Canvas Parent 3.1 Beta

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peytoncraighill
Instructure Alumni
Instructure Alumni
‎02-20-2020 12:47 PM
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Canvas Parent 3.1 beta for Android and iOS - incoming!

 

Android 3.1 beta link: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.instructure.parentapp 

 

iOS 3.1 beta link: https://testflight.apple.com/join/JDVOYyT9 

 

In this version of the parent app, we added support for messaging between parents and teachers. This has been a request since we originally launched the app, and we think we've figured out how to incorporate messaging in a way that benefits both parents and teachers (and in turn, students)! Here's what's new.

 

 

  1. Floating message icon:

    parent_app_contextual_compose
    Parents have access to messaging from several views around the parent app, including the assignment details view shown above.



  2. Pre-filled composition view:

    prefilled_compose_view

    Since the parent tapped to compose a message from the assignment details view, we pre-populate the subject field with the student name and assignment, and set the recipient as the teacher of the course.



  3. Contextual message:

    teacher_receiving_message

    When the parent sends a message, the student name and a link to the related assignment are automatically appended to the end of the message the teacher receives, so absent any other context, the teacher can see which student/course/content the parent was referencing.



  4. Inbox in parent app:

    parent_receiving_message

    The parent receives the teacher's reply in a simplified inbox in Canvas Parent.

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A few other things to note:

  • All of this is using the existing Canvas inbox/messaging features that teachers and observers can already access in Canvas web/API/other Canvas apps today.
  • We hope this improves the communication flow between teachers and parents in a way that doesn't introduce unnecessary noise and helps support students. Feedback is welcome.
  • iOS plans to release 3.1 to the App Store this month.
  • Android won't release 3.1 outside the Play Store beta linked above. As per the original plan, Android will release all of the 3.0+ updates to the Play Store as 3.2, and from there the iOS and Android parent apps will be in lock step again. My guess is that 3.2 will ship to the App Store and the Play Store next month.

 

Up next: new calendar for parents (Canvas Parent 3.2) and students (Canvas Student 6.7)!

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The content in this blog is over six months old, and the comments are closed. For the most recent product updates and discussions, you're encouraged to explore newer posts from Instructure's Product Managers.

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