How to limit text editor

Question

Hello! I am using a canvas assignment text box to do an in-class writing task for my students. I would like to limit the features of the text box to prevent cheating. How can I remove features like "add code" or "access google" so that students can only do the simple task of typing an essay? I am already using Securly to prevent them from opening new tabs.

Chris · Accepted Answer

Hi @MindyWolfrom,

Canvas pretty much has a single text box (often referred to as the Rich Content Editor) for all text-based tasks in Canvas.  SpeedGrader comments and the Canvas inbox are two major exceptions ot that rule that I'm aware of, but everything else is essentially identical.  That means the options students will have when submitting text entry assignments are the same ones teachers will have when creating content like assignments or pages…. Without getting into custom javascript or css, which is something that would have to be cerated and inserted by an admin, it's not really possible to customize the textbox much just for students.

I hope this info helps, even if it's not what you were hoping to hear.  You could defintely submit this as something for Instructure to consider adding to Canvas in the future by following the steps in the How do I contribute to the Collaborative Roadmap guide.

-Chris