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New Faculty Resources

This guide is a "One-Stop Shop" for new full-time and adjunct faculty, providing a snapshot of what they need when starting at Marian.

"Assign To" Tips

You can utilize the "Assign To" option for both an entire module and for individual assignments. To access this feature quickly, simply click on the three stacked dots next to the module or assignment, and the "Assign To" option will appear on the right side. In the "Assign To" feature on Canvas, you might need an explanation of what each set of dates does. You can access this Canvas Guide to explain the parts of the "Assign To" box: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/What-is-the-difference-between-assignment-due-dates-and/ta-p/897

Building Assignments

If you want to create an assignment with all assignment details at the same time, click the Add Assignment button.

Assignment details include fields for the assignment type, name, description, points, assignment group (if desired), grade display, submission type, and due dates. You can also specify if the assignment is a group assignment or requires peer reviews in the assignment details lesson.

When you add details to an assignment, you can also assign the assignment to all students, course sectionscourse groups, or individual students as part of the Canvas differentiated assignments feature.

Group Assignments

Once you have set up groups in your course, you can pair groups with an assignment.  These groups can also become filters in the gradebook for easy grading and focus on a small amount of students at a time.  SpeedGrader can also assign a score for the entire group which cuts down on the time spent on grading and feedback.

Peer Review

In peer reviews, instructors can either manually assign reviews or let Canvas automate the process. They can choose to keep student identities anonymous or allow names to be visible. If anonymous reviews are enabled, instructors can still see reviewer names in SpeedGrader but not when anonymous grading is active. This flexibility allows instructors to adapt to different teaching styles and privacy needs. Clear communication with students about the peer review process is essential for setting expectations and encouraging constructive feedback, ultimately fostering a collaborative academic community.

You can also initiate discussions through peer reviews, where students offer constructive feedback on one another's work. This method cultivates a collaborative atmosphere and promotes professional development. By exchanging insights and viewpoints, team members can acquire new understanding and refine their skills.

Assignment Submissions

There are different ways students can submit the Assignment in Canvas:

  • No Submission is when you do not want students to submit an assignment in Canvas. This assignment type can be used to create extra columns in the Gradebook, or when you want to create an assignment that involves multiple scores. Submission Type does not apply to Not Graded assignments.
  • Online is when you want students to submit their assignments using Canvas through an online submission option. Learn more about creating an online assignment. You can allow one or more of these options for online submissions:
    • Text Entry: Students can submit their assignment directly in the Rich Content Editor. DocViewer annotations are not available for text entry submissions. Additionally, text entry submissions cannot be re-uploaded to the Gradebook.

    • Website URLs: Students can submit a URL that fulfills the assignment. DocViewer annotations are not available for website URL submissions. Additionally, website URL submissions cannot be re-uploaded to the Gradebook.
    • Media Recordings: Students can submit an audio or video recording that fulfills the assignment. They can either record new media or upload existing media. Video and audio uploads to Canvas can be up to 500 MB. DocViewer annotations are not available for media recording submissions. Additionally, media recording submissions cannot be downloaded.
    • Student Annotation: Students can annotate a file uploaded by an instructor. The annotated document is submitted as the student's assignment submission. For students who may not be able to annotate a document, it is best to use another online entry option.
    • File Uploads: Students can upload a file or take a photo with their webcam to fulfill the assignment. DocViewer annotations are available for supported file types in SpeedGrader. Additionally, if your institution has enabled Google Docs, the Google Apps LTI, or the Microsoft Office 365 LTI, students can upload files from their respective Google Drive or OneDrive account directly. If only Google Docs are enabled for your institution, students must connect to Google Docs as a web service to submit an assignment as a Google Doc, Google Sheet, or Google Slide. File upload submissions can be downloaded and re-uploaded to the Gradebook. Canvas supports file uploads up to 5 GB.
  • On Paper is when you want students to submit an assignment to you but not through Canvas. This assignment type applies to traditional face-to-face courses or hybrid courses when you want the assignment turned in during class, but you still want to create a column in the Canvas Gradebook for grading purposes.
  • External Tool is when you want students to submit their assignments using an external app (LTI) enabled for your course. You must enter a URL for the external tool. Learn more about adding an assignment using an external application.