Assignments Overview

Assignments Overview

  • The Assignment tool allows instructors to create assignments that students can make submissions to directly within Quercus.
  • Instructors (or anyone with grading privileges) can assign grades and provide feedback (e.g., as a message attached to the grade) within Quercus.
  • When an assignment is created using the Assignment tool, a Gradebook column is automatically created. 
  • Assignments can also be added to any module, and you can create as many of them as you need.
  • Once students have submitted their assignments, instructors will be able to view and grade their work using the SpeedGrader tool that is accessed via the Gradebook.
  • It is possible to include individual accommodations for students who need extra time.
  • Assignments can be used with Ouriginal to obtain textual similarity analysis of submitted content.
  • Instructors may also want to provide a link for their students on how to submit and verify assignments in Quercus.

 

Comparison of Quercus Assignments and Quizzes

Comparison Table of Quercus Assessment Types

Options

Assignments

Quizzes
Peer review assignment​ Checkmark  
Group assignment​ Checkmark ​
Auto-graded questions​   Checkmark
Randomize questions and answers​ ​ Checkmark
Ouriginal option​ Checkmark  
Annotate in SpeedGrader​ Checkmark ​
Timed assessment
  • Can limit to specific window, no timer
  • no Auto Submit

Checkmark

  • Can limit to specific window and specific duration with timer
  • Auto Submit feature
Batch downloads
  • Submitted assignments can be batch downloaded
  • For graded assignments – can only batch download if download and upload process was used for grading

Checkmark

  • CSV File can be downloaded

 

Assignments Page (from Course Menu)

The Assignments Page is accessed from the Course Menu and is the location for any items you will be using to grade students. 

The screenshot below shows the Assignments area, the +Assignment button and a sample published assignment.

  • Assignments in the Course Navigation Menu
  • +Assignments to create an assignment
  • A published assignment - available for student submissions

 

Assignments Area


Assignment Groups

  • All graded assignments, including quizzes, graded discussion boards, assignment submissions, participation marks can be organized in the Assignments area of the Course Navigation Menu using Assignment Groups.
  • Each Assignment Group must have at least one assignment.

Items in the Assignment Groups can be weighted so that final grades are calculated automatically based on Quercus items that have been graded. More information on Assignment Groups & Weighted Grades can be found at the link provided below.
https://library.utm.utoronto.ca/faculty/canvas/weightedgrades


Assignment Tips and Suggestions

  • It is recommended that you share a link to instructions on how to submit an assignment and what to do if students encounter any issues.
  • Please reinforce that students should not use their phones to submit assignments.
  • Assignments can be added to any module, and you can create as many of them as you need.
  • Ask students to use specific filename (e.g., Lastname_FirstInitial_AssignmentName) 
  • The file size limit for Quercus (Canvas) assignments is < 500 MB, and there are recommended file types and fonts.
  • The file size limit for Ouriginal assignments is <100 MB, and there are specific recommended file types.
  • Use Restrict Upload File Type with caution, as all acceptable file types must be listed in order for students to be able to upload their assignments (e.g., .doc, .docx,pdf).
  • Set the deadlines for assignments at a reasonable hour e.g., for 5:00 pm, 8:00 pm, and specify the time zone (i.e., UTM time, or EDT/EST), as setting a deadline for 11:59 am / pm can be stressful and confusing for students.