Assignment Submission Guides

If you want to control the types of files students can upload to an assignment, Canvas allows you to restrict file types in the assignment settings. This ensures submissions are in a format that is ideal for the context of the assignment and works well with tools like SpeedGrader. How to Restrict Upload File Types These steps apply to an existing assignment. Open the assignment and click Edit. Under Submission Type, select Online. Check the box for File Uploads. Check the box for Restrict Upload File Types. In the text box that appears, type the allowed file extensions: Extensions can be lowercase, uppercase, or include periods. Separate multiple types with commas (e.g., doc, pdf). Spaces, capital letters, and periods are allowed as long as the list is separated by commas. In this example, the assignment only allows docx, pdf, txt, and xls file types. If commas are used to separate file extensions, you can omit the period when entering the extension. FAQ: Restrict File Types for Assignments in Canvas Can students see which file types are allowed? Yes. On the Assignment page, Canvas displays the accepted file types clearly to students under the submission area. What happens if a student uploads the wrong file type? The file picker generally prevents students from selecting disallowed file types. If a student manages to select an unsupported type, Canvas will block the upload and display an error message such as "Invalid submission file type." Common file types to allow The table below includes common file formats and explanations for when and why to use them. File Type Explanation .pdf Portable Document Format. Keeps formatting intact across platforms. Ideal for finalized submissions and works seamlessly in SpeedGrader. .doc Microsoft Word’s older format. Still widely accepted and compatible with SpeedGrader, though replaced by .docx in newer versions. .docx Current Microsoft Word format. Best for assignments that require text formatting and annotations within SpeedGrader. .pages Apple’s Pages format. Not supported on Windows or SpeedGrader. Students should export as PDF or DOCX before submitting. .txt Plain text with no formatting. Good for code or notes but not ideal for content requiring structure or inline feedback. .rtf Rich Text Format. Supports basic formatting but may render inconsistently. Use with caution for formal submissions. .html Used for web development submissions. Not viewable in SpeedGrader unless downloaded and opened separately.

Note: This guide is for instructors only. Students can reference Troubleshoot Lockdown Browser or visit the Respondus Help Center for assistance with the LockDown Browser. LockDown Browser is a custom application that locks down the testing environment on student devices during Canvas quizzes. Unlike standard browsers, it prevents students from accessing other applications, websites, or system functions while taking an exam. This comprehensive guide covers setup, configuration, student preparation, and review processes. Add LockDown Browser to Course Navigation Before configuring quizzes, you must add the LockDown Browser management tool to your course navigation. This tool is only visible to instructors. Step 1: Access Course Settings Open your Canvas course From the Navigation menu, select Settings Step 2: Enable LockDown Browser Select the Navigation tab Find LockDown Browser in the lower listing and select the three dots Select Enable Select Save to apply changes Configure Quiz Settings Configure LockDown Browser settings for individual quizzes based on your security and assessment needs. Access LockDown Browser Configuration Within your Canvas course, select LockDown Browser from the Navigation menu Select the arrow icon next to your quiz title Select Settings Basic Configuration Select Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam to enable the browser for the designated quiz. To enable the LockDown Browser without additional options, select Save + Close to activate basic protection. For more security parameters, continue to the advanced options below. Advanced Configuration Options 1. Password Settings Create an access code that students must enter before starting the quiz. This adds an additional layer of security and can be used to control quiz timing in proctored environments. Useful for controlling exam start times Required for proctored lab settings Can be combined with other security measures 2. Advanced Settings Require LockDown Browser to view post-exam feedback and results: Students must use LockDown Browser to view quiz feedback and results Lock students into the browser until exam is completed: Students cannot exit the browser until the exam is completed (useful for computer labs) Allow access to specific external web domains: Permit access to specific websites during the test (for research-based assessments) Enable Calculator on the toolbar: Provide students with a built-in calculator in the toolbar Enable Printing from the toolbar: Enable printing capabilities within the secure environment (Optional) Respondus Monitor Configuration Respondus Monitor is an automated proctoring system for LockDown Browser. It uses a webcam to record students during exams, providing a powerful deterrence to cheating, and uses computer vision technology to flag events that might require closer review by the instructor. To enable proctoring for an exam, select the "Require Respondus Monitor" option. Subsequently, choose whether to record the screen activity or only the webcam. Live Proctoring via Teams Respondus Monitor allows instructors to "live proctor" online exams using LockDown Browser and video conferencing systems (Teams, Zoom, etc.). Students meet in a video conference, start the exam together using LockDown Browser, and the instructor watches via the video conference. Students aren't recorded, and the instructor isn't alerted to suspicious events. This method is recommended for small classes where the instructor can view all students on the screen. Note: this cannot be used with iPad devices unless the student joins the video conference system using a second device Startup Sequence Configuration Configure the steps students must complete before beginning the exam. Use the Preview option to see the exact screen students will see at this step. 1. Startup Sequence Webcam Check: Verify camera functionality and positioning Additional Instructions: Provide additional instruction for participating in the exam. Select from the default text block, or edit to create your own. Guidelines + Tips: Provide guidelines and tips for using the LockDown Browser, helpful for first-timers Student Photo: Practice taking a photo for the monitoring process Show ID: Practice showing the student ID for the monitoring process Environment Check: Have students pan their camera around their testing space Note: Most settings are optional and can be reordered by dragging and dropping them to match your security requirements. 2. Face Detection Options Configure facial detection options for the exam. 3. Advanced Settings Configure advanced, non-standard or more specific options for your exam. Frequently Asked Questions How do I prepare my students for a quiz with LockDown Browser? Practice makes perfect. Encourage students to take a practice quiz using your preferred LockDown Browser settings. This helps them get familiar with the tool, reduces test anxiety, and allows support staff to help ahead of time if needed. Students need to: Download and install LockDown Browser on their computer (Windows or Mac) Follow onscreen installation instructions and complete any required system restarts Test the system with a practice quiz before the actual exam Respondus offers student quick start guides by quiz type: Student Quick Start Guide – Classic Quizzes Student Quick Start Guide – New Quizzes How do students take a quiz with LockDown Browser? Locate the "LockDown Browser" shortcut on desktop and double-click (Mac users: launch from Applications folder) Close any blocked programs when prompted Log into Canvas course using student credentials Navigate to the quiz and click "Take a Quiz" Complete any required Startup Sequence (if Respondus Monitor is enabled) Take the quiz - cannot exit until "Submit Quiz" is clicked Important: Students attempting to access a LockDown Browser-required quiz with a standard browser will see a warning message. This confirms security settings are properly configured. How do I review Respondus Monitor recordings? If webcam recording was enabled, you can review student sessions and flagged events after quiz completion: Return to the LockDown Browser dashboard in your course navigation menu From the context menu next to the quiz title, select Class Results Review the student roster showing date, time, duration, review priority, and grade Click plus to expand details for individual students View thumbnails of startup sequence and exam session events Click thumbnails to view videos from specific time points Mark videos as reviewed or add instructor comments Review Tips: Focus on high-priority flagged events first. Remember that Monitor serves primarily as a deterrent - determine appropriate review level for your context. Use comment features to document observations for potential academic integrity processes. What is Respondus Monitor? Respondus Monitor is a remote proctoring feature added on top of LockDown Browser. It uses the student's webcam to record them during the exam. After submission, instructors can review flagged events and proctoring data. Learn more about Respondus Monitor. How do I disable LockDown Browser on a quiz? To disable LockDown Browser on a specific quiz: Open the Canvas course Select LockDown Browser from the course navigation Next to the quiz, click the arrow icon Select Settings Choose Don't require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam Select Save and Close Does it matter if I'm using New or Classic Quizzes in Canvas? No, the process for enabling LockDown Browser is the same for both quiz types. Use the appropriate quick start guides based on what you're using: Classic Quizzes: Instructor Quick Start Guide – Classic Quizzes Student Quick Start Guide – Classic Quizzes New Quizzes: When copying a course using LDB and New Quizzes, confirm the LDB setting is enabled after the course copy. Instructor Quick Start Guide – New Quizzes Student Quick Start Guide – New Quizzes Be sure to clearly communicate which quiz type you're using and consider assigning a practice quiz to avoid confusion. What are common student issues and solutions? Installation Problems: Direct students to system requirements and compatibility information Blocked Programs: Advise students to close all unnecessary applications before starting Network Issues: Recommend stable internet connection and backup options Camera/Microphone Problems: Provide troubleshooting steps for hardware configuration Environment Setup: If using Respondus Monitor, advise students on proper lighting and camera positioning Best Practices: Create a practice quiz, ensure students meet system requirements, provide technical support contact information, and establish procedures for technical difficulties during exams. Where can I learn more about LockDown Browser? Troubleshooting Respondus LockDown Browser Instructor resources and FAQs Preparing an exam for LockDown Browser (Canvas) [Video] Remember: Effective use of LockDown Browser requires balancing security needs with student accessibility. Always provide clear instructions, practice opportunities, and technical support to ensure successful implementation.

The Cardinal Quiz Converter transforms plain text (.txt), Microsoft Word (.docx), and CSV (.csv) files into QTI format, which can be imported into both Canvas Classic and New Quizzes. Different file formats support different features, and some behaviors may vary between quiz engines. Where to Find the Quiz Cardinal Converter The Converter Tool can be located directly at https://qti.uiw.edu Alternatively, you can find the option within any Canvas course. To do this, select the three dots in the Quizzes menu and choose Convert File to QTI. File Format Overview Choose the format that best fits your workflow: TXT/Markdown (.txt, .md): Full feature support, human-readable, great for version control Microsoft Word (.docx): Full feature support, familiar interface for most users CSV (.csv): Limited to Multiple Choice and Multiple Response, ideal for bulk question creation Best Practices by Format TXT/Markdown Files Best for complex quizzes with feedback and custom settings Human-readable and version control friendly When adding new questions, we recommend leaving a blank line between each question as depicted in the template. While an empty line is not necessary, it may help with formatting and editing Supports all question types and features Use consistent formatting for easier editing Microsoft Word Files Familiar interface for most users Supports all question types and features When adding new questions, we recommend leaving a blank line between each question as depicted in the template. While an empty line is not necessary, it may help with formatting and editing Good for collaborative editing Ensure consistent formatting when copying from other sources CSV Files Ideal for bulk creation of simple multiple choice questions Easy to generate from databases or other systems Limited to MC and MR question types only No feedback or advanced features supported Perfect for standardized test banks Recommended Programs by File Type TXT/MD DOCX CSV TextEdit (Built-in macOS) Notepad (Built-in Windows) Notepad++ (Windows) Obsidian (macOS, Windows) Visual Studio Code (macOS, Windows) Microsoft Word (macOS, Windows, Online) Microsoft Excel (macOS, Windows, Online) Supported Question Types Question Type / Feature TXT/MD DOCX CSV Quiz Title and Description Full Support Full Support Does Not Support Multiple Choice Full Support Full Support Basic Support True/False Full Support Full Support Basic Support Multiple Answer Full Support Full Support Basic Support Numerical Full Support Full Support Basic Support Short Answer/Fill in Blank Full Support Full Support Basic Support Essay Full Support Full Support Basic Support File Upload Full Support Full Support Basic Support Feedback Options Full Support Full Support Does Not Support Question Groups Full Support Full Support Does Not Support Custom Quiz Settings Full Support Full Support Does Not Support CSV Format Structure CSV Limitations: Basic Support means CSV can create the question type but without advanced features like feedback, custom titles, or special formatting. No feedback, custom titles, question groups, or quiz settings. Questions use default formatting and point values from column C only. CSV files must follow this exact column structure: Column Purpose Values A Question Type MC, MR, TF, NUM, NUMR, SA, ESSAY, UPLOAD B Unused Leave empty (required for formatting) C Points 0-100, up to 2 decimal places (e.g., 3.33) D Question Text The question content E Correct Answer(s) 1-5 for MC/TF, multiple numbers for MR, exact values for NUM, ranges for NUMR, pipe-separated answers for SA, ____ for ESSAY, ^^^^ for UPLOAD F-J Answer Choices Answer options (clear unused cells) Quiz Title and Description TXT/MD/DOCX Format: Quiz title: Addition Quiz Quiz description: A quiz to test basic addition. Optional—if omitted, the quiz is named "Quiz" and has no description Colons are required after "Quiz title" and "Quiz description" CSV format does not support custom quiz titles or descriptions - Quizzes are titled 'Quiz' after import Multiple Choice Questions Supported in: TXT, MD, DOCX, CSV TXT/MD/DOCX Format 1. What is the capital of Japan? *a) Tokyo b) Beijing c) Seoul d) Bangkok Mark correct answer with asterisk (*) Supports per-answer feedback No duplicate choices allowed For True/False, use MC format with True/False options CSV Format A B C D E F G H I J MC 5 What is the capital of Japan? 1 Tokyo Beijing Seoul Bangkok True/False Example: A B C D E F G H I J TF Q5 True or False 1 Water is liquid. 1 TRUE FALSE Use TF in column A for True/False questions Use 1 for True, 0 for False in column E Put TRUE and FALSE in columns F and G No feedback support in CSV format Multiple Answer Questions Supported in: TXT, MD, DOCX, CSV TXT/MD/DOCX Format 2. Which of the following are fish? [ ] Seal [*] Shark [*] Marlin [ ] Orca Use brackets [ ] for options, [*] for correct answers Requires at least one correct answer Feedback supported only in Classic Quizzes CSV Format A B C D E F G H I J MR Q3 Multiple Answer 1 Which of the following are fish? 23 Seal Shark Marlin Orca Use MR in column A for Multiple Response List correct answer numbers without commas in column E (e.g., "23" for answers 2 and 3) No feedback support in CSV format Numerical Questions Supported in: TXT, MD, DOCX, CSV TXT/MD/DOCX Format What is π rounded to four decimals? = 3.1416 What is a value between 10.5 and 12.0? = [10.5, 12.0] What is the square root of 2? = 1.4142 +- 0.0001 Classic Quizzes supports precision and range formats New Quizzes does not support Margin of Error values Feedback causes QTI errors - avoid using CSV Format Exact Answer Example: A B C D E F G H I J NUM Q7 Numerical Exact 1 What is 2+3? 5 Range/Margin of Error Example: A B C D E F G H I J NUMR Q9 Numerical Range 1 What is the square root of 125? 11.18033989 +- 0.0001 Use NUM for exact numerical answers Use NUMR for ranges or margin of error Put the answer/range in column E Leave choice columns F-J empty Short Answer/Fill in the Blank Supported in: TXT, MD, DOCX, CSV TXT/MD/DOCX Format What is the capital of France? *Paris *paris List multiple acceptable answers with asterisks Imports as "Open Entry" in New Quizzes Dropdown and Word Bank must be set manually in Canvas Feedback causes QTI errors - avoid using CSV Format A B C D E F G H I J SA Q11 Short Answer 1 Where are we located? UIW|San Antonio|Work|Office Use SA in column A for Short Answer Separate multiple acceptable answers with pipe symbols (|) in column E Leave choice columns F-J empty Essay Questions Supported in: TXT, MD, DOCX, CSV TXT/MD/DOCX Format Describe the significance of the Renaissance. ____ Use four underscores (____) to indicate essay response area Only general feedback is supported Answer-specific feedback causes conversion errors CSV Format A B C D E F G H I J ESSAY Q13 Essay 1 Write an essay. ____ Use ESSAY in column A Put ____ in column E Leave choice columns F-J empty File Upload Questions Supported in: TXT, MD, DOCX, CSV TXT/MD/DOCX Format Submit your lab report as a PDF file. ^^^^ Use four carets (^^^^) to indicate file upload Only one file upload per question is allowed Only general feedback is supported CSV Format A B C D E F G H I J UPLOAD Q15 File Upload 1 Upload a file. ^^^^ Use UPLOAD in column A Put ^^^^ in column E Leave choice columns F-J empty Feedback Options Supported in: TXT, MD, DOCX only General Feedback 1. What is 2 + 3? ... General feedback: Remember to double-check your addition! Correct/Incorrect Feedback + Correct! Great job. - Not quite. Try again. Answer-Specific Feedback a) 6 ... Feedback: This is close. *b) 5 ... Yes, that's the correct answer! Only Multiple Choice supports per-answer feedback in both Classic and New Quizzes Other question types support general feedback in Classic Quizzes only Feedback on Numerical and Short Answer causes QTI errors CSV format does not support any feedback options Question Groups Supported in: TXT, MD, DOCX only Groups allow Canvas to randomly select from a set of questions. GROUP pick: 2 points per question: 1 1. Question 1 *a) True b) False 2. Question 2 *a) True b) False END_GROUP pick: sets the number of questions shown (defaults to 1) points per question: sets the point value (defaults to 1) All questions in a group must be worth the same points CSV format cannot create question groups Custom Quiz Settings Supported in: TXT, MD, DOCX only Settings must be placed directly below the description. Use true or false values: shuffle answers: true show correct answers: true one question at a time: false can't go back: false Behavior may vary between Classic and New Quizzes Always preview imported quizzes to confirm settings CSV format cannot set custom quiz options Preview, Testing, and Templates Always preview your quiz in Canvas after import. If you encounter issues: Check for unsupported feedback types Validate formats for Numerical and Grouped questions Manually review question groups and custom settings Verify CSV column structure and data types Test with a small sample before bulk importing Templates Templates are available for each format to help you get started. Download the appropriate template, modify it with your content, and upload to ensure proper formatting.

When instructors create a quiz in Canvas by clicking the Quiz button on the Quizzes page, a pop-up prompts them to select a "Quiz Engine," choosing between Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes. Understanding the differences is important, as each offers different features, limitations, and long-term implications. Classic Quizzes is the original Canvas quizzing tool. It remains available but is being phased out gradually. No formal end-of-life date has been announced yet. New Quizzes is Canvas's modern quizzing tool, offering additional question types, flexible settings, and an improved user interface. Instructors are encouraged to adopt New Quizzes unless their course requires a Classic-specific feature. For a side-by-side feature breakdown, review the Canvas Comparison Chart: Classic vs. New Quizzes. How to Distinguish Between Classic and New Quizzes When reviewing quizzes in your course, you can tell the difference by looking for the following: New Quizzes will have a small "solid rocket" icon next to the quiz name. Classic Quizzes will have a "hollow rocket" or no special icon. You can also verify the engine by opening the quiz settings: New Quizzes have a "build" option, which is another primary distinguishing factor. Key Limitations of New Quizzes Accessibility Concerns Some question types—such as Hot Spot, Matching, and those using table headers—currently have unresolved accessibility issues. Instructure plans improvements in 2025. Consider alternative question types for students using screen readers or assistive technology. No Native Survey Question-Type New Quizzes does not support true survey-style quizzes (no correct answers). However, you can simulate a survey by setting questions to zero points and adjusting feedback settings. No Option to Convert Back Once a quiz is created in New Quizzes, it cannot be converted back to Classic Quizzes. If you migrate a Classic Quiz to New Quizzes, the migration is permanent. Plan carefully when creating new assessments. Classic vs. New Quizzes FAQ Is there a date when Classic Quizzes will no longer be available? No end date has been announced yet. However, New Quizzes will eventually replace Classic Quizzes. Instructors are encouraged to become familiar with New Quizzes now. UIW Canvas Support will communicate any major changes or timelines. For help, contact UIW Canvas Support. Why don't I see the option to choose Classic or New Quizzes? If you do not see the quiz engine selection pop-up, a previous choice was saved. To reset it: Go to the Quizzes page in Canvas. Click the three dots next to the + Quiz button. Select Reset Quiz Engine Choice. Where can I learn more about New Quizzes? New Quizzes Hub (Product updates, discussions, roadmap) New Quizzes Instructor Guides New Quizzes FAQ

Note: This guide assumes Microsoft Education has already been set up in your course. If not, follow the setup guide to enable Microsoft Assignments in Canvas. Microsoft Assignments provide instructors with flexible assignment options that support diverse submission formats including videos and audio recordings through Flip, Microsoft documents, and more. This assignment type offers a multi-modal approach to assignments for students, and they integrate seamlessly with Canvas while offering enhanced multimedia capabilities through Microsoft's ecosystem. Create a Microsoft Assignment Microsoft Assignments handle details and due dates exclusively during the setup process, not through traditional Canvas assignment settings. You can create these assignments from either the Modules or Assignments area. From Assignments Page Navigate to the Canvas Assignments page, select the three-dot menu, and choose Microsoft Education. From Modules Page Navigate to the Canvas Modules page, select the three-dot menu beside a module, and choose Microsoft Education. After selecting Microsoft Education, choose the Assignment option. Configure Assignment Settings Microsoft Assignments require detailed configuration during creation, as settings cannot be modified through standard Canvas assignment options later. Title and Description Provide a clear title and detailed description. The description is critical for Microsoft Assignments since students can submit various formats (videos, documents, recordings). Specify exactly what submission type you expect to avoid confusion. Reference Materials (Optional) Use the Attach, New, or Learning Accelerators options to provide students with reference materials: Website links or attached files New Microsoft documents Learning accelerators Flip video recordings Assignment Parameters Set the due date, due time, and point value during creation. While these can be adjusted later, establishing them during setup is recommended for proper gradebook integration. Note: The rubric option here creates a Microsoft-made rubric, not a Canvas rubric. You can attach Canvas rubrics after assignment completion without using Microsoft's rubric feature. Select Save to complete the assignment creation. The assignment will appear in your course's Assignments area. Student Experience Students access Microsoft Assignments like any other Canvas assignment. They'll see the assignment information, description, and any reference materials you've provided. In this example, a Flip video recording was attached during creation using the "New" option. Tip: A separate submission guide is available to share with students. Grading Microsoft Assignments Microsoft Assignments display differently from traditional Canvas assignments, featuring an embedded window with student enrollment status and submission tracking (late, submitted, graded). Important: Microsoft Assignments are managed exclusively through this embedded interface and do not support Canvas SpeedGrader. They use Microsoft's own grading system. To start grading a submission, select a student with "Turned In" status to open their submission in Microsoft's grading interface. The grading interface resembles Canvas SpeedGrader, with submission content on the left and grading tools on the right. Note: Microsoft Forms assignments use a different grading interface than shown here. Grading Features Student Navigation: Switch between submissions using the student name picker Feedback: Use the Rich Content Editor to provide detailed feedback with attachment options Grade Assignment: Enter point values and sync to Canvas gradebook Submit Grades to Canvas After reviewing the submission and providing feedback, assign point values and select Return and sync to send grades to Canvas. The dropdown arrow offers a "Return for revisions" option, allowing students to address feedback before final grading. Note: If grading options appear greyed out, ensure you assigned points during creation. Edit the assignment to add point values if needed. Frequently Asked Questions How do I add a Canvas rubric to a Microsoft Assignment? If you didn't use Microsoft's rubric during creation, you can attach a Canvas rubric normally through the assignment details page, just like any other assignment. Can I limit submissions to one attempt? Microsoft Assignments don't fully integrate with Canvas attempt limitations, but you can control this through your grading approach. The assignment interface clearly shows which students have resubmitted, so you can choose to grade only the first submission and communicate this policy to students. Why can't I grade using Canvas SpeedGrader? Microsoft Assignments use their own grading interface that's integrated into the assignment view. This allows for better handling of multimedia submissions and Microsoft-specific content, but requires using the embedded grading interface instead of Canvas SpeedGrader. What submission types can students use? Students can attach various file formats in their submission: Flip video recordings Microsoft 365 documents (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Audio recordings via Flip On-device file attachments Be specific in your assignment description about which format you expect to avoid confusion.