Google Doc used for Multiple Canvas Assignments

[marjorieharris]

I would like to make a series of assignments in which my students will produce a short piece of writing, then go back and edit it several times. Is there any way to have students create a google doc that will automatically embed into several different assignments? That way, when they get to the second assignment with the document, their work will already be there for them to add onto.

[ryan_corris · Accepted solution]

Hey @marjorieharris !

I am not aware of Canvas being able to do exactly what you are asking.  However, here are some possible options. 

• You could have a single initial assignment where students submit a live link to their Google Doc as the submission.  Every future assignment could use a course link to go back to the initial assignment where the students could access and make edits to their initial submission.  (You could always teacher the students how to find that doc in their Google Drive and they could just access it there after reading the new directions in future assignments.
• Are you using the newer Google LTI 1.3?  If so, you could create a Google Assignment.  Students will be able to submit to the assignment and instructors will be able to return the assignment to students to make edits.  This cycle can be done over and over.  I have also found that the instructor can edit the directions for the assignment for every cycle.  For example, if you are having the students submit weekly journal entries, you can use the same assignment and changed the prompt every week.  Students should be able to use the exact same Google doc and just add to or edit the document each week.
• You could also just create a regular Canvas assignment and asks students to submit to the same assignment over and over again.  Each submission will capture what was submitted that particular week (or whatever the time frame is) and the teacher will have a record of each submission in a single assignment instead of numerous assignments.

Just a few thoughts.  Hope this helps.  Let me know if you have additional questions.