Using Canvas as a Parent/Observer

usingcanvas Using Canvas

As an observer, you will have limited permissions that allow you to see what is going on in a course without interrupting or participating in the course.  


observerscan Observers can...
  • See the Calendar. Observers can see all Events and Assignments due on the Calendar, filter the calendar view by the different courses the student is enrolled in, and view un-dated events and assignments.
  • See the Modules Page. Observers can see how a teacher has organized course content in Modules. 
  • View Course Announcements. Observers can view course announcements by clicking Announcements in the course navigation. 
  • Preview documents in a course. Observers can view documents in an inline document previewer and download documents to their computer.
  • See the Quizzes page. Observers can see Quiz titles.
  • View Grades. When clicking on Grades, observers will see a list of their child's assignments and total grade for Canvas assignments only.

observerscannot Observers cannot...
  • Submit assignments. There is no submission button on Assignment detail pages.
  • Take Quizzes. Observers cannot take Quizzes. There is no link to "Take this Quiz".
  • Join Course Groups. Instructors and students can create groups inside of Canvas that make it easy to collaborate in smaller groups. Observers cannot be added to or interact inside of Groups.
  • See Course Discussions. Because of student privacy issues, observers are not allowed to view class discussions.
  • Send Messages to Students. Observers can only send messages to Instructors (teachers). They cannot send messages to Students in the course.
  • See Course Rosters. Observers will not be able to see the names of enrolled Students or their Registered Services.
  • See Unpublished Courses. Like students, Observers cannot view a course until it is published and the course has started.