Grade Assignments Using SpeedGrader

SpeedGrader allows you to view and grade student assignment submissions in one place using a simple point scale or complex rubric. Canvas accepts a variety of document formats and even URLs as assignment submissions. Some document assignments can be marked up for feedback directly within the submission. You can also provide feedback to your students with text or media comments. 

When Would I Use SpeedGrader? 

You can use SpeedGrader to: 

• Sort submissions by student and hide student names for anonymous grading 

• View submission details for each student, including resubmitted assignments 

• Use rubrics to assign grades   

• Leave feedback for your students 

• Track your grading progress and hide assignments while grading 

• View submissions in moderated assignments 

How do I get to SpeedGrader from an assignment, quiz, or graded discussion?

1. From the assignment description page, click SpeedGrader on the right-hand Related Items menu.

2. The student's name will be displayed in the top right corner. You can use the left and right arrows on either side of the name to navigate to the previous or next student.

   1. Clicking on the drop-down arrow opens a list of students.

3. The in-line grading tool ribbon above the file viewer allow you to make annotations and leave feedback within the file itself.

4. The file viewer is the central component of the SpeedGrader and allows you to view/access the submission without having to download the file.

5. Submission details in the right-hand panel include a link to download the submission as well as the submission upload date.

6. A small assessment grade field in the right-hand panel allows you to enter the grade for the submission.
   a. Once a grade is entered, the assignment is updated automatically and saved.

7. Below the assessment grade field, you can also leave assessment comments on the submission rather than using the in-line annotations.
   a. This function allows you to attach a file or leave a video or audio feedback.
   b. You must click Submit in order to save any feedback is the Assignment Comments box, as it does not automatically save like the grade entry box.

Tips for Using SpeedGrader

The SpeedGrader is a great tool for grading students and giving feedback. There are some adjustable settings to make grading even quicker.

Sort Students

Eliminate the need to scroll through a long list of students. Instead, group students by Needs Grading, Graded, and No Submission to make it easier to manage grading. Learn how to sort the student list in SpeedGrader.

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Reuse Frequent Feedback

The Comment Library allows instructors to save and reuse commonly used text feedback. As an instructor, you can add new comments and delete existing comments in the Comment Library. Comments you have added to the Comment Library are accessible from each course in which you are enrolled as an instructor. Learn how to use the Comment Library in SpeedGrader.

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Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Quick Navigation

SpeedGrader has several built-in keyboard shortcuts for navigating.  Mousing around a screen takes time, so if you use the SpeedGrader tool a lot, mastering a few simple keyboard shortcuts can make repetitive tasks go faster. Learn more about Canvas Keyboard Shortcuts.

The shortcuts only work if you have the submission information and grading panel “in focus.” If you have clicked on the document and are in the process of making annotations for a student, the shortcuts will not work until you have clicked on the right panel. In addition, if you use the shortcut for either “Leave comment” or “Change grade,” you will need to click outside those text-entry fields before you use another shortcut.