Student .cpp assignment file incorrectly downloading as a .pdf file

[DR-BRZ]

Students who submit (upload) an assignment in a .cpp file extension format for a computer science course are not able to download the assignment as a .cpp file.  The download automatically downloads as a .pdf file.

 Image of student .cpp submission.

As displayed in the image above, the assignment was submitted as a .cpp file.  Yet, the system automatically downloads the file as a .pdf.

The instructor restricted the file upload type to .cpp to see if this would correct the download issue; it did not.  

Restricted file upload to .cpp.

Is there a workaround that will allow students to download non .pdf files in their original format- i.e., .cpp, or other types?

[greydon]

Hello @DR-BRZ 

Thank you for contacting Canvas Support. We're sorry to hear you've been experiencing issues with .cpp files being converted to .pdf Thank you for providing the screenshots they were very helpful. Files with CPP file extension are source code files for applications written in C++ programming language. By Default, the placement of the file within the assignment here seems to be converting it as we don't normally have cpp files on auto-display format. However, the teacher can give the students the cpp files directly by embedding it elsewhere -  to the files tab, to a module, etc.  Downloading the file directly to their computers and not through the assignment and/or Speedgrader should give students direct access to the cpp files. There is also the option of getting a custom built tool so that students can download cpp files through their submission directly, but we would need to speak with a CSM to set something like that up.

In a situation like this, it would be best to look at this specifically so we can see the course, students, and assignment directly. Please feel free to contact Canvas Support directly so we can pinpoint the source of the issue and provide a solution. Thank you! 

https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/How-do-I-contact-Canvas-Support/ta-p/389767 

[DR-BRZ · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your response and suggestions.

In this situation, the student who wished to download the submitted assignment wanted to do so as a result of wanting to download a pre-graded submission in order to make a correction to the assignment and resubmit. The student didn't have the original work available as they were on a different computer (hence no access to the original file). The instructor noted how this wasn't an issue previously and that students were able to download their submissions in .cpp format in previous semesters.

I have shared your response with the instructor and have directed her to work with our IT team on this issue.
Thank you, again, for responding.

[jasonhagerman]

This is happening with all file types. For example, .doc submissions can only be downloaded by the student as a pdf in the future. If they are using a different device and want to download their submission in order to edit and resubmit then they are unable to do so. This is easy to do using the application but seems impossible on a Mac. I don't understand why this was labeled solved.