Becoming a Canvas Observer

Using your desktop or laptop, as an Observer, you can link your Canvas account to your student's account, so that you can see assignment dues dates, announcements, course content, grades, feedback, etc. As an observer you can view the course content but cannot participate in the course.

Prior to setting up your Canvas account make sure you have the Canvas URL associated with Green Bay Area Public Schools.

Create an Observer Account

Before you Begin: Do you have an active Infinite Campus Parent Portal account? If not, please email servicedesk@gbaps.org or call 920-448-2148.
- Go to https://gbaps.instructure.com/login/canvas.
- Click "Forgot Password"
- Enter your primary email address, which can be found in the Contact Preferences section of the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, and click "Request Password".
- Open the Instructure Canvas password reset email. You may need to check your spam folder. This email will contain the Login that you will use to access Canvas and a link to reset your password.
- Select 'Click here to set a new password'. Enter your new password.
- Use the Login (from the email) and your password to access Canvas.

Forgot Password

Login and request password

Add Contact Information

When you add a contact method in Canvas, you can use that contact method as a way to receive Canvas notifications. By default, notifications are sent to the email address used to create your Canvas account. To add your contact information, click the Account link in the Global Navigation (the far left sidebar) and then click Settings. Enter your email address and select Register Email. If you need further assistance, check out the How do I add contact methods to receive Canvas notifications as an observer? guide.

Step 1: Open settings. Step 2: Click add email address. Step 3: Click register email.

Set Language Preference

Canvas's default language is English; but, you can choose to view the Canvas interface in another language. Canvas is offered in over 35 different languages. To change your default language, click on Account in the Global Navigation (far left sidebar) and then click Settings. Choose Edit Settings. In the language drop-down menu, choose your preferred language and click Update Settings. If you need further assistance, view the How do I change the language preference in my user account as an observer? guide.

3 steps for updating language preferences.

Set Notifications

You can receive Canvas notifications for the various courses you are observing. Notifications are sent to contact methods listed in your Account User Settings. Canvas includes a set of default notification preferences. However, you can change the default settings by setting notification preferences to meet your needs. Your notification preferences only apply to you; they do not affect course notifications sent to the student you are observing.

Some notifications may not apply to the observer role. To learn more about each notification, default settings, and notification triggers, view the Canvas Notifications PDF.

If you change a setting, the change is effective immediately. You can select one of four frequency options for each notification type:

Notify me right away
Daily summary

Weekly summary
Don't send

Check out this short video to learn how to customize your Canvas notifications.

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