Step 6 - Add Assignments and Assessments (Gradebook Setup)
Step 6 - Add Assignments and Assessments (Gradebook Setup)
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Follow the steps below to add assignments to Canvas and then add them to the modules.
Don't forget your Learning Outcomes when deciding what to assess.
Make sure to include RSI components!
Assignments Types --- ❗️IMPORTANT❗️
Although all assignments appear in the Assignments area of Canvas, only submission assignments can be created from this page. To create Discussions or Quizzes, use their respective tools.
Step 6-1: Create Discussions
Use Canvas Discussions as a space for class conversations where students can post and respond to each other. Discussions and other interactive activities are essential for online learning and help meet federal Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) requirements.
Reminder: To add a discussion, use the Discussions tool in the left-hand navigation.
Ideas and Tips
The following are some recommendations for incorporating and setting-up discussions in your online course:
- Encourage Interaction – Include at least one discussion or interactive assignment per module (e.g., group projects, peer reviews, online presentations).
- Require Responses – Have students respond to at least two peers to keep discussions active.
- Make It Engaging – Use open-ended, thought-provoking questions that you and your students find interesting.
- Be Clear – Set clear expectations and provide feedback and coaching (see example rubric).
- Stay Involved – Actively participate to foster engagement.
- Build Community – Start with an introductory discussion for students to meet one another and become familiar with the discussion expectations.
- Empower Students – Assign discussion leaders (see example below).
- Optimize Settings – Use these Canvas settings:
- Require that students "must respond to the topic before viewing other replies" (to prevent copying)
- Make it "Graded" (ensures it appears in the Gradebook and students take it seriously)
Alternate Discussion Assignments
- Journaling – Use Groups and Discussions to create individual journal spaces for students.
- Student Presentations – Have students post presentations on a discussion board for peer review and feedback.
- Student-Led Discussions – Assign students to lead discussions each week. They post two questions or ideas from the material and actively engage with peers throughout the week.
Step 6-2: Add Submission Assignments
Submission assignments include papers, essays, projects, case studies, or anything a student submits to a dropbox. These assignments can also be set up as group assignments or peer review assignments.
Tips
- If teaching a GEN ED course, make sure to meet the Gen Ed writing requirement.
- Use Turnitin Plagiarism checker
- How do I create an assignment? Links to an external site.
- How do I add or edit details in an assignment? Links to an external site.
- Creating an assignment with Turnitin (Plagiarism Review)
- How do I assign an assignment to a course group? Links to an external site.
- How do I use peer review assignments in a course? Links to an external site.
Step 6-3: Add and Set up Quizzes
Quizzes can be used for various assessments, including chapter quizzes, essays, and exams.
Reminder: To add a quiz, go to the Quiz tool in the left-hand navigation.
Tips for Effective Quizzing
- Question Banks – Use question banks Links to an external site. to randomize questions and reduce cheating.
- Syllabus Quiz – Include a short quiz to ensure students have read the syllabus. (example syllabus quiz)
- Mastery Quizzes – Offer low-stakes, randomized quizzes on key concepts from lectures or other materials. Allow multiple attempts for improved understanding.
- Muddiest Point – Add a one-question quiz/survey per module for students to share what they need clarification on.
- Quiz Security – View this guide for strategies to enhance exam security.
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Respondus LockDown Browser
Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment in Canvas (students are unable to copy, print, access other applications, or visit other websites during an online exam). However, it is most effective in proctored environments, as students can still use other devices (cell phones, tablets, additional computers) when unproctored.
Step 6-4: Set-up Your Assignments Page and Gradebook
The Gradebook in Canvas is managed through the Assignments tool. As you create graded assignments in your course, they will automatically populate in your Gradebook. Ungraded assignments can only be found in their assignment tools.
Note: You can also add assignment groups, weight your gradebook, and drop grades in the Assignment tool. For more information view the guides below.
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Step 6-5: Add Assignments to Modules
Once you have created your assignments, add them to the module in which they are due by clicking the "+" button Links to an external site. in the module.
This ensures students have all necessary materials in one place to complete the module.
Due Dates --- ❗️IMPORTANT❗️
Many students rely on the Canvas To Do List to know what to complete and when. An assignment must have a due date for it to appear on a student's To Do list. By setting Canvas due dates, you can help students manage their assignments.
>> Next we will take a quick look at some important course and Canvas settings.
Top Image by StartupStockPhotos Links to an external site. from Pixabay Links to an external site.