How do I create a Google Docs Assignment in Canvas?

Quick Links: | Prerequisites | Instructions | Troubleshooting | Next Steps |

Using Google Assignments in your Canvas course streamlines the process of creating, distributing, and grading assignments using Google Workspace for Education tools. This guide walks you through the steps to create Google Assignments with Canvas, enabling a smoother workflow for both instructors and students. By following this guide, you'll learn how to create an assignment, configure submission types, and choose grading options that best fit your teaching strategy.

Prerequisites

  • Ensure you have instructor access to your Canvas course.
  • Familiarity with Canvas and Google Workspace for Education interfaces is helpful but not required.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To create a Google Docs assignment in Canvas, do the following:

Setting Up the Assignment

  1. Sign in to Canvas and navigate to your course.
  2. From the course sidebar, select Assignments and then choose +Assignment.
  3. Enter a name and description for your assignment.
  4. (Optional) Add a point value and due date, enter the details in the respective fields. Keep in mind:
    • Total points are automatically imported into Google Assignments to facilitate grading. Assignments set to zero points will be ungraded in Google Assignments. Decimal values for points will be rounded down.
    • Due dates set in Canvas with a single due date for all students are automatically imported into Google Assignments. If there are multiple due dates, the due date in Google Assignments will remain unset.

Configuring Submission and Grading

  1. Under Submission Type, click the down arrow and then select External Tool.
  2. Select Find and choose Google Assignments LTI 1.3.
  3. Depending on your sign-in status with Google Workspace for Education:
    • If signed in—Select Continue.
    • If not signed in—Sign in with your Chico State Google account using [username]@csuchico.edu 
    • If signed in to multiple accounts—Select Switch account and sign in with your Chico State Google Account.
  4. If this is your first time using Assignments in this course, link your Canvas account to your Google Account as directed.
  5. (Optional) To enable originality reports, next to Originality reports, click the switch to On and then select Continue.
  6. (Optional) To make individual copies of a file for each student based on a template, select Attach, choose the assignment template file, and then select  Add.
  7. Choose a grading option:
    • To use Google’s grading interface, select Google Assignments.
      • Files students submit are shared with the instructor.
      • To add a rubric, select Add and then Create rubric.
    • To use Canvas’s SpeedGrader, select Canvas SpeedGrader.
      • Files submitted by students automatically upload to SpeedGrader.

Save the Assignment

  1. Select Create.
  2. In Canvas, choose Select and then choose Save or Save & Publish to finalize the assignment setup.

Troubleshooting

  • If you encounter issues with linking your Chico State Google account, ensure you're using the correct account and have the necessary permissions.
  • Problems with assignment visibility can often be resolved by checking the publication status in Canvas.
  • For difficulties with originality reports or file attachments, verify that the settings are correctly enabled and that the files are properly attached.

Next Steps

Still need help? Reach out to the Technology & Learning Program for further assistance.

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