What is the core function of the Document Processor for 3rd Party Integrations?
When a student submits work to Canvas, Canvas notifies the document processor. The processor then picks up the submission, performs a service (like similarity detection, AI detection, translation, or accessibility checks), and returns one or more reports back to Canvas for review.
Where is this supported as of release date?
As of the February 21 release, the Document Processor is supported in Canvas Assignments only. Support for graded Discussions will be added in a future release.
Is the Document Processor enabled by default?
No, it is disabled by default. The Document Processor is opt-in at launch. Administrators must enable the Document Processor feature flag at the account or course level before instructors can use it. This allows institutions to adopt the feature on their own timeline without disrupting existing workflows. There will be a Q2 date announced when it will be enabled by default and customers will have the ability to opt out before then.
Who can enable the Document Processor?
Only Canvas administrators can enable the Document Processor feature flag at the account level. Administrators can choose to make this flag available to instructors at the course level or to enable or disable the tool for all courses. Once enabled, instructors can choose whether to add a document processor to individual assignments.
What are the UI changes included with this release?
For Instructors —
- New placement of the Document Processor appearing in Assignment creation when using text entry or file upload submission types.
- The TurnItIn placement on the right side of the screen in Speedgrader and the analysis of the submitted assignment.
- The ability to “view report” from TurnItIn in Speedgrader.
For Students –
- “Please Review” in Grades under the new Document Processor column.
- “Document Processors- Please Review ” link on top of the page when clicked into an individual assignment.
- End User License Agreement on first assignment with a new tool, if the tool requires it.
What benefits does this offer compared to existing methods of integrating third party plagiarism detection tools?
Previously, there was no way for LTI 1.3 tools to appear in SpeedGrader or receive information about assignments not submitted directly to them. This integration method allows assignments to be submitted directly to Canvas, without the student having to interact with the 3rd party tool. The tool can then check the work and send a report back to be shown in SpeedGrader within the instructor’s normal workflow. This feature also enables tools to send back multiple reports, supporting AI detection. It is built with flexibility as to the kind of report returned so that if new tools are developed offering other services, such as:
- Custom LLM-based AI checkers.
- Autograding processes for submitted code.
- Translation services.
- Accessibility services.
Will this feature support AI detection?
Yes. Each tool can return multiple reports, so if a tool offers both plagiarism/similarity detection and AI detection, reports for both can be sent back and displayed in SpeedGrader (including TurnItIn's AI checks).
Is this for TurnItIn only? What about other partners?
No, TurnItIn is just the first partner to integrate using the Document Processor, but this feature is not limited to TurnItIn. We hope to see more tools follow, potentially offering solutions such as translation services, captioning of media, and other innovative solutions.
Will this affect my existing assignments?
No, existing assignments are not automatically changed by enabling the Document Processor. Existing assignments will continue to function as they do today unless instructors choose to update them.
Can instructors choose whether to use a document processor on an assignment?
Yes. Instructors can decide on a per-assignment basis whether to add a document processor. Instructors are not required to use a document processor on every assignment.
What happens if a document is still processing when grading begins?
Document processing occurs asynchronously in the background. Instructors may see indicators that “The document processor has not returned any reports for this file” if a report has not finished processing. Once processing is complete, reports automatically appear in SpeedGrader. Grading workflows are not blocked while processing is underway.
Does the Document Processor work with SpeedGrader and rubrics?
Yes. Reports returned by document processors appear directly in SpeedGrader, where instructors already grade student work. This includes support for standard SpeedGrader workflows, including rubrics.
Does the Document Processor support group assignments?
Group assignments are fully supported.
What happens when assignments using a document processor are copied to another course?
If the LTI tool is available in the new course’s context, the assignments with a document processor enabled will continue to have that tool enabled. If the tool is not available in the new context, the asset processor settings will be removed from the assignment.
What file types are supported?
Supported file types depend on the individual third-party tool. Canvas securely delivers submitted files to the document processor, and each tool determines which file formats it can analyze. Tools can return a specific error message indicating that a file type is unsupported if that is the case, which Canvas will display in Speedgrader.
What is the migration plan for customers using the old TurnItIn Canvas Plagiarism Framework (CPF)?
A migration tool is being built to automatically update existing CPF assignments to the new workflow. When it is ready, administrators will be able to determine the best timing for their institution to migrate. The migration tool is expected to be ready by Q2. Customers on CPF may choose to wait for this tool before fully adopting the new processor.
What permissions are needed for a tool using this new specification?
All tools using the Document Processor (Asset Processor specification) will need the following permissions:
- Can register to be notified when Document Processor Assignment is submitted to.
- Can retrieve submissions from Document Processor Assignments.
- Can send reports for Document Processor Assignments.
Additionally, if the tool will be displaying its End User License Agreement (EULA) in Canvas, it will require:
- Can reset EULA acceptance status.
- Can track if EULA has been accepted.
The tool will also need to be set up in the Assignment Document Processor placement.
***TurnItIn’s Inherited LTI 1.3 Key already has these settings configured.
Will there be a detailed guide?
Yes, a detailed write-up is being prepared to provide guidance to customers based on their current TurnItIn configuration (CPF, 1.1, or 1.3), with a Q2 timeline anticipated.
When will the document processor be enabled in Discussions?
Support for graded Discussions is planned for later this year. A specific date has not yet been finalized.
What should customers do now?
- LTI 1.3 users: You may opt in and begin using the Document Processor when ready.
- LTI 1.1 users: Install the LTI 1.3 tool to take advantage of this feature.
- CPF users: You may choose to wait for the migration tool expected in Q2.
If you are unsure which path applies to your institution, contact your Customer Success Manager for guidance.