Welcome to Pencil Spaces! This guide will help you prepare for your first lesson by making sure your account is set up correctly, your device is ready, and you know where to find additional help if you need it.
Before Your First Session
1. Make sure you can access your institution
There are two primary ways to log in to Pencil Spaces:
Log in directly by visiting my.pencilapp.com.
Log in through a third-party platform, like your school’s learning management system (LMS) or another organization that manages your access.
If you’re logging in directly, sign in at my.pencilapp.com, and be sure to check the top-left corner of your dashboard for your institution’s name.
If you can see your institution, then you’re ready to go. If you can’t see it, or you’re unsure whether you’ve been added to the correct organization, please contact your institution administrator before your first lesson.
2. Run a quick tech check
Before your first class, take a minute to make sure that your device is ready.
Visit my.pencilapp.com/techcheck, then confirm that your:
Browser is supported
Camera is working
Microphone is working
Speakers or headphones are working
If your browser asks for permission to access your camera or microphone, make sure that you select Allow.
3) Review our training guides
If you’re new to Pencil Spaces, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the platform before your first lesson.
Take our free training course here for a complete walk-through of Pencil Spaces and its features.
4. Test a practice session (recommended)
If possible, we also recommend spending a few minutes testing Pencil Spaces before teaching your first class.
Try the following:
Open an existing Space or create a new one.
Start or join a call.
Check that your camera and microphone are working correctly.
Draw or write on the whiteboard to make sure everything responds as expected.
A quick practice session can help you spot and resolve any issues before you’re teaching live.
For more information on how to use Spaces for your lessons, see these guides: How to create a Space, or How to start or join a call.
During Your First Session
If you experience any issues during your lesson, our Live Support team is available 24/7.
Click the Help button at the top right-hand side of your screen to start a conversation with Support.
To help us resolve your issue as quickly as possible, try to include the following information in your message:
The device you’re using
Your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, etc.)
A description of what you’re trying to do
Any error messages or screenshots, if available
If you’re still not sure how to find support, see our guide: How to access 24/7 live support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Space?
What is a Space?
A Space is your online classroom in Pencil Spaces. Each Space includes video conferencing, an infinite whiteboard, and built-in teaching tools, so you can write, draw, upload resources, and collaborate with your students in real time.
If you want to learn more about Spaces, read from our collection: Virtual classroom
Can I create my own Space?
Can I create my own Space?
This depends on how your institution has configured your account. Some organizations allow tutors to create their own Spaces, while others provide pre-created Spaces for each lesson. If you’re unsure, contact your institution administrator.
If you want to learn how to create your own Spaces, read our guide: How to create a Space.
Can I enter a Space early and prepare my lesson?
Can I enter a Space early and prepare my lesson?
Yes! You can enter a Space ahead of time to prepare your lesson. Anything you add to the whiteboard is saved automatically, and it will remain there until you remove it. You can easily upload resources, write notes, or prepare activities before your students arrive.
How can I invite students to my Space?
How can I invite students to my Space?
Students can join your Space using an invitation email or by opening the Space link you've shared with them.
If you want to learn how to invite participants to a Space, read our guide: How to invite people to your space.
How can I keep students focused during class?
How can I keep students focused during class?
Pencil Spaces includes several classroom management tools that help tutors keep their students engaged and on task.
Two of the most commonly used features are:
Lead, which brings every participant to the same area of the whiteboard so everyone follows along together.
Lock, which temporarily prevents students from editing the whiteboard while you’re presenting or giving instructions.
If you want to learn how to use these functions, read our guides: How to use lead, or How to lock the Space or the board.