Canvas

Canvas is a learning management system that allows SMSD teachers, parents, and students to access and manage learning in a digital environment.  It allows educators to create and present online learning materials and assess student learning, and students to engage in courses and receive feedback about their learning progression.

Parents/Guardians can access observer accounts to view grades, resources, and activities posted in their child's course. There are two ways to access and interact with Canvas as a parent: 1) using the Canvas website from a computer or phone and 2) using the Canvas Parent App. (iOS, Android)

#1 Create the account

When creating an account, you will need to have your child's "pairing" code.  The code can be retrieved in two ways. 

1. Your child's teacher can generate the code and provide it to you.
2. Your child can log into his/her account and retrieve the pairing code.  See directions in handout below.

An observer account can be created within the app for mobile devices (iOS, Android) or via the URL https://smsd.instructure.com/login/canvas 

# 2 Logging In

When visiting the URL, https://smsd.instructure.com/login/canvas, you will be asked to find your school. Begin typing Shawnee Mission and select parent/guardian. At the login page, select “parent of a canvas user-create account.” 

 

Using the app to add additional students. 

Using a web browser to add additional students.

With parent/guardian access in Canvas, you act as an Observer.  As an observer, you can see what's happening in a course in regards to the assignments, announcements, and feedback specific to your student. 

Observers CAN:

• View student grades
• View the calendar
• View a list of assignments with due dates
• Read announcements
• Receive email or text notifications for announcements, assignments, and more

***Please note: the links inside an email notification to observers are a copy of what would normally go to the student.  Therefore the links are only accessible to students and will direct users to the student log in window.  Parents will not be able to use the link with their observer credentials.  They will need to log in to their observer account to view the comments or feedback.

Observers can NOT:

• See course rosters
• View other students' work or data in the course
• Submit assignments or take quizzes and assessments.
• View course discussions
• Send messages to students

For more information, please visit the Canvas Observer Guides 

For more information on how to navigate the Canvas course as an observer.

Canvas Course Guide

CanvasLIVE session in Spanish for Parents/Observers of K12 Canvas users

Introduction to Canvas for Parents

• Color code Canvas course cards by student or school
• Rename Canvas course cards with student names
• Personalize the dashboard with only the courses you want to follow
• Turn off notifications for courses you do not need or want updates for

 

Forgot Password Directions

Changing the Observer Password

 

 

 

 

 

 

To access ALL Canvas Student Guides, go here: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Student-Guide/tkb-p/student