What's the difference between making a file "unpublised" versus making the file "not visible in student files?"

[cdona]

The "not visible in student files" designation is new this semester and I'm not sure how it differs from just keeping a file unpublished?

[Robbie_Grant · Accepted solution]

Christopher,

Here is the short and sweet answer:

Unpublished = not visible to students at all

not visible in student files = allows you to link to the file within the course, but does not appear to the student if they go to Files in the course.

Here is another resource:

How do I restrict files and folders to students in Canvas? 

Robbie

[cdona]

Robbie,

That makes sense, thanks!  I wish there was a way to schedule when files were visible without students seeing a file name with scheduled release date.  I have a few “pop” quizzes sprinkled throughout the semester and I’d like to make those solutions available right after class (a) without me having to remember to go in and manually publish them and (b) without students seeing in advance a link “solutions to pop-quiz” scheduled for that day – which of course defeats the purpose of the “pop” quiz.

Best,

Christopher

[Stef_retired]

 @cdona ‌, assuming you're using Modules to deliver course content, you could put the solution file in a module of its own and set a 'Lock Until' date on it: https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-13129-415241424 

[cdona]

Thanks, Stefanie! 

Right now, everything is in "Files."  I will certainly look at setting things up in "Modules" in the future.  Was just curious if there's a way to make this work in "Files."  I don't believe there is.

Thanks,

Christopher

[Stef_retired]

Oh, you are going to love Modules,  @cdona ‌! You might want to refer to this awesome resource: Share UDL Course Design Tips, Tricks, and Techniques‌

[cdona]

Just saved the link.  Thanks!

[Robbie_Grant]

 @cdona ,

Think of Files as your personal file repository.  This is the area where you upload files to use in the course similar to what you do on a computer.  There is no context and they are automatically organized by alpha.  This makes it very challenging for students to navigate and find files.  When we teach instructors to design their courses, we actually have them hide the Files tool from the course navigation menu.

Robbie

[cdona]

Yeah, I really need to make the transition to "Modules."  My brain works like Windows, where I have folders within folders within folders and I use the numbering scheme (01, 02, 03) for outside folders (A, B, C) for inside folders, and so on.  I will need to break out of my comfort zone soon.  Haha.

Thanks,

Christopher

[dtod]

We've had at least one professor get very confused about this. One tweak might simply be to Capitalize Files in the dialog box so that it says

Not visible in student Files

or 

Not visible in student "Files" menu

or something like that