The Observer role in Canvas can be used for auditors and guests who would like to view a Canvas course without receiving credit. During the Add/Drop period, students can view course sites through myCourses. If a Canvas course is selected, the student will be added as an Observer for 24 hours.*
*Students added as an Observer during the Add/drop period are automatically removed within 24 hours after they access the course. They are listed on the People page with the role “Observing:nobody”.
Once added to a course in Canvas, Observers can view certain aspects of the course but cannot fully participate. Basically, Observers can view and download course content, but can’t post or submit content.
Observers can:
- View the recent activity dashboard
- Read Announcements
- Read Discussions
- View the Assignments page
- Preview and Download unlocked files from the Files tool
- View the Syllabus page
- View the Modules page
- View the Quizzes page
- View the Course Calendar
Observers cannot:
- Submit Assignments
- Take Quizzes
- Comment on Announcements
- Reply to Discussions
For a more extensive list on what Observers can and cannot do, please visit this Canvas Guide.