Top 5 Canvas Observer Tips

There is so much you can do in Canvas as an observer! Check out our top tips for setting up and using your Canvas parent observer account.

Tip # 1: Customize Your Dashboard

on your dashboard view, select the 3 dots on the course card and change the color and give it a nickname.

Your dashboard is the landing page when you sign into Canvas. To help manage the courses associated with your child you can color-code each course tile and/or give it a nickname. You can also drag and drop the course cards. To do any or all of these things, click on the vertical ellipsis at the top-right side of each course card, make your preferred changes, and click Apply.

Tip # 2: Adjust Your Settings and Notifications

Select the frequency of your notifications through the account options by selecting the icon

You can set the types of notifications that you would like to receive, the frequency with which you receive them, and via which method. The notifications can be sent to your email or as a text message directly to your phone. Be thoughtful when setting your frequency, as the number of alerts could become overwhelming. Be sure to determine which items are most important and how often you would like to know about them. Go to Account > Notifications and make your selection.

Tip # 3: View Course Calendars

The Canvas calendar- on the right will be a list of courses with the colors that match the activities on the calendar

See all the action in one place with the Calendar. You can view calendar events and assignments by week, month, or agenda list. You can assign a color to each course and toggle courses on and off under Calendars on the right side of the page. To remove a course calendar from view, simply click the colored square to the left of the course name. Don't worry - you can always turn it back on by clicking the square again. Please note that only 10 course and group calendars will be shown at one time.

Icon Key: Calendar icons: rocket = quiz, speech bubbles = discussion, calendar = event, and paper with pencil = assignment.

Tip # 4: Communicate with Teachers

Inbox

The Canvas inbox allows you to send messages to the instructor of a course using the Inbox feature located in the Global Navigation (far left sidebar). Just click Inbox and choose the course from the dropdown menu. Then, click the Compose a new message icon, select the teacher name and type your message. You can even send attachments or record audio or video.

Tip # 5: View Grades

Do you want to take a closer look at your child's progress and performance? Select View Grades from the dashboard for a high-level overview. If you would like to see a more detailed view of grades in a specific course, select a course card from the dashboard. Then when you are in the course click Grades in the Course Navigation. You can view all assignments, due dates, statuses, score, and feedback. You can even print the grade report.

Grade view from dashboard. Gradebook page view in Canvas.