Mentions in Google Docs

It is always awesome stumbling upon a feature that instantly enhances your workflow, regardless of what medium it is in. Maybe you found a new way to get that last little bit of toothpaste out of the tube or overheard someone talking about a new app that is *exactly* what you're looking for.

In this case, adding mentions in Google Docs is that awesome feature: It calls attention to the user and sends an email informing them of the comment. It is useful for shared Docs between large groups or two users. 

To create a mention, simply add a comment to a doc by clicking on the Comment icon in the Docs toolbar.

Before you add your comment, type the plus key and enter the recipients Bay Path email address. In the example below, I used +vchavis to ensure the comment mentioned Val.

An email is automatically generated from the commentator (you) to the recipient. Clicking on the top link (in this case, EXT099 Course Redesign - November 2015) will take the user directly to the comment in question.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to let me know!

Canvas Updates and Enhancements - June 27

Canvas provides us with a detailed screencast for every update, however, we have highlighted information below that we believe faculty may find most beneficial. Here's what you can expect this weekend!

*NEW* Excused Assignments

To excuse an assignment for a student, enter the value of EX in the corresponding Gradebook cell. The Gradebook will reflect that the assignment is excused for the student. Excused assignments are not included in the calculation for a student’s total grade.

Students can also be excused from a Group Assignment; the other members of the group will still be able to view and submit the assignment.

iOS Updates

A Calendar for assignments has been introduced, while both Messages and Quizzes have been updated and improved.

If you have any specific question we would be happy to speak with you directly, please call 413-565-6880 or email us at online@baypath.edu 

Permalinks: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-3995 (Web), https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-3996 (iOS)

Canvas Updates - June 6

Canvas provides us with a detailed screencast for every update, however, we have highlighted the information below that we believe faculty may find most beneficial.

Differentiated Assignments by Individual:

When creating or editing an assignment, instructors can specify whether the assignment should be for everyone in the course or for individual students. Only the student(s) specified in the assignment details can view the assignment. Varied due date functionality remains available for each assignment.

• This feature will be live on July 18.
• When enabled, this feature is available for all assignments: Assignments, Quizzes, and Graded Discussions. 

Student Submission Exports:

On their User Profile page, students can download all of their assignment submissions from Canvas. Submission downloads are for both current and past courses and only include files that were submitted to fulfill an assignment; they do not include any submissions modified by instructors, such as annotated submissions.

• The download also includes submissions for group assignments, even if the submission was made by another student in the group. 
• When the export has finished generating, submissions are downloaded as a ZIP file. 

Permalink: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-3803

Have a Google Hangout Instead of a Discussion

Online faculty are using Google Hangouts to augment their discussions and students love the experience! In our MFA Program, students hangout regularly with professors to discuss weekly topics. 

Google Hangouts can be used for discussions, office hours, or meetings with small groups of students or other faculty. One of the perks of a Hangout is that it can be recorded and archived for viewing or reviewing. 

Every student and faculty member has the ability to create a Google Hangout via their University Google accounts. 

You could be using this dynamic tool in your online course! The Center for Online and Digital Learning would be happy to work with you on creating and using a Google Hangout with your students.

Contact Mary Wiseman, Online Course Builder, at 413.565.6808 or mwiseman@baypath.edu to schedule an appointment!

Creating Assignment Groups and Weighting Assignments

In this video, you'll learn how to create and weigh assignment groups within your Canvas classroom.
The creation of assignment groups will help you organize the assignments in your Canvas course.

For more information on assignment groups, check out this Canvas Guide!

If you have questions, contact Mary Wiseman, Online Course Builder at 413.565.6808.

You can also contact the Center for Online and Digital Learning at 413.565.6880 or online@baypath.edu!