Before launching TimelyGrader, you need to make sure your assignments are set up correctly to avoid issues with importing and exporting down the road.
1. Where to Place Assignments for TimelyGrader to Import
Assignments should be located in the Assignments Page. If you have "assignments" that are built as items in Quizzes or Discussions, we will not be able to import them. TimelyGrader will only import assignments that are located on the Assignments Page.
2. Provide an Assignment Name and Instructions
Ensure your assignment has an Assignment Name and Instructions. If your assignment instructions or description are located in a file, TimelyGrader will not be able to read and import them from Canvas. Please make sure that you populate the instructions as text in the Instructions field (large empty text box).
3. Assign Points to Your Assignment
If grading is important, ensure that the assignment has points assigned to it. This is under the Points area.
⚠️ Warning: If this is left empty, grades will not pass back to Canvas.
4. Only Allow One File Per Submission
TimelyGrader currently supports one file per student submission. If students submit multiple files as a submission, TimelyGrader will only import the first file in their submission. To prevent this from happening, please communicate with students to submit one file per submission.
5. Supported File Types and How to Prevent Unsupported Uploads
TimelyGrader currently supports .pdf, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx and .csv files. To avoid students uploading files that we cannot process, ensure that you select File Uploads and Restrict Upload File Types.
If you opt for Restrict Upload File Types, you can copy the following extensions:
pdf,docx,xls,xlsx,ppt,pptx,csv
5. For Assignments With a Rubric
If your assignment is designed with a rubric, please ensure that the rubric is attached in the assignment. TimelyGrader only supports rubrics with points, so ensure that "Remove points from this rubric" is not enabled.
💡 Note: Please ensure that rubrics have points for each rating or the imported rubric will have 'null' in the fields for rating scores.
6. For Assignments Without a Rubric
If your assignment is designed without a rubric, you can leave the rubric field empty. Please note that even if you don't have a rubric on Canvas, you will be required to create one on TimelyGrader for reliable grading. If you create a rubric on TimelyGrader, you have the option of passing that rubric back into Canvas. If not, then only the overall grades & feedback will be passed back.
Following these best practices when setting up an assignment will help ensure a smooth importing and exporting experience with our Canvas API integration.