With only a few weeks of class left to go, every time-saver counts. Semester wrap-up can be a challenge, but Canvas offers features to make it just a little easier. Read on for three ways Canvas can help instructors conquer the end of semester rush with ease.
#1 Zero it out
Late and missing assignments plague nearly every course instructor at semester’s end. As we all know, there should never be blanks in the Gradebook! Searching for an effective solution to curtail the number of unresolved grades? It’s deceivingly simple: In the Grades settings, set missing scores to “0”. Scores of zero impact a student’s overall average immediately and, in my experience, can prompt equally immediate action. When assignment grades remain blank, however, students could derive a false sense of security about their class standing. Seeing a zero may afford students more opportunities to remediate a low average before grades are finalized. For detailed instructions, refer to the Canvas Instructor’s guidance in “How do I apply a Late Submission policy in the Gradebook?”
#2 Get a bird’s-eye view
Wondering what your course grade distribution looks like? You can sort each class by student average and quickly identify individuals who are struggling. To learn more about the sorting functions, the Canvas Instructor’s guide offers pointers in “How do I sort and display student data in the Gradebook?” As pointed out in the earlier blog post, “Hi, this is Canvas. We need to talk.”, sorting students using submission data, whether for the entire course or per assignment, can support prompt and effective intervention strategies. Even as the semester wraps up, there is still time to intervene, and the sorting function can tell you which students need more academic support before final projects and exams begin.
#3 Download the Canvas Teacher app
If, like me, you find yourself riding in a car for three hours to your nephew’s late-April wedding, trying to figure out how to get the rest of your grading done, the Canvas Teacher app is your solution. Grab a mobile device, pop open the Canvas Teacher app, and grade assignments, post a final exam announcement, respond to a couple of emails, and you’re done. For the most complete Canvas experience on-the-go, use your tablet with a stylus. Trust me; that Buc-ee’s stop will feel even more rewarding! The Canvas Mobile Users guide will help you download the app quicker than you can fasten your seatbelt.
The end of semester rush is definitely beginning, but Canvas is standing by to help you finish strong, so you can cruise into the carefree summer break we all deserve. Still have questions about what Canvas can do for you? Visit the IT Assistance Center’s TXST Canvas page for more information.
Kimberly Conner is a US1100 instructor and publications writer in the IT Marketing and Communications office.
