Canvas "Student App" Install Suggestion - Not helpful for Observers Setting Up Accounts

[MelissaPiette]

Looking to find some guidance and offer suggestions on the prompt most Parents are getting when they set up their Observer accounts in Canvas.  When a parent sets up an Observer account through the browser on their phone, they are then prompted to download the Student Canvas App.  This seems to happen on both iOS and AndriodOS.  Is there any way to divert them to the parent app? 

This is of course especially important when families have more than one learner they are observing.  We want to improve this experience for our Observers and that initial feel when they get into the system really matters and can truly make or break their ability to connect and engage in the online information they can gather.  

 

[ngarimella1]

Please note that Canvas Observer app was previously called Canvas Parent App. Some of the documentation may have reference to the former name. 

Observer self-registration

• Observer Registration
• How do I generate a pairing code for an observer as an instructor?
• How do I generate a pairing code for an observer as a student?
• Pairing codes FAQ

Please Note: If you use this method, you’ll want to ensure that in your Authentication settings you have Canvas Self Registration set to Observer Accounts Only. If this is marked as Disabled, then observer codes will not be able to be generated.

How Observers Can Access Canvas 

Observers can log into Canvas through the browser or the Canvas Parent App. Each one will offer a different experience so we recommend showing your parents how to log into one or the other. The Canvas Observer Parent App vs. The Observer Role comparison chart will help you determine which one you think will be best for your institute. 

Please Note: If your institute uses authentication with your students, then if your parents use the Observer App you’ll want to contact your CSM team to create an app login for the Observer App that doesn’t require authentication. If your parents/observers will use the Canvas browser, then you will want to consider creating a Discovery Page for your institute so your parents can access Canvas through the web browser. The Discovery page guide outlines what a discovery page is in more detail and how to set it up. 

Resources for Parents/Observers

The following resources may be of interest for sharing with parents to help them better understand how to use Canvas:

• Canvas LMS for Parents/Observer Video 
• Observer/Parent Getting Started Resources
• Parent Pointers for Canvas Part 1
• Parent Pointers for Canvas Part 2

Hope these resources help as you assist your families set up their Canvas Observer accounts. 

[natariastx]

Great point about having authentication set up correctly, Nrisha!

@mel if this is set up apprpriately for your institution (check with your Canvas Admins if that isn't you) then it may just be about how you communicate to parents how to sign up!

Since I know you said you all use student iPads, generating the QR code for parents from Canvas student is an easy way to get them signed up correctly. You just have them START with downloading the Canvas Parent App. Happy to try to help you troubleshoot here. Creating the account from the phone browser isn't ideal based on what you are sharing. 

[natariastx]

Hi Melissa! Just needing a little more context here. Are your parents manually creating their parent accounts? Or are they generated through the SIS? Also, how do parents get the information they need about getting connected to Canvas and what does that communication look like? An example would be helpful so I know where they are starting when they get this prompt. Then, I may be able to offer some suggestions!