CANVAS - How To
Canvas is the learning management system (LMS) for FISD that allows teachers to provide instructional support, class calendars, assignments, communication and resources for students in a safe online environment.
Who has access?
All FISD parents and guardians can log in to Canvas using their Skyward login. When your account is authenticated, it will automatically add you as a parent observer of your students' courses.
What is the parent observer role in Canvas?
Observers have limited permissions that allow them to see what is going on in a course and a calendar of assignments. Like students, Observers cannot view a course until it is published and the course has started. For assistance with Assignments, Test Dates, Quizzes, or other Canvas course content, please contact your child’s teacher.
What can parents view in Canvas?
Below are the features available to parents, please note that not all courses/teachers use all features.
- View the Dashboard
- View the course Syllabus
- View prompts but not participate in Discussions
- View but not submit Assignments
- Preview and download some Files
- View the Modules Page
- View Canvas Grades
- View the Calendar
- Communicate with the teacher
- Set your Notifications
How will parents access Canvas?
The link to the Canvas login is located at http://myfisd.instructure.com. Please remember to bookmark the Canvas login website for future access.
How do parents login to Canvas?
- Parents should not use their student’s login credentials.
- Parent Canvas Username : Same Username as Parent Skyward Account
- The FIRST time you access Canvas, you will need to click the forgot password option so that you can set a password for the Canvas system.
- NOTE : Canvas and Skyward passwords are not linked. They are set independently.
- The Canvas app is available in Google Play and the App Store for tablets and smartphones. Windows devices use the browser.
Common FAQs
How can I change the password for my parent Canvas account?
You can change your password in Account Settings. Click Edit Settings on the right and then check the box for change password. Enter the old and new password then click Update Settings.
If I change my password in Skyward, will it automatically change in Canvas?
No. Canvas and Skyward passwords are not linked. They are set independently.
How can I organize my students?
You can change the color course modules for each of your children. When on the Canvas app click the pencil icon on the upper right of a course module. On a computer you will click on the three dots on the upper right of a course module to change the color. You can nickname the course modules when on a computer to make them easier to identify. When on the computer you will click on the three dots on the upper right of a course module to nickname a course.
You can show only the course modules you are interested in seeing on your dashboard. Click on Courses in the navigation bar and then All Courses. Put a yellow star next to the courses you want to see on the dashboard. This can be changed and updated as often as you like. This is setting your “favorites”. On the App you will click the gear in the upper right to get to all courses.
Can I move the course boxes on the Dashboard and re-organize them in a different order?
Yes, click and drag the boxes to move them into a different order.
Can I change the notifications for certain students or courses?
When you log in to Canvas, select the Account icon in the top left, then click Notifications. Read more below to find out how to adjust these notifications and their frequency.
You will need to use the drop-down to adjust settings for the Account vs individual courses. If you have multiple students in FISD all of the courses will be listed in the drop-down menu.
Account-level notifications apply to all courses. Notifications for individual courses can be changed within each course and will override these notifications.
What are the options that are available for frequency of notifications?
Daily notifications will be delivered around 6pm. Weekly notifications will be delivered Saturday between 6am and 8am.
Are report cards located in Canvas? | Attendance?
Skyward is our Student Information system. Skyward is where you will find access to the official grades for your child, attendance, progress reports and report card.
Why do I not see all my child’s courses on the dashboard?
If you have selected only to show favorites in the dashboard, you will need to go to Courses and to Show All Courses on a computer (the gear on the app) and make sure you have the course selected. If a course is not published by the teacher, it will not show on the dashboard.
Why can I see the courses on the dashboard for one child but not my other children in FISD?
You will need to use the drop-down in the top right-hand corner of the dashboard to select which FISD student you wish to view courses for.
