[Assignments] Remove metadata from downloadable assignment submissions

Problem statement:

Currently if an assignment is marked for anonymous grading, Canvas does successfully cloak the student's name within Canvas. However, if the submission file is downloaded, its metadata is still in it and the original 'author' of the file can be seen, either intentionally by clicking to view the file's details or accidentally by simply hovering the mouse cursor over the file. This defeats any anonymity. If it was just faculty downloading assignments, we could advise them how to avoid this to the best of their ability, but in the case of peer review assignments we have much less control over students using classmates' information in negative ways. As it stands, we have had to discourage our faculty from using the anonymous grading feature on peer review assignments.

Proposed solution:

I'd like to suggest that when assignment submissions are uploaded to Canvas, the file somehow be stripped of any metadata. Or at the very least, that a disclaimer be added to the assignment settings page so faculty will understand the risk before turning it on.

User role(s):

admin,instructor,student,ta

2 Comments
omari_r_sarjean
Community Member
Problem statement:

When downloading submissions for grading the students' name is part of the file name. This is not anonymous.

Proposed solution:

Option to download submissions without students' name in filename. Additionally maintain in canvas key pair reference for grading purposes. (Similar to the anonymous grading, but for downloaded assignments). This is important for the increase use of AI for grading.

User role(s):

admin,instructor,student,ta,designer,observer

nathanatkinson

Community Team

Community Team
Community Team
Status changed to: Open