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Assessment Tools

NEW: A vision for education and skills at Newcastle University: Education for Life 2030+

Canvas Assignments

Newcastle University encourages the use of online submissions for assessments, with Canvas as the primary platform for hosting assignments. Submission points are created in the Assignments area of Canvas and offer a range of options to enhance assessment workflows, such as group assignments, peer reviews, and independently double-marked assignments.

It is also possible to include a Turnitin similarity report to check for indications of plagiarism

Newcastle University's Assessment, Feedback and Marking Policy includes guidance on the use of Turnitin for online assessment submissions. (Section: Online Submissions, Page 15)

Benefits of Canvas Assignment Submissions

There are many benefits to using online assignment submissions for both students and academics, including ease of use, availability, and accessibility. Some of the key benefits of using Canvas assignments include:

Multiple file submissions – This allows students to submit multiple files in different formats, for example an Excel file alongside a PDF poster and a Word report. Students can also upload media files or create content directly within the assignment, such as a video.

Similarity checker – The Turnitin similarity checker can be embedded within the assignment settings to check written assessments for potential plagiarism.

Online marking tools – SpeedGrader offers a variety of marking tools, giving academics a wide range of options when providing feedback while keeping submissions anonymous. These tools include inline comments, overall comments, annotations, and video feedback.

Rubrics – A rubric can be attached to an assignment and made visible to students before submission. This clearly communicates assessment criteria and enhances the marking process by providing a structured grading framework.

Delegated marking – By using sections in Canvas, team marking can be set up to divide student submissions among colleagues for feedback and marking.

Peer assessment – Canvas assignments include an option to enable peer assessment, allowing students to review and provide feedback on their peers’ work.

Group assignment submission – For assessments that involve group work, assignments can be configured to allow one group member to submit on behalf of the group. You can choose whether all group members receive the same grade or individual grades.

Independently double-marked assignments – This feature allows multiple markers to independently grade submissions, after which a final mark is agreed. If you are interested in using this setting in Canvas, it is recommended that you contact the Digital Assessment team via ltds@newcastle.ac.uk 

Creating a standard Canvas assignment

Guidance on how to set up an assignment in Canvas

Marking a Canvas assignment with Speedgrader and releasing grades and feedback

For guidance on how to mark an assignment submissions using Speedgrader and then the steps to following to release feedback and grades to students

Creating a Canvas Group Assignment

Learn about Group submissions in Canvas that allow students to collaborate on assignments and submit them as a team. Only one member needs to submit the assignment on behalf of the group. All group members receive the same grade, promoting teamwork and shared responsibility.

Peer Reviews

Peer reviews in Canvas allow students to evaluate each other's work, fostering critical thinking and constructive feedback. Reviews can be anonymous, and instructors can use rubrics to guide evaluations.

Moderated Graded Assignments

Learn about moderated graded assignments in Canvas allow multiple reviewers to grade a student's work, creating provisional grades. A moderator then reviews these grades and selects the final grade. This is suitable for no more than 10 graders.

Turnitin

For information on Turnitin plagiarism checker and how to create a Turnitin assignment in Canvas.

Supporting Students with Digital Assignments

It is not possible to submit a file on behalf of a student for either a Canvas Assignment.  If a student is experiencing problems submitting an assignment contact the IT Service Desk via NU Service. 

Guidance for students on how to submit assignment on the Academic Skills Kit pages.

Feedback for Students 

Information to support students on Accessing Student Feedback is also on the Academic Skills Kit pages.