How to Observe your Student in Canvas

OVERVIEW

This article explains how parents get access to a Canvas account at MA. A parent canvas account allows a parent or guardian to "observe" their student(s) in Canvas. This means that a parent or guardian can access course content, grades, and assignment due dates related to their student(s). We encourage families to have a conversation around what it means for them to be an observer and have this kind of access. Some students may feel pressure, spied upon, or untrusted, and this conversation can be a healthy way for families to navigate this. 

The process is for getting a Canvas account is broken into two sections:

• Section 1 is for students, who generate pairing codes
• Section 2 is for parents, who must register for a Canvas account using the pairing code their student gives them

SECTION 1: Generate a pairing code

1. Log into Canvas.

2. Click Account and then Settings

3. Click on the Pair with Observer button on the right side.

4. In the window that opens copy the 6 character pairing code and give it to your parent/guardian.

5. If you want to give multiple parents/guardians access, repeat steps 3 and 4 to generate multiple codes.

SECTION 2: Create a Canvas Account and Link to Your Student(s)

1. Go to www.ma.org > Log In > Canvas-Parents. 

2. Click <Parent of a canvas user?> link at the top to create an account.

3. Fill out the form with your information (name, email, chosen password).

4. In the final field, enter the <student’s pairing code from Section 1>. This code links the parent to the student.

5. You will now be able to observe that student in Canvas.

6. To observe additional students, click on your <Account> icon in the upper left corner, and then <Observing>.

7. Enter the pairing code for the other student and press the <+Student> button. After a few seconds, you should see that student appear in the “Students Being Observed” section.