#1 Student View
You can easily see what a student sees on Canvas by using the student view function on the Setting page for each course (top right).
I suggest submitting dummy assignments and scores as the course progresses so you get the feel of it and can answer questions.
Another trick is to search the Canvas Guides FOR students.
http://guides.instructure.com/m/4212
This is also where you can direct students or post links to specific guides, such as how to set up notifications.