Enable instructors to grab a learner's session

show_in_read_only_mode is an attribute that is False by default, and
means that when an instructor is masquerading (that is, using the
LMS with "View this course as: Specific learner" option), the
XBlock is replaced by the text "This type of component cannot be shown
while viewing the course as a specific student"
(in lms/djangoapps/courseware/masquerade.py).

In our case, however, we do want an instructor to be able to
conveniently take over another learner's session.

Thus, set show_in_read_only_mode to True, so that the XBlock is
rendered even when masquerading.

Co-authored-by: Maari Tamm <[email protected]>

Changelog.md

@@ -1,3 +1,9 @@
+Unreleased
+-------------------------
+* [Enhancement] Enable `show_in_read_only_mode` XBlock attribute
+  to allow instuctors to use this XBlock while masquerading
+  as a specific learner.
+
 Version 7.12.0 (2024-08-06)
 -------------------------
 * [Enhancement] Add support for the Open edX Redwood release.

README.md

@@ -657,6 +657,14 @@ as usual, with the child element referring to it by URL name:
 
 Child blocks will always be rendered _above_ the terminal.
 
+### Using the hastexo XBlock while masquerading as a specific learner
+
+Instructors can use the hastexo XBlock lab environments when masquerading as a specific learner by using the "View this course as:" option in the LMS staff header.
+
+The learner will not know when an instructor is using their lab, so we advise to be mindful of the changes you make while the learner is active at the same lab.
+
+This feature should be considered experimental, and is subject to future change or removal.
+
 ## Student experience
 
 When students navigate to a unit with a hastexo XBlock in it, a new Heat

hastexo/hastexo.py

@@ -268,6 +268,7 @@ class HastexoXBlock(XBlock,
     has_children = True
     icon_class = 'problem'
     block_settings_key = SETTINGS_KEY
+    show_in_read_only_mode = True
 
     def parse_attributes(tag, node, block):
         """