Assignments

In Canvas WU, all course content that is assessed is listed under the course menu item Assignments. There you will also see quizzes, discussions and assignments.

You can use assignment groups to implement weightings, strike results and award bonus points.

General
Settings
Assignments Groups
Submission Comments
Grading & Feedback (SpeedGrader)
Troubleshooting
Use Cases & Tips

How do I create a graded assignment?

You can create open, graded assignments in Canvas WU under Assignments. The grading is done manually. Proceed as follows to create a graded assignment:

1. Go to Assignments and click +Assignment in the top right-hand corner.
2. Enter a name for the assignment.
3. Add a task description in the text field.
4. Enter the points for the task (0-X).
5. Choose an assignment group for the task.
6. Make any selection for Display grades as (except Not graded and Complete/incomplete).
7. Select Online as the submission type and the desired option for online entry.
8. Specify how many submission attempts are allowed: unlimited or limited with e.g. 1 attempt.
9. If required, click Assign Access and set an Availability date: the assignment will be opened for processing from this date.
10. If required, click Assign Access and set a Due date: the assignment is displayed in the ToDo list of students.
11. If required, click Assign Access and enter a Until date: the assignment is open for editing until this date.
12. Click on Save or Save & publish.

The graded assignment has been created and appears under Assignments and in the Gradebook. If the assignment has not yet been published, don't forget to publish it!

How do I create a practice assignment?

You also have the option of defining open assignments as practice assignments. Proceed as follows to create an practice assignment:

1. Go to Assignments and click +Assignment in the top right-hand corner.
2. Enter a name for the assignment.
3. Enter a description of the assignment in the text field.
4. Enter 0 for points.
5. Choose an assignment group for the task.
6. Make any selection for Display grades as (except Ungraded).
7. Activate the Do not count this assignment towards the final grade checkbox. The assignment will appear in the gradebook but will be excluded from the calculation of the final grade.
8. Select Online as the submission type and the desired option for online entry.
9. Specify how many submission attempts are allowed: unlimited or limited to e.g. 3 attempts.
10. If required, click Assign Access and you can set an availability date: the assignment will be opened for students to work on on this date.
11. If required, click Assing Access and you can set a due date: the assignemnt will then appear in the students' ToDo list.
12. If required, click Assign Access and you can set a until date: the assignment is open for editing until this date.
13. Click on Save or Save & publish.

The practice assignment has now been created and appears under Assignments and in the Gradebook. If the assignment has not yet been published, do not forget to publish it!

ATTENTION: Exercises created under Assignments cannot be graded automatically.
NOTE: Please note that submissions can be viewed by you and other course administrators.

How do I create a group assignment?

Proceed as follows to create a group assignment:

1. Go to Assignments and click on + Assignment.
2. Enter a name for the assignment.
  NOTE: Mark the group assignment with an icon and/or a name suffix in the title of the assignment so that the assignment is clearly recognisable to students as a group assignment.
3. Enter a task description in the text field.
4. Enter a point value.
5. Choose an assignment group for the task.
6. Select Display grades as e.g. points.
7. Select a desired submission type.
8. Specify how many submission attempts are allowed.
9. Activate the checkbox This is a group assignment.
10. If you want to assess students individually, select the Assign grades to each student individually checkbox.
  NOTE: You can change this setting at a later date.
11. Select an existing group set or create a new group set (new group category). To create the group set, enter a name and click Save. Under People, you can then create groups and assign members to groups.
12. Assign the assignment to the groups:
  - Variant A) Keep Everyone if every course member (student) is a member of one of the groups in the selected group set.
  - Variant B) If there are students in the course who are not members of one of the groups in the selected group set, then delete Everyone and select all groups in the selected group set or only selected groups instead.
  - Variant C) If you only want to assign the assignment to certain groups, delete Everyone and select the specific groups.
13. If required, click Assign Access and you can set an availability date: the assignment will be opened for students to work on on this date.
14. If required, click Assign Access and you can set a due date: the assignment will then appear in the students' ToDo list.
15. If required, click Assign Access and you can set a until date: the assignment is open for editing until this date.
16. Click on Save or Save & publish.

The assignment has been created and appears under Assignments and in the Gradebook. If the assignment has not yet been published, don't forget to publish it!

Information on the student perspective: When a group member opens a group assignment, the following information is displayed: Keep in mind, this submission will count for everyone in your [Group name]. After the assignment has been submitted, all other members of the group will see the following notification directly at the assignment: "Submitted [submission date & time]"

NOTE: For self-enrolment in groups, this must first be completed before the assignment is published. Subsequent changes mean that the assignment is irretrievably no longer organised as a group assignment.

ATTENTION: Group assignments cannot be viewed with the student view, as the test student cannot be a real member of a group. You can add colleagues as group participants in a course on a trial basis or use your own Canvas WU demo account. You can create your own demo-account. See the article in the Canva Guide (How do I create guest and demo accounts?)or use the option to pre-check a teaching/learning scenario.

How do I create an assignment to be able to award points for attendance achievements? (e.g. for participation, exams/presentations in presence)

In Canvas WU, you have the option of creating assignments for which students do not have to submit anything or perform the work in presence (e.g. collaboration, presentations or exams in presence). The assignment serves as a placeholder and you can enter points/grades for the attendance work completed in the Gradebook. Proceed as follows to create an assignment without student submission:

1. Go to Assignments and click on + Assignment.
2. Enter a name for the assignment.
3. Enter a description of the assignment in the text field.
4. Enter a point value under Points.
5. Choose an assignment group for the task.
6. Select Display grades as e.g. points.
7. Select No submission or On paper as the submission type (both submission types have the same behaviour).
8. Click on Save or Save & publish.

The assignment has been created and appears under Assignments and in the Gradebook. If the assignment has not yet been published, do not forget to publish it.

ATTENTION: The assignment must be published so that points/grades can be entered in the Gradebook.
NOTE: If you want the assignment to appear in the ToDo list of students, enter a due date.

How do I create an assignment where students have to upload a video?

In order for students to upload a video and embed it in an assignment, proceed as follows:

1. Go to Assignments and click on + Assignment.
2. Enter a name for the assignment.
3. Enter a description of the assignment in the text field.
4. Enter a point value under Points.
5. Choose an assignment group for the task.
6. Select Display grades as e.g. points.
7. Select Online as the submission type.
8. Select Text entry for Online entry options.
9. If required, click Assign Access and you can set an availability date: the assignment will be opened for students to work on on this date.
10. If required, click Assign Access and you can set a due date: the assignment will then appear in the students' ToDo list.
11. If required, click Assign Access and you can set a until date: the assignment is open for editing until this date.
12. Click on Save or Save & publish.

The assignment has been created and appears under Assignments and in the Gradebook. If the assignment has not yet been published, don't forget to publish it!

NOTE: Students can access Planet eStream in the text field of the assignment using the plug-in function, upload their own video and embed it immediately in the assignment.

How do I create an assignment where students can comment on a document?

The annotation/annotatable assignment requires students to annotate/comment on a text or image document (see screenshot). Students have access to all the annotation tools that teachers can also use when annotating file submissions.

Studierendenanmerkung_annotierbare Aufgabe.PNG

Proceed as follows to create an annotatable assignment:

1. Go to Assignments and click on + Assignment.
2. Enter a name for the assignment.
3. Enter a description of the assignment in the text field.
4. Enter a point value under Points.
5. Choose an assignment group for the task.
6. Select Display grades as e.g. points.
7. Select Online as the submission type.
8. For Online submission options, select Student Annotation.
9. Select a file:
  - Select a file from the available folders that you have already prepared. To do this, upload a file in advance and set Only Available with Link.
  - Or upload a new file. This will be stored in the background with the link availability in an automatically created file folder (student annotations). This folder is not published and therefore does not appear under Files for students to see.
10. If required, click Assign Access and you can set an availability date: the assignment will be opened for students to work on on this date.
11. If required, click Assign Access and you can set a due date: the assignment will then appear in the students' ToDo list.
12. If required, click Assign Access and you can set a until date: the assignment is open for editing until this date.
13. Click on Save or Save & publish.

The assignment has been created and appears under Assignments and in the Gradebook. If the assignment has not yet been published, don't forget to publish it!

NOTE: When you view the student submission, the document text and student annotations are displayed in the SpeedGrader. You can also use all annotation tools to make annotations.
NOTE: The student annotation cannot be configured as a group task.

How do I create a task to be able to award bonus points?

You can create a task with 0 points. If you enter a positive point value for this assignment, these are already considered bonus points, as the defined maximum point value of 0 is exceeded. Proceed as follows to create a task with 0 points:

1. Go to Assignments and click on + Assignment.
2. Enter a name for the assignment, e.g. Bonus points.
3. You can optionally enter a description/explanation of the assignment in the text field.
4. Under Points, enter zero as the point value.
5. Choose an assignment group for the task.
6. Select Display grade as points.
7. Select a submission type.
8. If required, click Assign Access and you can set an availability date: the assignment will be opened for students to work on on this date.
9. If required, click Assign Access and you can set a due date: the assignment will then appear in the students' ToDo list.
10. If required, click Assign Access and you can set a until date: the assignment is open for editing until this date.
11. Click on Save or Save & publish.

The assignment has been created and appears under Assignments and in the Gradebook. If the assignment has not yet been published, don't forget to publish it!

ATTENTION: The assignment must be published so that points can be entered in the Gradebook.

How can I create assignments with a deadline before the start of the semester?

If you want students to be able to make submissions in your Canvas WU course before the official start of the semester, you must change the course settings. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Navigate to Settings in your course.
2. Under Course details, change the participation from Semester to Course.
3. Under Start, enter a date of your choice. The date should be at least before the due date of the assignment.
4. Under End, enter a date of your choice. Feel free to use the usual end date of the semester as a guide.
5. Confirm your entry with Update course details.

You can now create assignments in your course with a submission deadline before the start of the semester.

How do I use assignments to set up a remote take-home exam?

A Remote Take-Home Exam is an exam that is administered in a tight time frame, but not bound by time or location (see: Guide Digital Exams). Students complete one or more complex exam tasks in a designated time frame. The Remote Take-Home Exam has its own examination statement that students should accept before completing the assignment: Examination Statement. This exam statement should be built into or presented upstream of the assignment. Proceed as follows to create a remote take-home exam with the application Assignments:

1. Go to Assignments and click +Assignment in the top right-hand corner.
2. Enter a name, e.g. Remote-Take-Home-Exam.
3. Enter the description of the assignment for the remote take-home exam in the text field. Alternatively, you can also embed a PDF document with the information in the text field (Insert - Document - Upload document).
4. Embed the examination statement in the assignment (Insert - Document - Upload document). Write that students accept the examination declaration when they start the assignment.
5. Enter points for the assignment (1-X).
6. Choose an assignment group for the task.
7. Make any selection under Display grades as (not ungraded or incomplete/complete).
8. Select Online as the submission type and the desired option for the online entry.
9. Activate the plagiarism check. To do this, select Turnitin from the drop-down menu.
10. Specify how many submission attempts are allowed.
11. If necessary, select Anonymous grading if you do not want to see the names of the students during the assessment.
12. Under Assign Access set an availability date - the assignment will be opened for processing from this date.
13. Under Assign Access set a due date - the assignment will be displayed in the ToDo list of students.
14. Under Assign Access enter a until date - the assignment will be open for editing until this date.
15. Click on Save or Save & publish.

The assignment now appears under Assignments and in the Gradebook. Students can work on the assignment within the specified period. Don't forget to publish the assignment!

NOTE: You can add the remote take-home exam to a module (e.g. module remote take-home exam) and also add a quiz that contains the examination declaration and must be confirmed by students before starting the assignment.

How do I add a sample solution to an assignment?

There are two ways to add a sample solution to an assignment: time-controlled and sequence-controlled. A timed sample solution is particularly suitable for assignments that have a uniform submission date for all. A sequence-controlled sample solution is especially suitable for assignments that are worked through by students at their own pace, so that there is no uniform due date or until-date for these assignments. Proceed as follows to add a time-controlled or sequence-controlled sample solution:

1. Option: Time-controlled sample solution

1. Open the assignment by selecting the assignment and clicking on Edit.
2. Embed the sample solution in the task (text field): Insert - Document - Upload document or select course documents.
3. Click on Save.
4. Navigate to Files and select the document with the sample solution.
5. Change the student availability by clicking on the following icon and select the option Schedule availability.
6. Set a date from which the sample solution should be available for students.

Students will now see the link to the document, but will not be able to open the sample solution until the designated start time is reached.

2. Option: Sequence-controlled sample solution:

1. Navigate to a module or create a new module by clicking on + Modules under Modules.
2. Add the assignment to the module by clicking on the plus symbol in the module heading and selecting the assignment. NOTE: Make sure that the assignment can only be submitted one time.
3. Add the sample solution to the module by clicking on the plus symbol in the module heading and then select the document or upload the document. NOTE: You can change the availability of the file to Only available with link using the following icon
4. The assignment must be arranged before the sample solution. You can change the order using drag & drop.
5. Click on the three dots in the module heading and select Edit.
6. Click on Add requirement.
7. Select the assignment from the drop-down menu and set submit the assignment.
8. Activate the Students must move through requirements in sequential order checkbox.

Students are shown the sample solution in the module. However, they can only open the sample solution once they have submitted the task (see screenshot):

Sequenzgesteuerte Musterlösung.png

How do I submit assignments for students?

Assignments with file submission can be submitted by you on behalf of the student. Proceed as follows to submit an assignment for students:

1. Click on Grades in the left side menu.
2. In the Gradebook, go to the submission of an assignment.
3. Click on the right in the field that indicates that the submission is missing:. A dialogue window opens on the right-hand side.
4. Select Submit for Student and upload a file on behalf of the student.
5. Confirm the submission with Submit.

The uploaded file now appears in the submission with the information Submitted on [date] at [time] by [name of lecturer].

How do I assign an assignment as an individual task to several students at once?

In order to be able to assign an task to a larger group of people as an individual assignment (i.e. each student submits for themselves), course sections must first be created. In these course sections, students are grouped together so that an assignment can then be assigned to this group all at once. Proceed as follows:

1. Step: Creating course sections

1. Click on Settings in the course navigation.
2. Click on the Sections tab.
3. Under New course section, enter the name of the course section (e.g. Task A).
4. Click on the + Section button.

The section has now been created. You are welcome to repeat the steps if you want to create several sections.

2. Step: Add people to the course section

1. Click on People in the course navigation.
2. Find the person you want to add to the course section you have created and click on the three dots on the right.
3. Select Edit section.
4. Click on browse in the input field.
5. A list of all course sections will be displayed. Select the desired course section.
6. Click on the Update button.

The person has just been added to the selected course section. If you want to remove the person from the course section again, repeat points 1 to 3 under step 2 and then click on the cross to remove the person from the section.

3. Step: Assign the assignment to the group of people in a course section

1. Click on e.g. Assignments in the course navigation.
2. Create a new assignment by clicking on +Assignment or select an existing assignment.
3. Edit the entry text, submission type, points etc. as you wish.
4. Under the menu item Assign Access with Assign to, you can select the desired section to which the assignment is to be assigned. Delete all other.
5. Enter the due date, until date and availability date (from-until).
6. Click on the Save button.

NOTE: Students can be members of more than one section.

How do I ensure that the assignment is displayed in the ToDo list of students?

You can enter a due date for assignments so that the assignment appears in the ToDo list for students. The due date also determines whether an assignment is considered late or not submitted. Proceed as follows to set a due date:

1. Select the assignment.
2. Click on Edit at the assignment.
3. Navigate to Assign Access
4. Enter a date for the due date.
5. Click on Save.

The assignment now appears in the students' to-do list.
ATTENTION: If you do not enter a until-date, the assignment will not be closed and will remain open for editing.

How do I set a working period for an assignment?

To define a working period for an assignment, you must enter an available from date and a until date. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Select the assignment.
2. Click on Edit for the task.
3. Navigate to Assign Access.
4. Enter a date under Available from. This defines the date from which the assignment can be viewed and edited.
5. Enter a Until date. The assignment can be edited up to this date. The Until date closes the assignment.
6. If desired, you can also enter a due date (identical to the Until date) so that the assignment appears in the ToDo list of students.
7. Click on Save.

You have now set a working period for an assignment. Don't forget to publish the assignment!

How do I adjust several submission dates at the same time?

Canvas WU offers the option of viewing and changing all submission data for all assignments. Proceed as follows to adjust several submission dates at the same time:

1. Navigate to the Assignments in the course navigation.
2. Open the settings by clicking the three dots (top right).
3. Click Edit Assignment Dates.
4. Filter assignments by date range or select assignments by clicking them individually:
  - You can manually enter individual assignment dates (due, available from, until).
  - You can select multiple assignments, click Batch Edit and remove alle due dates and assignment availability dates.
  - You can select multiple assignments, click Batch Edit and shift due dates and assignment availability dates forward by a number of days.
5. Click on Save.

The assignments appear with the adjusted submission dates.

How do I define different online submission types for an assignment?

You have the option of specifying different online submission types for an assignment so that students can choose the format in which the assignment is submitted. Proceed as follows to define different online submission types for an assignment:

1. Select the assignment.
2. Click on Edit.
3. Navigate to Submission type.
4. Select Online as the submission type.
5. Select more than one option for online submission (e.g. Text entry, Website URL, Media Recordings, File Uploads).
6. Confirm your selection with Save.

Students will be presented with all the selected options and must make an exclusive choice for each submission attempt (if several attempts are possible).

How do I allow students to have several attempts at an assignment?

You can adjust the number of submission attempts for an assignment. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Select the assignment.
2. Click on Edit.
3. Navigate to Submission Attempts.
4. Make a selection:
  - If students are allowed to repeat submissions as many times as they like, select Unlimited.
  - If a limit is to be set for the submission attempts, select Limited and enter a Number of Attempts (1-x).
5. Confirm your entry with Save.

If multiple attempts have been set, students will see a New Attempt option on the assignment after they submit it. Instructors can post a comment and actively return the assignment as long as the due date has not passed.

How do I assign assignments to specific students only?

You can only assign assignments to certain students or groups. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Select the assignment.
2. Click on Edit.
3. Navigate to Assign Access
4. Under Assign to remove Everyone.
5. Now select the students to whom you would like to assign the assignment.
6. Confirm your entry with Save.

If a pop-up message now appears, you can ignore it and click on Continue (see screenshot):

Assignments_warning_assign to.png

NOTE: This message is only relevant for you if you have actually created multiple course sections, have actively assigned students to these course sections and are now in the process of assigning the assignment to just one course section.

How do I set a later deadline for an assignment for individual students?

You can set a later due date or a later until date for individual students in the assignment settings. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Select the assignment.
2. Click on Edit.
3. Navigate to Assign Access
4. Click on +Assign to.
5. Under Assign to, select the specific student(s).
6. Enter the later submission dates (due date/until date).
7. Click on Save.

The assignment is now displayed with several submission dates.

How do I activate the plagiarism check for an assignment?

With the plagiarism check, you can detect if students have copied from each other, if they have used prohibited sources from the internet or if they did not quote cited sources correctly. A plagiarism check can be used for assignments with text entry or for assignments with uploaded files. ATTENTION: A plagiarism check for an assignment cannot be activated retrospectively.

Proceed as follows to activate the plagiarism check for an assignment:

1. Select the assignment.
2. Click on Edit.
3. Navigate to Plagiarism check.
4. Select Turnitin from the drop-down menu.
5. You can still customise the default settings.
6. You can adapt the standard settings and select if students also can view the report - recommendation: never.
7. Confirm your entry with Save.

Upon submission, students will now see the following notice, which they must acknowledge before they can submit the assignment. The license agreement is linked to the following page: https://canvas-eufrap.int.turnitin.com/integrations/cpf/eula/wu-wien

Where can I view the results of the plagiarism check for an assignment?

You can view the results of the plagiarism check in SpeedGrader. You will also see whether plagiarism has been recognised in the assignment column in the Gradebook. Proceed as follows to view the results in SpeedGrader:

1. Open the SpeedGrader:
  1. Option: Via assignments: Navigate to the assignment, select it and click SpeedGrader in the right-hand menu.
  2. Option: Via grades: Navigate to Grades, go to the assignment and click on the three dots in the column header. These will appear when you move your mouse pointer over the column. Select SpeedGrader.
2. Click on the colour icon (red or green circle) on the right-hand side of the SpeedGrader to open the plagiarism report.

Below is a table with possible results that may appear in the plagiarism check:

Possible results
No plagiarism detected
Potential plagiarism detected
Plagiarism check could not be performed

If you want to exclude a scource, e.g. because a group paper was uploaded by more than one group member by mistake, click on the eye symbol that appears in the detail view of the report if you hover with the mouse over the displayed resource:

What are the benefits of an assignment group?

Assignment groups allow you to organise the assignments of a course. Assignment groups can be used in the following ways:

What?	How?
Organisation	Create assignment groups according to activity type, partial performance or other organisation criteria. Students can optionally display all graded activities under Assignments filtered by assignment groups. The graded activities are also displayed to students in the Gradebook, sorted by assignment groups.
Special Requirements	Use assignment groups for assignments with special requirements, e.g. an assignment group with an overview of all group activities or an assignment group with all activities for which students do not have to submit anything (e.g. because you calculate the assessment yourself and enter it in the Gradebook later).
Practices vs. Assessed Partial Performances	Use an assignment group (ranked last) for all practice formats that will not count towards the final grade.
Weighting	You can use assignment groups to set the weighting of grades.
Drop Results	You can use assignment groups to define drop results.
Bonus Points	You can use assignment groups to award bonus points.

How do I create an assignment group?

Um eine Aufgabengruppe anzulegen, gehen Sie wie folgt vor:

1. In the left side menu, click on Assignments.
2. Thereafter, click on +Group and enter a new name for the new assignment group.
3. Click on Save.

The new assignment group appears under Assignment.

How do I add assignments or quizzes to an assignment group?

You have the following options for adding activities to assignment groups:

- Click on the plus symbol in the heading of an assignment group to create a new activity directly via the assignment group.
- Select the assignment group when creating a new activity.
- Move existing activities to the created assignment group using drag & drop.

NOTE: It is recommended to activate the application Assignments in the left side menu of the course for students.

NOTE: You can also add discussions and external tools to an assignment group.

How do I use assignment groups to determine the weighting of partial performances?

You can use assignment groups to define weightings for partial performances and have these automatically displayed in the Gradebook. This provides a better overview and more transparency. Proceed as follows to set a weighting:

1. Step: Show total column in the Gradebook in per cent

1. Click on Grades in the left side menu of the course.
2. Navigate to the Total column and click on the three dots in the column - they will appear as soon as you hover over the column with your mouse pointer.
3. Select Display as percentage.

2. Step: Weighting the assignment groups

1. Create an assignment group for each weighting. To do this, click on +Group under Assignments.
2. On the top right in Assignments, click on the three dots to adjust the weighting of the assignment groups.
3. Select Assignment groups weight.
4. Select Weight final grade based on assignment groups.
5. Enter the desired weighting for each assignment group. As a rule, the overall weighting should be 100%. Go beyond 100% if you want to work with bonus points (see screenshot).
6. Click on Save.

Bonus points_EN.png

INFO: Calculation of weighted grades

Canvas WU determines weighted grades by calculating the following:

the grade (in per cent) of the individual assignment groups (sum of the points achieved divided by the total possible points)
the overall grade (sum of the grades of the assignment groups multiplied by the respective weighting).

Example:

The ‘Homework’ group contains 4 tasks, each with a point value of 20 (i.e. 80 in total). The group accounts for 30% of the overall grade. If a person achieves 18, 16, 10 and 15 points, then the following applies:

The subtotal of the grade for ‘term paper’ is 73.75% = (18 + 16 + 10 + 15) / 80*100%
The contribution of the ‘term paper’ to the overall grade is 22.13% = 73.75% * 0.3

How do I use assignment groups to define drop scores?

For each assignment group, you can define drop scores, e.g. that a certain score is not used for calculating the final grade in the Gradebook. For doing so, proceed as follows:

1. Step: Award 0 points/percent for all ungraded assignments

Click on Grades in the left side menu of the course.
Click on the cogwheel at the top right of the Gradebook.
Select the View Options tab.
Click the View ungraded as 0 option.
Click on the Apply settings button.

2. Step: Define the drop score using an assignment group

Create an assignment group. To do this, click on +Group under Assignments.
Assign at least one assignment to this assignment group. If you want to create drop scores right from the start, enter a task as a placeholder in the assignment group for the first time without further configuration.
Click on the three dots in the heading of the assignment group.
Select Edit.
Select the number of assignments to be cancelled:

Lowest scores: The number X of assessed assignments with the lowest scores will be cancelled.
Highest scores: The number X of assessed assignments with the highest scores will be cancelled.

As an option, select Never drop if there should be assignments that are always used for the grading.
Save your selection.

The dropped assignments are shown in the Gradebook with the status ‘Dropped’.

NOTE: You can change the colour of the ‘Dropped’ status. To do this, click on the cogwheel icon (right) in the Gradebook and select the View options tab. Under ‘Dropped’ status colour, click on the pencil icon and select a colour. Finally, click on Apply settings.

Students are shown the cancellation results as ‘Rules’ directly next to the assignment group (see screenshot):

How do I use assignment groups to award bonus points?

You can use assignment groups to summarise assignments for which students can receive bonus points. The weighting of the other assignment group must total 100% so that the bonus points are not part of the regular assessment.

Proceed as follows to award bonus points using assignment groups:

1. Step: Show total column in the Gradebook in per cent

1. Click on Grades in the left side menu of the course.
2. Navigate to the Total column and click on the three dots in the column - they will appear as soon as you hover over the column with your mouse pointer.
3. Select Display as percentage.

2. Step: Create assignment group "Bonus points"

1. Click on Assignments in the side menu of the course.
2. Then click on +Group and enter the name Bonus points for the assignment group.
3. Click on Save.
4. Add all assignments for which students can receive bonus points to the Bonus points assignment group.
5. Group the other assignments into assignment groups as well.

3. Step: Weighting of the assignment groups

1. On the top right in Assignments, click on the three dots to adjust the weighting of the assignment groups.
2. Select Assignment groups weight.
3. Select Weight final grade based on assignment groups.
4. Enter the desired weighting for each assignment group. Exceed 100% to grant bonus points.
5. Click on Save.

Bonus points_EN.png

Where can I view submission comments?

You have two options for viewing submission comments from students. Directly at the student submission or in your inbox.

1. Option: Within the Student submission

1. Open the SpeedGrader:
  1st option: Via the assignment: Click on the assignment and select SpeedGrader from the side menu on the right, or
  2nd option: Via the Gradebook: Navigate to Grades, go to the assignment and click on the three dots in the column heading. These will appear when you move your mouse pointer over the column. Select SpeedGrader.
2. Students' submission comments are displayed on the right-hand side of the SpeedGrader.

2. Option: In the inbox

1. Navigate to Inbox in the global navigation bar.
2. Select Submission comments from the drop-down list with Inbox.

You will see all submission comments of all courses that have been sent or received within the last four weeks and contain at least one student comment. If necessary, you can select the desired course from the Courses drop-down list.

How can I be notified about student submission comments?

In the settings of your account, you can specify that you are notified by email about submission comments from students. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Navigate to Account in the global navigation bar.
2. Click on Notifications.
3. You can make the settings for your account or select a specific course from the drop-down list.
4. The submission comments are listed under the course activities - click on the icon to the right of Submission comments and select the desired notification setting.

How can I reply to submission comments?

You can reply to submission comments directly in SpeedGrader or via the inbox.

1. Option: In the SpeedGrader

1. Enter your answer to the submission comment in the text field (Add a comment).
2. Click on Submit.

Your response to the submission comment will only be sent when the grades are published.

2. Option: In the inbox

In the inbox, you can view all submission comments of courses that have been sent or received within the last four weeks and contain at least one student comment.

1. Select a submission comment.
2. Click on the reply arrow (see screenshot):
3. Compose a reply for the submission comment and click Send.

Your response to the submission comment will only be sent when the grades are published.

Where can I view student submissions?

You can use the SpeedGrader to view submissions for online assignments in Canvas WU. You can open it via the following two ways:

1. Option: View via assignments

Navigate to the assignment for which you would like to view the student submissions.
Click on the assignment.
Select the SpeedGrader option in the right-hand menu.
The SpeedGrader will now open, in which you can navigate to all submissions using the arrows (top right).

2. Option: View via the Gradebook

Navigate to Grades.
Go to the assignment whose submissions you want to view.
Click on the three dots in the column header of the assignment - these appear when you move your mouse pointer over the column.
Select SpeedGrader.
In SpeedGrader, you can navigate to all submissions using the arrows (top right).

How can I assess student submissions?

When creating an activity, you defined how the grade should be displayed: without a grade, with a point score, as a percentage or as complete/incomplete. Proceed as follows to enter a grade:

1. Open the SpeedGrader.
  1st option: Via the assignment: Click on the assignment and select SpeedGrader on the right, or
  2nd option: Via gradebook: Navigate to Grades, go to the assignment and click on the three dots in the column header. These will appear when you move your mouse pointer over the column. Select SpeedGrader.
2. You can enter a score under Assessment on the right-hand side of the SpeedGrader.
3. You can navigate to further submissions using the arrows at the top right.
4. Close the SpeedGrader when you have finished. Your entries will be saved automatically.

Entered assessments now appear in the assignment column in the Gradebook. If necessary, the assessment can be changed at a later date.

How do I assess student submissions anonymously?

You have the option of hiding names in SpeedGrader when grading. Proceed as follows to rate submissions anonymously:

1. Open the SpeedGrader:
  1st option: Via the assignment: Click on the assignment and select SpeedGrader on the right, or
  2st option: Via Gradebook: Navigate to Grades, go to the assignment and click on the three dots in the column header. These appear when you move your mouse pointer over the column. Select SpeedGrader.
2. Click on the settings icon (cogwheel) in the top left-hand corner of the bar and then on Options.
3. Tick the Hide student names in the SpeedGrader box.
4. Click on Save settings.

The names of the students are now hidden in the SpeedGrader (see screenshot):

anonyme Bewertung_EN.png

As a lecturer, how do I view previous submissions by students with multiple submission attempts?

If you have allowed multiple attempts for the assignment, the submission attempts of students can be viewed directly in SpeedGrader under Submission to View. Proceed as follows to view students' previous submissions:

1. Open the SpeedGrader.
  1st option: Via the assignment: Click on the assignment and select SpeedGrader on the right, or
  2nd option: Via Gradebook: Navigate to Grades, go to the assignment and click on the three dots in the column header. These appear when you move your mouse pointer over the column. Select SpeedGrader.
2. Navigate to a previous submission under Submission to View.

The submission is now displayed in the main window and can be annotated and assessed by you.

How do I download student submissions?

You can download submissions, comment on them and upload them to the assignment again. You can download a submission from individual students or download all submissions at once. You will find both options below:

1. Option: Download a specific submission

1. Open the SpeedGrader: Navigate to Grades. Go to a specific student in the assignment column. Click in the assignment cell and select the arrow pointing to the right. Click on SpeedGrader in the right-hand window.
2. The submission file is displayed in the SpeedGrader on the right.
3. Click on the submission file to download it.

The downloaded file does not contain any information about the student(s). You can add comments directly to the file and upload it again as a feedback file in SpeedGrader.

2. Option: Download all submissions

You can download all submissions via the assignment or in the Gradebook:

2.1 Via assignments

Navigate to the assignment.
Click on the assignment.
Select Download Submissions on the right.

2.2 Via the Gradebook

Navigate to Grades.
Go to the assignment and click on the three dots in the column heading - these appear when you move your mouse pointer over the column.
Select Download Submissions.

NOTE: The submissions will be downloaded as a ZIP file and the individual files will be titled in a coded form: lastnamefirstname_objectID_objectID_filename.

How do I upload commented submission files all at once? (Bulk Upload)

Proceed as follows to re-upload the commented submissions back into the assignment:

Extract the files from the zip folder.
Comment on the files and make sure that you do not change the name of the file in any way.
Select files (some or all) and click Share and ZIP in Office 365. Create a ZIP file with the selected data sets.
Open the assignment or Gradebook and select Re-Upload Submissions.

You can track the progress of the upload with View Upload Status. You have now uploaded the annotated student submissions to the assignment as a feedback file. Each student will see this file with a short text directly in the assignment (and in the Gradebook).

Give Feedback

How can I add annotations directly to an uploaded submission file?

If a file has been submitted, you can enter your feedback directly in the file. Proceed as follows to add a note to the submission file:

Open the SpeedGrader:
1st option: Via the assignment: Click on the assignment and select SpeedGrader on the right, or
2nd option: Via Gradebook: Navigate to Grades, go to the assignment and click on the three dots in the column header. These appear when you move your mouse pointer over the column. Select SpeedGrader.
The submitted file is displayed in the DocViewer. Annotate the submission using the available options (see screenshot).
Your changes are saved automatically.
Close SpeedGrader when you are finished.

Students will see the feedback in the submission and can download the file with all annotations.

How do I enter comments as feedback on a student submission?

You can give students feedback on their submissions. Proceed as follows to leave written comments on student submissions:

Open SpeedGrader:
1st option: Via the assignment: Click on the assignment and select SpeedGrader on the right, or
2nd option: Via Gradebook: Navigate to Grades, go to the assignment and click on the three dots in the column header. These will appear when you move your mouse pointer over the column. Select SpeedGrader.
Enter your feedback in the text box at the bottom right under Comments for this Attempt.
Click on Submit.

Your feedback will only be displayed to students once the grading for this assignment has been released. The students will see your feedback directly in their assignment and can respond to it. You can find the students' responses in SpeedGrader or in your inbox under Submission comments.

NOTE: If necessary, write a direct message to students via the Canvas WU inbox to answer questions so that students can see your response before the grade is released.

How do I upload a video or audio file as feedback for students?

You can upload a video or audio file as feedback for students. To do this, proceed as follows:

Open the SpeedGrader:
1st option: Via the assignment: click on the assignment and select SpeedGrader on the right, or
2nd option: Via Gradebook: Navigate to Grades, go to the assignment and click on the three dots in the column header. These will appear when you move your mouse pointer over the column. Select SpeedGrader.
Click on the following icon at the bottom right under Comments for uploading an audio or video file.
Click on the Upload media tab.
Now click on Select audio file or Select video file.

The video or audio file will be displayed to students in Canvas WU within the SpeedGrader. Your feedback will not be displayed to students until the grade for that assignment has been released.

How do I record a video or audio recording as feedback directly in Canvas? (incl. screencast possible)

You can record a video or audio file as feedback directly in Canvas. It is also possible to create a screencast. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Open the SpeedGrader:
  1. Option: Via the assignment: Click on the assignment and select SpeedGrader from the side menu on the right, or
  2. Option: Via the Gradebook: Navigate to Grades, go to the assignment and click on the three dots at the top of the column. These appear when you move your mouse over the column. Select SpeedGrader.
2. To record an audio or video file, click the following icon in the bottom right corner of Comments.
3. To record an audio file only, disable the camera (click the camera icon), to record the screen, click Screen capture (select Enabled).
4. Click Start recording.

The video or audio file will be displayed to students in Canvas WU in the SpeedGrader. Your feedback will not be displayed to students until the grade for that assignment has been released.

How do I provide a feedback file for individual students?

You can upload a document as a feedback file in SpeedGrader for students. To do this, proceed as follows:

Open the SpeedGrader:
1st option: Via the assignment: Click on the assignment and select SpeedGrader on the right, or
2nd option: Via Gradebook: Navigate to Grades, go to the assignment and click on the three dots in the column header. These will appear when you move your mouse pointer over the column. Select SpeedGrader.
Click on the File attachment icon at the bottom right of Comments for this attempt.
Select the feedback file.
Click Submit.

The feedback file will be displayed to students in Canvas WU within SpeedGrader. Your feedback will not be displayed to students until the grade for this assignment has been released.

How do I send the same feedback file to several students at once?

In the Gradebook, you have the option of sending a message to selected students and attaching files or media recordings. Proceed as follows:

1. Click on Grades in the left side menu of the course.
2. Search for the assignment for which you would like to send students a message.
3. Click on the three dots in the column header - these appear when you hover over the cell.
4. Select the drop-down menu item Message students who.
5. Under For students who... select the appropriate condition (such as Scored more than, Scored less than ...).
6. Check or edit the recipients if necessary. To do this, click Show all recipients.
7. Enter a subject and a message.
8. Insert a feedback file by clicking on the file icon .
9. Click on the Send button.

A message or the feedback file will now be sent to all students who meet the selected conditions.

Use the Comment Library

With the comment library, you can prepare and save comments and insert them directly into the ratings as feedback.

How do I add comments to the comment library?

You can use the comment library to prepare comments and save them for reuse. Proceed as follows to add comments to the comment library:

1. Click on the three dots next to an assignment and select SpeedGrader.
2. Click on the speech bubble icon above the comment field.
3. Add comments and click on + Add to library.

You have added comments to the comment library. If required, activate Show suggestions when typing. Comment suggestions are made here based on keywords.

NOTE: The comment library is linked to individual users and is managed across all courses.

How do I use comments from the comment library?

If you have added comments to the comment library, you can also use them for your assessment. Proceed as follows to use comments from the comment library:

1. Click on the three dots next to an assignment and select SpeedGrader.
2. Click on the speech bubble icon above the comment field.
3. Click on a comment entry. The text is inserted in the comment field.
4. If necessary, add further text to the comment.
5. Click on Submit.

If you have activated Show suggestions when typing in the comment library, you can also enter just one keyword in the comment field and all comments with the keyword will be displayed.

insert comment from library.png

Why do students not see the assignment?

If students cannot see the assignment, please check the following:

1. The assignment is published: The status symbol must appear green next to the assignment
2. If the assignment is integrated in a module: Please check whether the module is published
3. The assignment should be accessed via the Assignment tab in the course: Make sure that the Assignments tab is made visible to students. If not, you can adjust this under Settings in Navigation.

Students have already submitted an assignment. How can I reopen the assignment for revision by students?

You have two options for reopening an assignment for students. You can use both options if the deadline for the assignment has not yet passed. Option 2 is recommended if the deadline for the assignment has already passed and the assignment should be available to students one more time. Both options are shown below:

1. Option: Increase submission attempts

1. Navigate to the assignment and select it.
2. Click on Edit.
3. Scroll to Submission attempts and increase the submission attempts by one attempt.
4. Click on Save.

Students now have the option of submitting a new submission for the assignment.

NOTE: This gives all students the opportunity to upload another submission.

2. Option: Duplicate assignment

1. Navigate to the Assignments tab.
2. In the assignment overview, click on the three dots next to the relevant assignment.
3. Select Duplicate.
4. Select the copied assignment and click on Edit.
5. In the assignment settings, scroll down to Assign Access.
6. Under Assign remove Anyone and select the student who needs to resubmit the assignment.
7. If necessary, you can adjust the due date and until date.

The student can resubmit the assignment in the duplicated assignment.

I see the Reassign Assignment button in the student submission. Why cannot I use this button?

As a lecturer, you can reassign an assignment in SpeedGrader. The Reassign Assignment button is available for graded assignment submissions once a comment has been added by a lecturer.

NOTE: The Reassign Assignment button is only available for assignments with due dates.
ATTENTION: If the assignment settings do not allow Students to make an additional attempt, the Reassign Assignment button will indicate that the assignment cannot be reassigned.

To reassign the assignment to students, do the following:

1. Open SpeedGrader from an assignment and select the student to whom you want to reassign the assignment.
2. In the Assignment Comments section, enter a comment in the comment box and click the Submit button.
3. Now you can click on the Reassign Assignment button.

Assignments that have been reassigned will display a Reassigned button.

NOTE: When an assignment has been reassigned, students will see your comments and a redo label in the List View Dashboard. Reassigning an assignment does not change the student's due dates or availability dates for that assignment.

There are already submissions from students. Can I still change something in the assignment instructions?

You can make changes to the assignment details afterwards, even if there are already student submissions. However, you should be aware of the following notes:

NOTE: If you change the possible points for an assignment, you must re-grade each submission.

ATTENTION: If students have already submitted submissions for the assignment, the assignment can no longer be configured as a group assignment.

Does Canvas WU automatically save student submissions for assignments after the time has expired?

Each assignment is submitted automatically if it has been started by students. The following applies:

No submission dates	Started assignments are automatically submitted at the end of the course at the latest.
Due date only	Started assignments are automatically submitted at the end of the course at the latest. Submissions are considered "Late" or "Missing" after the specified due date.
Until date only	Started assignments are automatically submitted with the until date at the latest.
Due date and Until date	Started assignments are automatically submitted by the until date at the latest. From the defined due date, submissions are considered "Late".

For more detailed descriptions of use cases & tips, please visit the Portal - Online Learning Environment

Where?	What?	What for?	How?
Assignments	Oral exam/submission	Fostering language skills	When creating the assignment, select Online as the submission type and then click on Media recording. Students can then record and submit questions or assignments directly in the assignment using webcam recording.
Assignments	Submission of a prepared video file	Fostering digital skills	To do this, you must create an assignment with text entry as the submission type. Students can use the plug-in function to upload a video to Planet eStream and embed it directly in the assignment.
Assignments	Learning journal	Continuous reflection on experiences/learning processes	Create an assignment with unlimited attempts. Students can reflect in the assignment, e.g. in a text field in the ongoing process, which can be viewed by you.
Assignments	BeAble submissions	So that BeAble students receive an extended working time	You can assign assignments with different due dates and until dates to selected students. In the assignment, click on + Add in the settings under Assign. You can explicitly select BeAble students and assign them later due dates or until dates for the assignment.
Assignments	Varying submission dates	Students therefore have to submit the same assignments at different times	You can enter different due and until dates or availability dates for the assignments in the Assign settings. You can use the + Add option to assign different submission dates to different people.
Assignments	Create course note as to-do	Students are reminded of a ToDo that they have to fulfill	Create an assignment without submission. To do this, select No submission for the submission type. Only enter a due date. Students will see this " assignment" with the function of a note in their ToDo lists. This note can, for example, remind them of a reading assignment (link to text) or of the allocation to a group (link to people in the course navigation bar).
Assignments	Material containers for specific groups of people	Only people who have access to the assignment can see the assignment and all content	Create an assignment, enter 0 points and select that the assessment should not count towards the final grade. Now assign the assignment to selected people or groups from a group set. Now add information, e.g. video embeds, document embeds, file attachments, links to other group assignments, etc.
Assignments/ Modules	Practice path with sample solution	Students can check the solution to an assignment themselves using a sample solution	Embed sample solutions in modules in a strict sequence according to assignments and define the requirements for the visibility of the sample solutions, e.g. submit the assignment, score at least. Students only see the sample solutions in their individual work process once they have completed the task in accordance with the conditions they have defined. This is particularly suitable for practice exercises, as the sample solutions can be quickly distributed throughout the course.

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