Approved Collegewide Educational Technologies

Below is a list of approved educational technologies for both the in-person and the online classroom that support teaching and learning. The Office of Online Learning and Educational Technology (OLET) has reviewed, approved, and negotiated with each vendor on the list based on several criteria including privacy and accessibility with input from classified staff, faculty, administrators, and students. The Technology Committee and Teaching and Learning with Technology Roundtable have endorsed the Educational Technology Rubric in Fall 2021 that provides a clear list of criteria used to assess potential tools. 

Employees are invited to submit proposals for educational technology tools, including those that integrate with Canvas, Google, and CityZoom. Please complete the Educational Technology Request Form found on the Distance Learning Quicklinks page under Forms.

Canvas (Instructure)

Canvas is the required system for all online classes. During the pandemic, it is required for remote classes. 
Canvas Guides and Canvas Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)
(Fully funded by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office)

List of Canvas LTI's (Apps)
Use

This support allows students and faculty to chat with a Canvas support technician.

Support
  • In Canvas, click the Help Button on the bottom left of the Global Navigation, and the 24/7 chat support option can be found near the top of the list.
Funding

Student and Faculty Support fully funded by the CCCCO until June 30, 2023.

Use

This support allows faculty to call the 24/7 hotline to speak with a Canvas support technician. The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) removed funding for student phone support in Spring 2021, and to better support students during remote instruction, CCSF continued support through Spring 2022. Now, when students call the support number, they will be re-directed to use the 24/7 Chat support system, which remains in place. To avoid any confusion, we recommend removing the 24/7 support number from resources that you may have provided your students.

Support
  • In Canvas, click the Help Button on the bottom left of the Global Navigation and the 24/7 phone support option can be found near the top of the list.
Funding

Faculty Support fully funded by OLET until June 30, 2023.

Use

This connects to 3C Media Solutions, a service that hosts instructor-produced videos. Additionally, you can request professional captioning from 3C Media Solutions. Due to recent funding changes at the State level, captioning requires documentation of a student requiring captions from DSPS.

Support
Funding

Fully funded by the CCCCO in collaboration with TechConnect.

Use

ProQuest's Alexander Street products are curated, discipline-focused, primary-source collections, websites, and streaming media for learning and research.

Support
Use

Provides a flexible, comprehensive attendance platform which supports both simple and complex attendance tracking scenarios. aPlus+ Attendance is installed for use in noncredit courses to gather attendance information necessary for PARS. If you are teaching a credit course, we recommend Attendance (Rollcall) as an alternative tool for attendance.

Note: This integration is for noncredit courses.

Support
Funding

Fully funded by AEP until June 30, 2023.

Use

Badgr integrates with Canvas courses and accounts to award portable digital badges to students as they complete course modules. Open Badges may be awarded for any achievement. Badges can recognize diverse achievements, going beyond the simple metrics found in degrees and transcripts to provide a rich picture of a student’s learning journey.

Support
Funding

Integrated with Canvas at no-cost.

Use

A communication and video management tool that allows instructors and students to actively collaborate through video and audio media. It is fully integrated into Canvas.

Support
Funding

Fully funded by the CCCCO until June 30, 2023.

Use

Provides students with access to Cengage Learning’s solutions (including MindTap, Aplia, SAM, CengageNOW, OWLv2, 4LTR Press Online and National Geographic Learning) from your LMS.

Support
Funding

Subscription based publisher content purchased by the student.

Use

Streamline your virtual classroom, office hours, and study group workflows while realizing improved security between Zoom and Canvas.

Support
Funding

Fully funded by the CCCCO in collaboration with TechConnect.

Use

CK-12 Foundation is a leading open educational resources (OER) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to high-quality K-12 STEM education materials. CK-12 offers free high-quality, standards-aligned, open content in the STEM subjects through an integrated set of tools for learning including digital textbooks, concept-based learning resources, simulations, interactive practice and more. All content is created and curated by teachers, for teachers and students. All CK-12 products and services are 100% free and are being used by students and teachers across thousands of schools both in the US and rest of the world.

Support
Use

Integrates reference content with instructional videos and tutorials to provide research instruction in the classroom. Prepare students for any kind of research or the rigors of academia by building their confidence and cultivating essential information literacy skills.

Support
Funding

Subscription based publisher content purchased by the student.

Use

Allows for the creation of templates to greatly improve course design and navigation. Cidilab's Design Tools include a Content Editor Tool, the Multi-tool and an Upload/Embed Image Tool. In training, we usually call the Content Editor Tool Design Tools to avoid confusion with the Native Rich Content Editor provided by Canvas. You can use Design Tools to easily customize the content of your course. 

Support
Funding

Full funding by OLET until June 30, 2023.

Use

This lightweight integration lets Dropbox users select and link to files within course content or in conjunction with homework submissions. Dropbox is a file hosting service offering cloud storage, file synchronization, and client software. Files placed in a Dropbox folder also are accessible through a website and mobile phone applications.

Support
Funding

Requires personal subscription purchase. CCSF offers similar no-cost solutions.

Use

Technical learning modules in light vehicles, heavy vehicles and systems technologies, Electude offers a highly adaptable platform that performs equally well in the classroom, in the shop or at home.

Support
Funding

Pilot for Spring 2021. Funding by SWP until June 30, 2021.

Use

Application for healthcare educators to access and register all of their Elsevier teaching materials.

Support
Funding

Subscription based publisher content purchased by the student.

Use

Brought to you in partnership with Global Eagle, this high-interest collection offers 590+ full-length feature films for educational instructional purposes, focusing on current and hard-to-find titles. This collection is available only in the U.S.

Support
Use

View, search and embed Films On Demand videos, and custom content directly into your Canvas courses and modules. A new icon will show up in your course rich editor letting you search and preview On Demand content. No additional log in required. A Films On Demand subscription is required.

Support
Use

Students record, upload, view, react, and respond to each other’s short videos. 

Support
Funding

Integrated with Canvas at no-cost.

Use

Folio is a Canvas product based on Portfolium, and it an be used instead of ePortfolios as a place where a student can display and discuss the significant submissions and experiences that are happening during their learning process.

Support
Funding

Integrated with Canvas at no-cost. 

Use

Follett Discover allows faculty to evaluate and adopt course materials. Students can order course materials from Canvas. 

Support
Funding

Integrated with Canvas at no-cost. 

Use

In Summer 2021, OLET will be replacing Google Apps with Google Assignments. This will make it easier to attach Google Drive files to an assignment. Google Assignments then provides students with individual copies of each attachment. You will also be able to:
 • Embed Drive files with the Rich Content Editor.
 • Add Drive files to Canvas Modules.
 • Accept Drive files from students for Canvas assignments.

Support
Funding

CCSF is a Google Higher Education School. 

Use

H5P stands for HTML5 Package. Choose from numerous activity types for creating interactive content. Learning content may be created from within Canvas, you get your own H5P content repository accessible from within Canvas and grades are stored in Canvas. H5P.com also provides analytics accessible from within Canvas so that teachers may see what the learners answered to the different H5P questions.

Note: This integration is for online courses only.

Support
Funding

Full funding by OLET until June 30, 2023.

Use

Allows Canvas users to directly log into their Hawkes Web Platform accounts and be enrolled into a Hawkes section associated with their Canvas course.

Support
Funding

Integrated with Canvas. 

Use

Teachers can ask polling questions during class and facilitate active learning activities. Students can complete quizzes with mobile devices or clickers and see grades in minutes. 

Support
Funding

In-person classes may need to provide students with a clicker.

Use

Fully interactive advanced lab simulations based on pedagogy and algorithms that support open-ended learning. Labster combines these with gamification elements such as an immersive 3D universe, storytelling, and a scoring system that stimulates students’ natural curiosity and highlights the connection between science and the real world.

Please note, Labster does not offer a mobile app; students should use the platform on a desktop or laptop computer. Please review the Labster Technical Requirements.

Note: Labster is only available in credit science and allied health courses. 

Support
Funding

Full funding by the CCCCO until June 30, 2023.

Use

Watermark is the largest provider of educational intelligence systems for higher education institutions worldwide. Watermark puts better data into the hands of administrators, educators, and learners everywhere in order to empower them to connect information and gain insights into learning which will drive meaningful improvements. Integrated with Canvas. 

Support
Funding

Funded by OLET until June 30, 2023. 

Use

Macmillan Learning integrates with Canvas creating direct links from a Canvas course into the Macmillan LaunchPad environment.

Support
Funding

Publisher content. Students may be asked to pay a subscription fee.  

Use

ALEKS is an artificial intelligent assessment and learning system which uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn’t know in a course. ALEKS’s LTI supports external assignments that pass grades back to Canvas.

Support
Funding

Publisher content. Students may be asked to pay a subscription fee.  

Use

Connect provides student learning tools designed to support textbook content.

Support
Funding

Publisher content. Students may be asked to pay a subscription fee.  

Use

Students can submit Office 365 files directly to Canvas Assignments.

Support
Funding

Microsoft Office is free for CCSF Students.  

Use

Cidilab's Design Tools include a Content Editor Tool, the Multi-tool, and an Upload/Embed Image Tool. The Multi-Tool helps you set up a course shell quickly and efficiently. The Multi-Tool consists of three separate tools, a template creator, a module builder, and a due date modifier. Integrated with Canvas

Support
Funding

Full funding by OLET until June 30, 2023.

Use

Pearson offers integration between Canvas and its MyLab and Mastering products. This integration provides the ability for the instructor and students to link from a Canvas course to access their Pearson MyLab and Mastering experience.

Support
Funding

Publisher content. Students may be asked to pay a subscription fee.  

Use

NetTutor offers a customized tutoring experience, rather than "one-size-fits-all" tutoring. With a library of textbooks and other educational materials, they are able to understand how to best help students. Using the Socratic Method, tutors guide students through problems or concepts, but never present answers. This approach develops students' critical thinking skills and encourages them to persevere!

Support
Funding

Full funding by the CCCCO until June 30, 2022. Funding for 2022 - 2023 pending.

Use

Newsela provides engaging content while delivering standards-aligned instruction. This authentic content comes from some of the most trusted names: PBS, History Channel, New York Times, and others.

Note: This integration is for noncredit courses.

Support
Funding

Full funding by AEP and WEWOA until September 2022.

Use

Offers openly licensed, adaptive online courses and materials that can be used by instructors or independent learners.

Support
Funding

No-cost.

Use

Pathstream partners with technology companies to build branded digital skills career programs delivered through college and university partnerships.

Support
Use

Supports student engagement and learning opportunities by providing students access to Pearson content from a Canvas course.

Support
Funding

Publisher content. Students may be asked to pay a subscription fee.  

Use

Perusall is a social reading platform available to students as an integration in Canvas. Perusall allows students (and faculty) to digitally annotate readings (with text, links, and embedded content).

Support
Funding

No Funding Required

Use

Extend the reach of campus support. When students need help but are unable to visit the campus, Pisces empowers your institution to provide online solutions. From instructor office hours and group projects to tutoring and peer study sessions, Pisces supports distance education best practices and accreditation requirements to provide regular and effective contact and comparable student services. Best-in-class web conferencing tools designed for education. Alongside traditional web conferencing tools such as audio, video, drawing canvas/ shapes, and screen sharing, Pisces includes academic collaboration enhancements that enable learners to communicate ideas and solutions in an intuitive and thoughtful way. Discipline-specific buttons, breakout room recordings, and personalized student referrals are examples of how Pisces helps take academic support online.

Support
Funding

Full funding by the CCCCO until June 30, 2022.

Use

PlayPosit is an online learning environment to create and share interactive video lessons. Instructors begin with any online video (lecture capture, screencasts, 3C Media, Youtube, and soon Canvas Studio.) and transform what is traditionally passive content into an active experience for learners, with time-embedded activities.

Support
Funding

Full funding by the CCCCO in collaboration with TechConnect. 

Use

Pronto is a communication hub. It connects teachers and students via chat and video, so they can learn faster, work smarter, and communicate seamlessly.

Support
Funding

Full funding by AEP until June 30, 2023.

Use

Allows instructor to embed resources from a variety of public sources including YouTube, TEDEd, Vimeo, SchoolTube, Khan Academy, and Quizlet.

Support
Funding

Integrated into Canvas at no-cost.

Use

Also known as New Quizzes. This app is supported by Canvas with a goal of replacing the classic quiz tool in the next year. You can learn more about New Quizzes by reviewing the Quiz Module included in our course template and as a stand alone download from Canvas Commons. 

Support
Funding

Integrated into Canvas at no-cost. 

Use

ReadyGO allows facilitators in IOTL/AOTL (Online Course Development Training Courses) to track and message course readiness metrics without leaving Canvas. In addition, ReadyGO may also be used to give Department Chairs easier access to course syllabi for institutional purposes. 

Support
Funding

Full funding through SWP until June 30, 2023.

Use

Add links to external web resources that show up as course navigation links. 

Support
  • This tool has no support listed.
Funding

Integrated into Canvas at no-cost. 

Use

Part of NetTutor, a tutoring service available through Online Tutoring. This app allows the referral process through NetTutor. 

Support
Funding

Full funding by the CCCCO until June 30, 2021.

Use

Provides an alternative method for messaging students.

Note: This integration is for noncredit courses.

Support
Funding

Fully funded by HEERF until May 25, 2022. Will not be renewed for 2022 - 2023.

Use

A canvas supported app that is used for taking attendance. In Canvas, this app is referred to as Attendance. 

Support
Funding

Integrated into Canvas at no-cost. 

Use

SoftChalk Cloud is a curriculum authoring solution that combines content authoring, learning object repository, hosting, and management features with an easy way to track student score results and the ability to integrate seamlessly with learning management systems like Canvas.

Note: This tool is only available to credit online instructors who already have an existing SoftChalk license. 

Support
Funding

Funding Pending by OLET until June 20, 2023.

Use

SimCheck checks student work for plagiarism and collusion by comparing it to work that other students have submitted. SimCheck replaced VeriCite, a similar product, which was purchased by Turnitin.

Support
Funding

Full funding by OLET until June 30, 2022.

Use

Cidilab's Design Tools include a Content Editor Tool, the Multi-tool and an Upload/Embed Image Tool. You can use the Upload and Embed Image tool to upload, crop, and embed images for your course. The Upload/Embed Image tool is a rich content editor LTI Tool.

Support
Funding

Full funding by OLET until June 30, 2023

Use

VoiceThread is a collaborative communication tool that allows text, audio, video, voice and annotated communication. Once VoiceThread is accessed within your LMS, your users will be signed into their accounts.

Support
Funding

Full funding by OLET until June 30, 2023.

Use

Provides students with direct access to WileyPLUS inside a Cavas course.

Support
Funding

Publisher content. Students may be asked to pay a subscription fee.  

Google Workspace

CCSFmail (gmail) is the official student email account used at the City College of San Francisco, and this allows the use of collaboration tools such as Google Docs, and other office suite applications. As an employee, if you don't have a CCSFmail account, you can fill out a form to request an employee CCSFmail account which will give you access to these collaborative tools.

List of Google Workspace Add-Ons (Apps)
Use

Google Takeout is an export tool for transferring Google Assets out of an existing account into another Google account or storage account.

Support
Funding

Takeout is included with Google's Basic Educational License.

Use

Make sure that the materials you create in Google Workspace for distance learning are accessible. 

Grackle Docs, Sheets, Slides are add-ons that run in the Google Workspace. When opened, they scan the current document for accessibility issues. When the scan finishes, Grackle arranges the document’s elements and structures into categories. These categories can be seen in the user interface on the right side of the screen. Elements in each catergory are marked as either accessible or inaccessible. Changes are made by selecting and editing these elements in these categories. 

Support
Funding

Full funding by OLET until June 30, 2021.

Use

Jamboard is a virtual interactive whiteboard developed by Google to work with Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite. Jamboard allows users to creatively organize, format, and present information through text, images, shapes, and drawings. Some instructors prefer using Jamboard over Zoom's built-in whiteboard feature during Zoom sessions.

Support
  • Jamboard Support
  • Google Workspace Guide to Accessibility (Note: This guide is limited in defining accessibility for Google products. Jamboard is not user-friendly for people who can only use a keyboard or who have limited fine motor skills, since a mouse or touchpad is required for many features.)
Funding

Jamboard is included with Google's Basic Educational License.

CityZoom at CCSF

On January 7th, 2021, IT migrated our CCCConfer Zoom account to CCSF's CityZoom, giving us more administrative control over our Zoom account for employees of CCSF. CityZoom is also the name of the LTI or App in Canvas. Any Apps added to CityZoom at the account level may influence how you use CityZoom in Canvas.

List of CityZoom Apps
Use

Calendly automatically schedules meetings for you and includes unique Zoom video conference details for each meeting.

Connect Calendly + Zoom to automatically add video conferencing details to your calendar events and meeting reminders so everyone is prepared and on time.

  • Automatically generate unique Zoom conference details for every meeting you schedule.
  • Eliminate the need to manually enter or remember conferencing details for all your meetings.
  • Update meeting details in real time when rescheduling or canceling. 

Note: No Canvas LTI available.

Support
Funding

Integrated at no-cost. 

Use

LibCal allows libraries to manage event calendars and schedules and it is also a platform for booking appointments with library staff, both in-person and online.
 

Note: No Canvas LTI available.

Support
Funding

Integrated at no-cost. 

Use

CityZoom, also known as the Zoom LTI Pro app, supports the ability to schedule/join/manage meetings within Canvas.

Instructors can use the LTI Pro app to:

  • Schedule and start Zoom meetings to support distance learning, office hours, study groups, lecture capture, and access their cloud recordings.

Students can use LTI Pro to:

  • Join Zoom meetings to remotely attend classes, office hours and study groups, view recordings of previous classes
Support
  • Refer to Support Information in the List of Canvas Apps above.
Use

The Timer App features a sleek countdown animation and a water-like alarm when the time is up.

Perfect for keeping meetings on track, time-based tasks, and even on-Zoom group meditation. 

The Timer app can help you focus on your time management skills, reduce the cognitive load of running workshops, and ensure your team-building activities don't run too long.

Start the timer with some of our ready-made time lengths: 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, and 30 min.

Customize the timer with your own custom length up to 100 minutes.

Visualize the current time in the middle of the screen as the timer is counting down.

The timer app can be started from within a Zoom meeting and from the Zoom Apps Tab in the Zoom Client.

Support