Embedded Files
Now that we've transitioned to Semester 2, let's make sure that we have checked the beginning of the year settings on Canvas. If you imported your course settings, most of these should already been in your Canvas site for semester 2. But it never hurts to double check your work!
#1 Set Course Grading Scheme
This is what sets up the letter grade scheme you're using for the class. Choose between SHS Whole Letter Grades, SHS IB Grading, or SHS General Grading (with +/-).
To find this, go to the Course, select Settings from course navigation, and scroll down until you see Grading Scheme (just above License and Visibility). Don't forget to hit the green button to Update Course Details to save your changes.
#2 Cumulative Grade & Graphs
Uncheck the box that hides totals from your students so they are able to see their total grade in the Canvas gradebook.
Check the box to hide distribution graphs (this is meant to ease student anxiety and increase privacy).​
To find these settings, go to the Course, select Settings from course navigation, and select the tiny green text that says more options at the bottom of the main settings. Don't forget to hit the green button to Update Course Details to save your changes.
#3 Create Group Assignments & Weights
Add your gradebook categories at weights (% of final grade) from the assignments page to reflect your syllabus. If you do not want a category to impact the final grade (formative assessments, peer grades, etc.), you can set it as a weight of 0%.
To find these settings, go to the Course, select Assignments from course navigation, and select the gray box labelled + Group in the top right corner. Repeat for all categories - you can check that your categories add up to 100% by selecting the 3 dot menu in the top right next to + Assignments and select Assignment Groups Weight.
#4 Gradebook Settings
Setup your late policies (automatically mark as missing and/or apply a late deduction) and your grade posting policy.
To find these settings, go to the Course, select Gradebook from course navigation, and select the gray settings/cog icon in the top right corner. Use the tabs at the top to select your settings. Don't forget to hit Apply Settings to save your changes.
#5 Setup Gradebook Filters
You can use filters to make it easier to find assignments, students, and enter grades by class period. It makes it a little easier to navigate the gradebook.
BONUS: You can add a notes column to add private notes about students for you to view in the gradebook such as accommodations for extended time, retakes, or a preferred name.
To find these settings, go to the Course, select Gradebook from course navigation, and select the View menu in the top left corner. Select all options you with to apply.
#6 Import Content from Past Courses
Remember that you can import content from Semester 1 or even last year's course(s) to you don't have to recreate each assignment and page you want to try again this year! Here's a quick refresher video on how to do that!
To find this, go to the Course and select Import Existing Content from the top right corner of your homepage.
#7 Additional Resources
That's all I have for you. All of these tips were provided in the training in September as we made the transition to the Canvas gradebook. Feel free to peruse at your own leisure.
There's also the semester transition checklist that Joshua Moore provided last month to make sure your transition was smooth!
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