No Admin Navigation Option

[storygeeks]

I have a free account

I am the only user

I do not see Admin as an option in the Site Navigation menu

How do I access admin functions or get Admin to appear in Site Nav area

[chriscas · Accepted solution]

Hi @storygeeks,

Admin functions are not available in the Free for Teacher Canvas instance.  You'd need to either install your own Canvas from the open-source repository or pay for an Instructure cloud-hosted version of Canvas to be able to have Admin functionality.

-Chris

[NoahBoswell]

How do I install my own canvas from the open-source repository, and what/where exactly is that? I've been wanting the admin icon too, but I also only have a free account.

I looked into a paid version and it's a lot.

[chriscas]

Hi @NoahBoswell,

You can check out the Production Start page on Instructure's Github for information on getting Canvas installed on your own server.  While open-source Canvas is very similar to hosted Canvas, I think there are some differences (like New Quizzes not being in open source yet).  I'd also say that if you're not familiar with running servers, keeping them updated and secure, there might be a lot of learning to go with this option, but the guide should cover most of that.

Hope this helps a bit.

-Chris

[MaryamMihtar]

My technology skills are slim to none. Is there anyone I can hire to do this for me.  I did read in the thread someone wrote that canvas can do it for a price and it's not much but I am willing to pay to get this done.  I just need directions.

[chriscas]

Hi @MaryamMihtar,

You can purchase a hosted Canvas environment from Instructure if you wish.  In my opinion, that's the bets thing to do if you don't have anyone on a team familiar with running servers and keeping them up to date and everything.  There will be a yearly cost for this based on a number of factors (size of school/institution, number of students, storage, possible state/consortium agreements, etc).  If you're looking to run a Canvas instance for personal use the cost of an Instructure hosted environment may be prohibitive, but running a production server is not something to take lightly and required more than just a one-time setup, so you'll likely have recurring fees no matter what way you go.

-Chris

[NoahBoswell]

Thanks so much, appreciated!