What is SpeedGrader?

As an instructor, SpeedGrader allows you to view and grade student assignment submissions in one place using a simple point scale or complex rubric. Canvas accepts a variety of document formats and even URLs as assignment submissions. Some document assignments can be marked up for feedback directly within the submission. You can also provide feedback to your students with text or media comments.

View a video about SpeedGrader

When Would I Use SpeedGrader?

You can use SpeedGrader to:

  • Sort submissions by student and hide student names for anonymous grading
  • View submission details for each student, including resubmitted assignments
  • Use rubrics to assign grades  
  • Leave feedback comments for your students
  • Track your grading progress and hide assignments while grading
  • View submissions in moderated assignments

View SpeedGrader

For each student, you can use the areas in SpeedGrader to do the following:

  • View student submissions (text entries, website URLs, media recordings, and/or file uploads); preview supported file types in Canvas DocViewer; review other file format submissions using the document previewer or Google Preview
  • Assign a grade based on your preferred assessment method (points or percentage)
  • View the Rubric to assist with grading (if one is added to the assignment)
  • View comments created by you or the student about the assignment
  • Leave feedback comments by entering text, selecting emojis, selecting pre-made comments from the comment library, attaching files, recording or uploading media, recording screen captures, or adding audio commentary.
  • Reassign the assignment
  • Download or print submission comments

Note: You can use keyboard shortcuts to navigate SpeedGrader. To view a window with a list of keyboard navigation shortcuts, press the Shift+Question Mark keys simultaneously on your keyboard.

Access Modernized SpeedGrader Platform

If the Modernized SpeedGrader Platform is enabled at your institution and in the course, you can view and use an updated SpeedGrader interface. This feature enhances performance for a faster, smoother experience for users handling larger courses or complex assignments.

SpeedGrader interface updates include:

  • A streamlined interface for the Section drop-down menu
  • A clearer and more prominent No Submission alert
  • An improved interface for courses without content
  • The Submission Status is updated to a drop-down menu
  • Rubrics are automatically displayed in the traditional view
  • Media attachments and submission comments are moved and the delete icon is changed.

Note: When the Enhanced Rubric feature option is enabled, instructors can choose additional rubric views.