8.1 Viewing an Assignment

There are several areas where you are able to open an assignment. The most common locations to view assignments are in the Calendar, Modules, or the Assignment Page. On the Assignments page, you can view assignments by date or by assignment type.

Other locations may include:

Dashboard To-Do
Course Home Page To-Do list
Syllabus
Course Grades page

Assignment Types

In Canvas, there are three Assignment types and each type has its own icon:

Assignments
Quizzes
Discussions

Show by Date

This view sorts your assignments into the following sections:

Overdue Assignments: Assignments and Discussions that are past the due date, but are still open for you to submit, have not been submitted, and have not been graded.
Upcoming Assignments: Assignments, Discussions, and Quizzes that have an upcoming due date.
Updated Assignments: Assignments, Discussions, and Quizzes that do not have a due date.
Past Assignments: Assignments and Discussions that are past the due date and either are not available, have been submitted, or have received a grade; and quizzes that are past the due date.

Show by Type

Show by Type will separate your assignments into groups that have been set up by your lecturer.

Viewing Assignment Details

To view the details of an assignment, click on the assignment and review the details listed in the top-center of the page. When an assignment is open for you to submit at any time, you can view the due date, points, and the type(s) of submission(s) you can use for the assignment. You can also view additional details.

8.2 File Upload Assignments

Sometimes a lecturer will require you to hand in a typed-in document through Canvas. For these types of assignments, you will see a "Submit Assignment" button on your assignment page.

Submission options will show up below the instructions once you click the Submit Assignment button. You can then upload a file directly from your computer, or you may also see the options to submit a file from your saved files on Canvas.

Select the "Submit Assignment" button in the top-right corner of the screen.
Select "Choose File."
Find your file in the pop-up window.
Select "Open," then click the "Submit Assignment" button.

Uploading a file to your Assignment:

To upload multiple files, click on "+Add Another File." There is also a space to leave a comment for your lecturer.

NB: Assignments can be re-submitted until the last availability date that your lecturer has set for the assignment. But remember, once submitted you cannot delete your submission!

8.3 Text Entry Assignments

Another option for assignment submissions is Text Entry. Text Entry opens the Rich Content Editor to add text, audio, and images to an assignment that is not a separate document like in a File Upload. If your lecturer wishes for you to submit using Text Entry, you will see this tab.

The Text Entry Box also allows you to easily add video and math equations/expressions, along with your written response if these elements are a necessary part of your work.

Rich Content Editor

screenshot of the process outlined below

[1] Link to a URL: Add links to outside resources

[2] Embed an Image: Add images

[3] Record/Upload Media: Add audio and or video content.

Text Entry Submission

When submitting an assignment through text entry:

Select the "Submit Assignment" button in the top-right corner of the screen.
Be sure the Text Entry tab is selected.
Click in the space below the Rich Content Editor bar and begin typing.
Enter any submission comments if needed. This is simply a note to the instructor.
Select the "Submit Assignment" button.

NB: Assignments can be re-submitted until the last availability date that your lecturer has set for the assignment. But remember, once submitted you cannot delete your submission!

8.4 Website URL Assignments

Sometimes your lecturer will assign you a task to complete work or a project on another website outside of Canvas. After that, the URL can be submitted to the assignment—allowing your lecturer to view your work within the grading tool in Canvas.

If your instructor wishes for you to submit a Website URL, you will see this tab.

Select the "Submit Assignment" button in the top-right corner of the screen.
Be sure the "Website URL" tab is selected.
Click into the entry box and type or paste the entire URL.
Select the "Submit Assignment" button.
There is also a space to leave a comment for your instructor.

Website URL Submission

NB: Assignments can be re-submitted until the last availability date that your lecturer has set for the assignment. But remember, once submitted you cannot delete your submission!

8.5 Media Submission Assignments

In some cases, you may need to submit or upload a video/audio file to an assignment in Canvas. You can also use Canvas to record an audio or video file to submit as an assignment. Alternatively, you can upload an audio or video file that you have saved on your computer.

If you are recording a submission for the first time, you will need to give Canvas permission to access your camera and microphone. Follow the directions on your device to allow access.

Select the "Submit Assignment" button in the top-right corner of the screen.
Be sure the "Media Submission" tab is selected.
Select "Record/Upload Media," then select the "Upload" or "Record" tab depending on how you want to submit.
Choose the correct file type: Audio or Video.
Select the file from your computer’s drive and choose open.
When your file has been uploaded, select "Submit Assignment."
There is also a space to leave a comment for your instructor.

Record or Upload an Audio or Video File

NB: Assignments can be re-submitted until the last availability date that your lecturer has set for the assignment. But remember, once submitted you cannot delete your submission!

8.6 Due Dates

Every assignment set on Canvas is usually given a due date. This includes a specific date and time. In addition, lecturers may have restrictions for when the assignment is available for you to submit.

Due dates will be displayed below the assignment name on both the Module and Assignment Index Page.

Click on the name of the assignment to see more details, such as due dates and date restrictions (if any).

Viewing Due Dates from Modules, Assignments, and Assignment Details

Related Canvas Guides: