[Assignments] Disable comments for students when submitting assignments

[sj_crewther]

Problem statement:

A lot of students in our large competitive course are using the comment function when submitting their assignments to try and influence the marker and the grade receive by the marker.

Proposed solution:

Have a function when setting up the assignment to be able to disable student comments totally regardless of it is when submitting the assignments, during the marking process with the marks manually posted, or after the marks have been posted.

User role(s):

admin,instructor,ta

[hibernated]

Problem statement:

There isn't an option in Canvas to prevent students from writing their assignments or attaching assignments in the comment section. This is problematic, especially when it's after the due date. Even with clear instructions that late assignments are not accepted after the due dates, they feel that as long as they can add it to the system (via the comment box), then instructors must consider it. Additionally, when creating a no submission assignment, even with clear instructions, students still attempt to upload or write something in the comment box.

Proposed solution:

When creating an assignment, under the "Submission Type," add one more option: "Disable student comments on this assignment"

User role(s):

instructor

[smohan12]

Problem statement:

Students are using the comment feature in assignments to submit assignments in the incorrect format and/or after the due date. For large enrollment courses, this causes chaos for graders.

Proposed solution:

Please allow instructors to disable the comment feature for students in assignments. Students should be able to view comments, but not respond to them.

User role(s):

instructor

[paul_johnson]

Problem statement:

Instructors need the ability to turn off comments on all course assignments to prevent students from circumventing course deadlines. Too often students are not meeting course deadlines, placing comments in that area without ever submitting coursework, or even making comments on an assignment and attaching missed work. It is extremely counterproductive when instructors have to search through assignments for student comments or late work instead of responding to questions via the Canvas Inbox.

Proposed solution:

This could be set as a default under the course settings and/or grading scheme. It would mean that students would have to actively engage with the instructor in a timely manner. Under Speed Grader, the option to allow student comments on feedback can be a check box, but it should be disabled by default. Each instructor should be able to set the feature according to his/her individual classroom needs because there is no "one size fits all". The Canvas LMS platform has evolved greatly, and this would be a welcome feature for all instructors who have spent a lot of time going back to review and reply to student comments in this manner. Sometimes the simplest solution is the most overlooked because it is too obvious. Thank you for the opportunity to bring this to your attention, and I look forward to seeing this feature implemented in the near future.

User role(s):

admin,instructor,ta