Teacher Integration with Google Drive

[kschatz]

This idea has been developed and deployed to Canvas

  Idea will be open for vote May 5th, 2015 - August 5th, 2015  Learn more about voting...

As we are just beginning the process of working with Canvas, I was surprised that there isn't a seamless integration with Google Drive and Canvas. It would be awesome to have that capability! Because we are a GAFE school and teachers store created files in the cloud, downloading them locally creates a serious problem and extra steps that make uploading files into Canvas tedious and time consuming. Is there anyway this feature can be added?  Thanks!

  Comments from Instructure...

Canvas Release: Google Apps LTI

[sydni_neves]

This is a must in our GAFE district because we strive to make technology truly integrated so processes become simpler rather than more cumbersome.

[kristi_levy]

The true integration of Google Apps and Google Docs, in particular, is crucial to your work with GAFE districts.

[darms]

I will follow up with the hundreds/thousands of Canvas users who find it very hard to believe such a basic feature isn't available in an otherwise polished platform. While there are certainly work arounds (e.g. embed Google Doc, Slide Show, etc. using HTML), generating a sharing link, etc., all seem unreasonable and completely unnecessary. What about all of the other types of files and media teachers store in their Google Drive, such as PDF's, images, and videos? What is even more strange is that it's almost as if Canvas is deliberately not making the Google Drive file directory option available. For example, they've made Dropbox and Box available as Apps, that provide similar functionality to what everyone on the forums is wanting through Google Drive. It's very simple: When teachers are creating content and go to 'My Files', they want to be able to access their Google Drive file directory/folder set. Again, this is an EXTREMELY common feature in almost every other web-based user interface. Other Learning Management Systems have this options available - the Schoology integration is seamless: https://goo.gl/Oav5M1. Regardless of the motives behind not adding this functionality, Canvas management/developers need to realize the overwhelming majority of K-12 districts have either implemented Google Drive or are in the process of implementing Google Drive.... they need to be able to quickly access their files from within the Canvas UI, and not resort to using work-arounds.

[jward]

First, I think having this integration would be great; I voted this up. I see the Dropbox button in the Rich Content Editor and think about how nice it would be to have a Google button there, too (or some similar integration.)

I worked with a GAFE district who was also using for a few years and while this came up once in a while, nearly every teacher was happy with what they could accomplish with their Google tools and the Canvas RCE. The beauty of Canvas is that it is customizable to meet your needs. You can make anything a button to a link and embed things everywhere. The sharing permissions in a managed Google account are much more complex than Dropbox (share with others with the link, share inside or outside of the institution, embed, playback settings, etc.) Having two tabs open, one with Canvas and one with Google Drive, never felt like a workaround. I prep my document and share it how I like, then click over to Canvas and post it anywere (pages, quizzes, announcements, discussions, etc.)

Cool stuff you can embed on any page: documents, presentations, drawings, hangouts on air (mobile field trips anyone?)

Cool stuff you can embed/link to a module: Everyone collaborating in the same document together or students can download a template, make a copy, and use it for their own original work.

I agree that deeper integration with Google Drive would be nice. I also think Canvas + Google is a win because both are so easy to use.

[corey_jeffers]

Agreed,  @darms ​! I wonder if there is any way to use that new Google Classroom API to make something more possible. This would be an incredible combination for teachers and students!

[kristi_levy]

1000 Likes!

[dianepbh]

​wholeheartedly agreed

[dianepbh]

​The lack of seamless integration goes against the basic philosophy of "simplicity" for all end users- which include the teachers. Hopefully this will be addressed withi the next few months.

[gtognetti]

I'm also seeing an issue on the assignment turn in side of this Google integration (or lack of). Seems a bit convoluted from a student standpoint (having to add the URL to the submission link in Canvas), and then the teacher cannot see (apparently) the document directly in Canvas. They have to click a link which opens up the Google doc, so now they're off the page where they can assign points. Also looks like Canvas is putting up a 'fake' log in page to Google Apps that does... nothing. Finally, the message at top of page indicates that they have snapshotted the original Google doc so you can see a 'before' view of the doc - good if you want to see what was done for HW at start of class, for instance. But, the message is wrong. It is just taking you to the current Google Doc, from either of the links provided.

As others have noted, having to link or embed Google Drive items into assignments seems more complicated than need be. This is a big issue for us. We're a GAFE and Canvas school and this is problematic for sure. Teachers want ease of use and this is not. Add in the problem I noted above - 'weird' results in grade submission, and it adds up to a poor match and extra work for teachers.

[corey_jeffers]

​Right on  @gtognetti ​! This ability to turn in URL submissions and have them fully functional in the speedgrader was a major reason we purchased Canvas to use starting this fall. The function was taken away sometime in July during a production update. So far, it is the worst update I have seen from Canvas. I am really hoping they see what a tremendous problem this is for many teachers.