Canvas is our online Learning Management platform that allows teachers to organize and deliver learning materials to students. In the fall of 2020, all secondary teachers will be using Canvas in their classrooms to manage their classroom materials and to record student grades.
Parents and guardians play in important role in the success of their students. Canvas allows for parents and guardians to actively monitor their student's progress and performance in each Canvas classroom. In order to do this, parents/guardians must create an account and become an observer for each student they are monitoring.
We strongly advise against the use of the Internet Explorer browser for Canvas. Chrome or Firefox browsers seem to be the best browsers for this application.
Parents can set up their own Canvas account which will allow them to monitor their students' Canvas activities. Below you will find instructions from the Canvas User Guides on how to do this. We strongly advise against the use of the Internet Explorer browser. Chrome or Firefox browsers seem to work the best with Canvas.
Before you begin setting up a parent account, you will need to have your student generate a "Pairing Code".
NOTE: A pairing code is only good for one use. Each parent or guardian will need their own pairing code.
GENERATING A PAIRING CODE
Have the student log into their Canvas Account on a computer.
They will need to click the "Account" Icon near the upper right of the screen.
They need to click the "Settings" link.
Finally, look on the lower right edge of the screen for a button marked "Pair with Observer"
Signing up for a Parent Account in Canvas
Parents can sign up as an observer to their student's account so they can see assignment dues dates, announcements, and other course content. Observers can view the course content but cannot participate in the course.
This lesson is for parents who do not have a Canvas account and want to observe their students in their courses. In order to create a Canvas account, you will need the Forest Lake Area Schoo'ls Canvas URL.
Notes:
Open Canvas URL
Create Canvas Account (your login screen may appear different than the one pictured below)
Enter the following information:
Note: Students can generate pairing codes from their User Settings. Admins and instructors may also generate pairing codes.
Begin Observing
You can begin observing your student in Canvas immediately.
To observe a student, you must have a student pairing code.
Once you have an account, you may be able to view student information through the Canvas Parent app. If you already have an account from your student's institution as an observer, you can always view student information through the Canvas Parent app.
Parents need to use a different URL than that of students and teachers.
To link yourself to a student, you will need to enter a student-specific pairing code. Pairing codes are case sensitive and are valid for seven days. Students can generate pairing codes from their User Settings. Admins and instructors may also generate pairing codes. For more information on pairing codes, view the Pairing Codes - Frequently Asked Questions PDF.
Notes:
Open User Settings
In Global Navigation, click the Account link [1], then click the Settings link [2].
Open Observing
In User Navigation, click the Observing link.
Add Student
Type the pairing code in the Student Pairing Code field [1] and click the Add Student button [2].
Canvas has a Parent App that parents can use on their phones to monitor their child's activities. Go the appropriate app store, and install the Canvas Parent App. Once installed, follow these directions to access your parent account:
Open the app, and click the "Find my school" button
Type in "Forest Lake" and select the "Forest Lake Area Schools, parent login" option.
