CanvasFAQ – Page 5

Can I determine when students have access to modules, content, and assignments?

There are several ways for you to control when students have access to modules. You can:

- You can determine when assignments open and close in Canvas by setting an availability range in the assignment settings. For more information about due dates and availability dates, visit https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2628.
- Lock modules until a certain date: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2853
- Require students to move through course requirements in order: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2852
- Set prerequisites for modules: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2861
- Move your module to unpublished Draft State: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2822.

What is Canvas Commons?

Canvas Commons is a digital library that allows instructors to find and openly share resources. This allows instructors to build courses using materials shared by other Canvas users, and create their own learning object repositories. Visit this link for more details on Canvas Commons: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-4102.

If I accidentally removed an item from a module, how can I re-add it?

Modules are simply compilations of other Canvas content. To re-add an item (page, quiz, assignment, etc.) that you accidentally removed from a module, go to Modules, scroll down to the module you accidentally deleted an item from, then click the + button (beside the gear icon). Use the pop-up menu to select the item in question. For more on adding new or existing content to modules, visit https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2827.

How do I “undelete” content that I accidentally deleted from the course?

If you need to restore content that you’ve accidentally deleted, visit this link for instructions on how to “undelete” items https://community.canvaslms.com/groups/admins/blog/2015/04/22/undeleting-things-in-canvas.

How does SpeedGrader work?

In Canvas, SpeedGrader allows you to view and grade assignment submissions in one place. You can view student submissions, assign a grade, view a Rubric to assist with grading (if a Rubric has been added to the assignment), view comments, and create a text, video, and/or audio commentary for the student. Access SpeedGrader through the Gradebook or through any graded assignment, quiz, or discussion. For more details on how SpeedGrader works: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2583. For information on how to grade Turnitin assignments in SpeedGrader, visit https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2860.

How can I use rubrics to grade assignments?

Rubrics allow you to create assessment criteria for scoring assignments. To add a rubric to an assignment, first navigate to Assignments in the course menu. Click on the name of the assignment, then select +Rubric. This link provides more information adding a rubric to an assignment: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2870. You can also visit this link for details on how to use a rubric to grade in SpeedGrader: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-1928.

How do you weigh assignments in Canvas?

You can weigh final grades in Canvas by creating assignment groups. Then, you can assign a weight to each assignment group. To view more details on weighting grades and using assignment groups, visit https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2625.

Will the Canvas gradebook calculate my final grades?

If you have set up your course using weighted assignment groups (see above), then Canvas will calculate your final grades for you.

How can I drop assignments with the lowest and/or highest scores from grade calculations?

In Canvas, you can create rules for assignment groups, such as a rule to drop the lowest and/or highest scores from grade calculations. To create a rule for an assignment group, navigate to Assignments in the course menu. Click on the Assignment Group Settings drop-down menu and select Edit. From here you can drop assignments with the lowest and/or highest grades. This link describes how to set the rules to suit your preferences: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2626.

Can I prevent Canvas from dropping specific assignments from grade calculations?

You can use the assignment group rules to prevent Canvas from dropping specific assignments. To access the assignment group rules, navigate to Assignments in the course menu. Click the Settings icon next to the assignment group and select Edit. Then, click “Add an assignment” to select which assignment should be excluded from being dropped. This link provides step-by-step instructions: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2626.