Canvas LMS provides two types of accounts for users: parent observer accounts and student accounts. Here's a chart highlighting the main differences between the two:
| Feature | Parent Observer Account | Student Account |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Allows parents or guardians to observe their child's course activity | Allows students to participate in courses |
| Course access | Cannot access courses by default; must be added to their child's courses by school administration | Has access to courses they are enrolled in |
| Course activities | Can view the course content, assignments, and grades | Can view and submit assignments, participate in discussions, take quizzes and exams, and view grades |
| Communication | Can view course announcements and communicate with instructors via Canvas messaging | Can communicate with instructors and classmates via Canvas messaging and discussion boards |
| Settings | Can modify personal account settings | Can modify personal account settings and notification preferences |
| User role | Observer role | Student role |