Canvas Help for Students & Parents (BPSCANVAS.COM)

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Canvas
Canvas is a Learning Management System from Instructure and is available across grades 6-12. Many instructors use it for course calendars, digital assignments, secure class discussions, etc. You can access it with the following link in any web browser. (You do not need a Chromebook to use Canvas.)
There are also Canvas apps for Apple iOS and Android mobile devices.

Parents can be Observers on their children's Canvas accounts. We urge parents to sign up for that service.

(STAFF MEMBERS: Please go to BPSCANVAS.ORG for staff support with Canvas.)


For students and parents:
Canvas Video Guides (now visible on school computers!)
Turnitin Plagiarism & Grammar Checking
Teachers sometimes set a regular Canvas assignment to use Turnitin for plagiarism and grammar checking. If they do, here's a Student Guide to Turnitin's Canvas Plagiarism Framework.

Other times, teachers may require students to submit an assignment to Turnitin via Canvas. If they do, here's a Student Guide to Turnitin submissions via Canvas.
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

Will teachers using Canvas also still use PowerSchool?

Yes. PowerSchool is our Student Information System (SIS) and will continue to be used throughout the district. The table below gives information on the functions of each system.

 

PowerSchool (SIS)

Canvas (LMS)

  • Attendance
  • Grades
  • Historical Grades
  • Transcripts
  • Demographics
  • Courses
  • Schedule
  • Report Cards
  • Enrollment
  • Course Calendar
  • Assignments
  • Grades on assignments submitted in Canvas (which pass back over to PowerSchool)
  • Class events
  • Discussions
  • Announcements
  • Assessments
  • Online learning tools

 

How is Canvas “better” for checking student learning?

PowerSchool excels at student information while Canvas is better for communicating student learning. For example, using Canvas, parents have the opportunity to see the assignments and other events teachers in ALL courses create in Canvas, all posted to ONE calendar. With many of those assignments, you can verify that your student did, in fact, submit work and even WHEN it was submitted. You can also see the assignment directions and expectations. You will also be able to view future assignments posted on Canvas.

How do I become a parent observer?

What is an 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.


How do I adjust how many Canvas Notifications I get?

Parents can adjust Canvas Notifications. From your Canvas Dashboard:
  • Click on Account 
  • Click on Notifications 
  • Set the frequency of the different Canvas Notifications throughout the school year as the need arises.

How do I download and set up the Canvas Parent App on my mobile device?

NOTE: Only download the Canvas Parent App after you have created your Observer account as shown above. You will use your Observer login information by clicking on “Login with Canvas.”

 

The Canvas Parent App enhances the potential for parents to engage in their student's education. Parents can review upcoming or past assignments, check on grades, and receive course announcements. 

However, currently the online parent observer accounts allows parents to see the most detailed overview of their student’s academic life. Parents are encouraged to use the Observer account on a full or mobile web browser whenever possible. The Canvas (Orange/Red) app found in the different app stores is intended for students and teachers. Parents should be sure to use the Canvas Parent app. The Canvas Parent app has a different set of notification options than the online observer.
 
After you've already created an Observer account as shown earlier, download the Canvas Parent app from the Apple App Store and/or the Google Play Store on your smartphone. Search for "Canvas Parent" and install the app.

After installing the app, run it and:
  1. Tap Log in with Canvas
  2. Search for Bartlesville
  3. Tap Add Student
  4. Search for Bartlesville
  5. Enter your student's username and password

Should parents create a Canvas Parent App account and a Canvas Observer online account? 

No, a parent should only create a Parent Observer account at bartlesville.instructure.com and click on "Login with Canvas" in the Canvas Parent App. Do NOT create a new account.

Can I view multiple children on one Canvas Parent Account?

Yes, On the Web Observer account, you will see "Observing" under your personal settings and the option to add another child.

(With the Canvas Parent App for mobile devices, you can add another child by clicking on the gear icon and pressing the "+" sign.)

TIP: Customizing the dashboard
Canvas offers users many ways to customize their Dashboard. Click on the link below for more details: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-4431

TIP: Use colors and nicknames
Color code each child's course title or give each course a nickname to help distinguish each child's courses.

What if I forgot my Canvas Parent account password? 

Web: Go to bartlesville.instructure.com and click on "Forgot Password"
Mobile: Click on "Forgot Password"
Enter the email you used to create the account and Canvas will send you an email to reset your password.

What do the icons and colors in the Grades page represent?

https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-3150

Questions?

Contact Zack Michel, the district's Secondary Technology Integration Specialist.