Use the learning master gradebook to gauge students’ concept mastery
In addition to the assignment-based gradebook, Canvas offers a “learning mastery” view to help gauge students’ performance on the basis of core learning outcomes, rather than individual assignment scores. To use the learning mastery gradebook, an instructor first defines a course’s learning outcomes, then builds corresponding rubrics, and grades assignments based on those rubrics. The learning mastery gradebook can then summarize how well each student has demonstrated his or her understanding of a given concept across multiple assignments.
Store and organize all course files in a central location
Within a Canvas course space, instructors can upload a document or file once, then incorporate that file throughout the course. For example, a diagram can be uploaded to Files, then embedded within a quiz, assignment, or page. If an instructor has a repository of files stored on their local computer, they can compress the files into a ZIP and bulk upload the complete repository into Files within the course space.
Restrict the types of files students can submit
Instructors can configure an assignment so that students can submit only specific filetypes. Common document types might include Microsoft Word (i.e. doc, docx), Microsoft PowerPoint (i.e. ppt, pptx), Acrobat PDF (i.e. pdf), or text (i.e. txt). Instructors can use this feature to ensure they can open all assignment submissions.
Send students messages through the Inbox
You can send messages to others using the Inbox. Messages can be sent to classes, groups, and individuals. You can send text, attach files, and record audio and video messages. Messages are delivered to the recipient based on their personal notification settings.
Import question banks from publishers and more
You can create a bank of quiz questions supplied by vendors using the Question Bank tool. Questions in a common format called QTI, or Question and Test Interoperability, can be directly imported into a question bank that is available to all courses for which you are the instructor.
Share a course space using export or copy
Instructors can create a local backup of a Canvas course space using the ‘Export’ feature. The exported course can include the syllabus, pages, modules, quizzes, and assignments in a transportable format, which can then be imported into another course in any Canvas environment (including the Free for Teacher environment). Alternatively, instructors can copy all or selected parts of a course space, using the copy feature.
Specify the maximum number of quiz takes
Within the settings for a quiz, instructors can specify the maximum number of times a student can submit their responses. Students will not
have access to the correct/incorrect indications or instructor-provided feedback until they have reached the maximum number of takes.
Assign scores and add comments to student submissions using SpeedGrader
A Canvas course space can include multiple pages of content, much like webpages on a course website. You can configure individual pages so
students can both view and collaboratively edit the content. Students can add or modify the content, format text, add video/audio, and more.
Collaboratively edit course content with students
A Canvas course space can include multiple pages of content, much like webpages on a course website. You can configure individual pages so students can both view and collaboratively edit the content. Students can add or modify the content, format text, add video/audio, and more.
Dynamic count-down timer displayed to students when taking timed quizzes
When students take a timed quiz in Canvas, a count-down timer automatically displays to show the remaining time available until responses are automatically submitted. Students will also be notified when they have only a minute left to them finish on time.
Make changes to assigned quizzes
If you notice an error in an assigned Canvas quiz, you can modify questions, answers, and correct/incorrect choices, and optionally notify your students of the changes.
Use student groups for collaboration
You can use Canvas’s People tool to organize your class into smaller groups that are random, assigned, or based on students’ sign-ups. Each group gets its own calendar, discussion board and collaboration tools. Assignments can also be set to ‘group submission’ so one group member can submit the assignment on behalf of the entire group. Each group member will receive the same score and see the instructor-provided feedback.
Use Roll Call to track students’ attendance
You can use Canvas’s Roll Call tool to track student attendance, noting with a click of a button who was present, absent or late. Students are shown in either a list format or a seating chart grid. Student attendance records are automatically compiled into a single, overall attendance grade in your Canvas gradebook.