Shifting to Canvas

Please note: Beginning the week of January 22, 2024, instructional technology announcements will be added to the weekly HCPS 411 Update newsletter and a separate newsletter will not be published.

• Review the parent orientation course - Canvas Parent Access Orientation.
• If an HCPS teacher is setting up a parent account, you must use a personal email.
• Discuss with students (age appropriate) how to pair codes and with whom they should/shouldn't share.
• Observer codes should only be shared with Parent(s) or Guardian(s).
• Watch your observer list in People to ensure proper parent/guardian is observing.
• How do I use the People page in a course as an instructor?

• Communicate with the parents of your students.
• Sample Parent Communication
• Set your notifications under account settings.
• How do I manage my Canvas notification settings as an instructor?

Do you still have some unanswered questions about parent access in Canvas? Do you think you have everything set for parent access but want to make sure? The Innovation in Learning Office will be providing office hours by teachers for teachers. Jump into office hours at any of the following times to get all your last-minute questions answered.

Use the following links during the designated office hour times:

Elementary Office Hours Teams Link

Secondary Office Hours Teams Link

Office Hour Times:

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 - 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024 - 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 18, 2024 - 5:00-6:00 p.m.

In addition to the newsletters and webinars, use the Preparing for Parent Observers Checklist for a last minute check to ensure you are ready for parent observers.

Preparing for Parent Observers Checklist

Parent access to Canvas will begin the week of January 16, 2024. Below is a preview of the features and information that parents will receive, as well as specific details for HCPS employees who are helping establish parent access.

• Access for all Parents: Observer access will be opened for all parents and guardians during the week of January 16, 2024.
• Course Purpose: A course has been designed to assist parents in creating their Canvas account, learning how to navigate the platform, and connecting to their student's courses. You can access the course here – Canvas Parent Access Orientation.

• HCPS employees creating parent access: Please use a personal email address when creating a Canvas Parent account. DO NOT use your HCPS email address.

For additional information on the Roles and Permissions in the Canvas Parent, Student, and Teacher Apps, consult the Innovation in Learning Webinar titled Canvas Apps & Communication.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to:

• Martha.Barwick@hcps.org
• Michael.Griffith@hcps.org
• Andrea.Harthausen@hcps.org

Access the archive for all Instructional Technology newsletters here.