Submitting Multiple File Types in One Assignment

Is there a way to submit multiple file types in one Canvas Assignment Submission? For example, if I want a student to turn in a video from STUDIO in addition to a PDF file turn-in sheet, can both be turned in at the same time? It seems when a video is attached through Canvas Studio, you can't also go back and select another file to be added.

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James

@CharlesVideo

I realize that not everyone's workflow is the same as mine. Here's what I suggest.

Instead of multiple submissions for the same assignment, use multiple assignments where you restrict the type for each one. As a student, it's sometimes easy to miss the directions that there needs to be two files. As an instructor, I always miss when a student uploads multiple files because I'm used to seeing just one (and my directions normally call for them to combine the files together into a single one before uploading).

Having separate assignments lets the student know there are two things that are submitted and it allows you to enforce the right kind of submission. If they upload one, the other assignment is still showing that it's missing. I also get to provide feedback and let them resubmit one part of it (likely the PDF) without having to redo the video.

In your case where it will not allow you to go back and pick something else after a video, then it's even more important that they be separated into different assignments.

Even if allows you to upload the PDF first and then the Studio submission, that's going to be confusing for students who, at least for me, don't follow detailed directions of how to do something. I know it's more work for me to grade two assignments than one, but it can be a better experience for the students when the submission requirements are complicated.

RecycledElectro

Turning in multiple files of different file types is easy.

The first 2 pics are how I set up the assignment as the instructor. The 3rd pic is what a student sees.

I'm not sure about Studio.

paul_fynn

@CharlesVideo you have some good advice on how to do this from @RecycledElectro , and even better advice from @James as to why you perhaps shouldn't do this.

My rule of thumb is that if what you are asking of students is required at different times, is of different evidence or performance types, or mixes individual and group work, then you really need to have two separate assignments. Depending on your local assessment management arrangements and regulations, this may need to be specified in your unit of delivery documentation, and in your Student Information System

We have regular appeals from students because they didn't upload both files to the assignment at the same time, and either loaded them separately (we can only grade the latest submission and file under our regs). or attempted to load the second file after the submission point had closed. Rightly or wrongly, on a strict reading of our regulations that is the student's problem.

If you must do this in a single assignment, please make sure that you have clear instructions to the students as to what it is that they are required to submit, when, and in what form eg single combined document, multiple files, zip file (this will impact student quota and size for video and plagiarism checks) etc.

@James whilst we can discourage our own colleagues from having multiple file submissions, this still comes up as a student appeal more frequently than I would like. It would be nice to find a way to 'design the problem out'

Do you feel there might be scope for a Canvas configuration which allows an assignment to be marked as 'students will upload multiple files' such that on submission the student can receive a nudge to the effect that

**your assignment requires that you submit more than one file - these must be submitted in the same attempt - please check that you have submitted the correct number of files before pressing submit**

paul_fynn

@James 100% agree, particularly

In most cases where multiple submission types are required, I would still urge different assignments. From the student perspective, it is the cleanest way to accomplish it. It also allows faculty to provide feedback on each part separately and handles the case when one part is missing or incorrect. It can create more work for faculty, but that should be weighed against the work saved be students submitting both type successfully.

And then, in the directions, be sure to communicate that this is a two-part assignment and provide a link to the other part.

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