a video conferencing tool) and will be recorded for on-demand viewing after the live event. (First time using Zoom? See How to join a meeting.)

WEBINARS: online, recorded sessions where you learn about a topic. These are intended for Boston Public Schools staff, students, or families. 

Videos will be captioned after the broadcast. Please reach out to Rhianon Gutierrez if there are any accessibility needs.

OFFICE HOURS: 1:1 and small group time for targeted coaching and consulting on your learning resource or support with troubleshooting technology. These are office hours for BPS staff only. 

Please see BPSTechnology's virtual learning playlist for a listing of all their live webinars and resources.

LINCspring: Please ask your principal for more information.