Words you'll need to know.

BigBlueButton (BBB)

BigBlueButton is the virtual classroom platform used for live online classes, orientations, and meetings. Students and families can interact with instructors, view presentations, join discussions, and collaborate in real time. Everything runs right in your web browser — no special software required. When it's time for class, simply click the meeting link in your student portal to join. You may hear this referred to as Big Blue Button, BBB, or a MyAMP Meeting — these terms all refer to the same virtual classroom system.

Canvas

Canvas is the learning management system (LMS) — your student's digital classroom and school hub. It's where your student accesses courses, completes assignments, views grades, sends and receives messages, and attends live class sessions. Parents and guardians also use Canvas to stay informed about attendance, progress, and daily work.

i-Ready

i-Ready is an online diagnostic assessment that measures your student's reading and math skills. It's not a grade — it shows teachers where your student is starting from so they can personalize instruction and support. Students take i-Ready at the beginning, middle, and end of the year.

Inbox (Canvas Inbox vs. Email)

The Canvas Inbox is a messaging system inside Canvas — separate from your regular email. Teachers and staff use it for important updates, so students should check it regularly. Look for the Inbox icon in the left navigation bar when you're logged in to Canvas.

Learning Coach

The Learning Coach is the parent or guardian who takes an active role in supporting their student's education at home. They help create structure, check in on progress, communicate with school staff, and keep the student on track. Having a dedicated adult to assist is one of the most important factors in a student's success. Learning Coaches aren't expected to teach the curriculum — certified teachers provide instruction, grading, and academic support. Learning Coaches also receive a guardian Canvas account to monitor progress and communicate with staff.

Live Session

A live session is a scheduled class that happens in real time through BigBlueButton, accessed in Canvas by clicking "myAMP Meeting." It's synchronous — your student is online at the same time as the teacher and classmates and can participate during the lesson. Some schools require attendance at live sessions; others make them optional. Check with your school.

myAMP

myAMP is ACCEL's customized technology ecosystem for online learning. It brings together the systems, curriculum, tools, and resources students and families use throughout the school year — learning platforms, course materials, student information, school updates, and other resources in one connected place.

Offline Hours / Logging Hours

Attendance in online school is often tracked by logging the hours your student spends on schoolwork — time on Canvas, completing assignments, attending live sessions, and studying offline. The number of hours required and the method for logging them varies by school. Review the Parent/Student Handbook, or contact your Success Coach or homeroom teacher for your school's requirements.

PowerSchool Parent Portal

The PowerSchool Parent Portal is a secure online site where families can complete required school forms and submit updates such as changes to address or phone number. You'll receive login instructions from your school.

PowerSchool

PowerSchool is a student information system (SIS) used by many ACCEL schools to manage student records. As a family, you may receive communications that reference PowerSchool, or you may be asked to log in to a PowerSchool parent portal. Your school will provide instructions if PowerSchool access is needed.

Success Coach

A Success Coach is a support partner for students and families as they begin their online school journey. They help families learn how to navigate the online environment, understand expectations, establish routines, and build the skills needed for success. They're often the primary point of contact during onboarding and early enrollment, and can help with attendance, engagement, communication, and general progress.

As students get established, the homeroom teacher becomes the main instructional point of contact. But if additional support is needed with engagement, attendance, organization, or reconnecting to school, the Success Coach may continue to help as part of the student's support team.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous

Synchronous means learning happens live, in real time — like a myAMP meeting where the teacher and students are all online together. Asynchronous means learning happens on your own schedule — like watching a recorded lesson or completing a Canvas assignment whenever works for your family. Most coursework is asynchronous, with some synchronous live sessions scheduled through the week.

TSD / TSD Help Desk

TSD stands for Technology Support Department. The TSD Help Desk is your first point of contact for any technology problem — a login issue, a device problem, or trouble accessing Canvas. Reach TSD by submitting a ticket online or calling their support line.