Why is there zero checking of the inputs.

[jflowers]

I've always wondered way there's zero error capture on initial input(s).  Typically, when one programs - you assume that the user will make mistakes and not allow for 'simple' mistakes in the first place.

Eg:  You have a field that is asking for a numerical value.  So you do not allow for non-numeric input. 

So I saw:  https://www.reddit.com/r/college/comments/15gypxq/biology_professor_gave_me_a_57510_on_a_quiz_by/

And thought, so it's not just me. 

Question:  Why can't the software not allow for 'wrong' values.  If I create an assignment/quiz/etc, I have to provide for a max value - so why would the platform allow for a value above this?

Seems a bit sloppy and an easy fix?

[chriscas]

Hi @jflowers,

A couple thoughts on this...

In the case of grading, there are often cases where teachers want to give extra credit.  While you're correct that when creating a graded activity, you enter the points the activity is worth, that's not really a "max" value.  Treating that as a max value would likely cause way more issues than it would solve.

With that being said, Canvas does pop up a warning if a teacher enters something in the gradebook that's way over the point value. I don't know what the exact threshold is for the warning to appear, but I'm almost positive it would have been triggered for the scenario shown on Reddit.  If the teacher chooses to ignore the warning, I'm not sure what else can be done really.

I hope these couple things help frame this issue a bit more.

-Chris

[jflowers]

Sorry, you are incorrect wrt:  "Canvas does pop up a warning if a teacher enters something in the gradebook that's way over the point value"

Evidence:  (Again) Please see the link I included in my original post. 

Further Evidence:  I've had similar issues - though not as serious. E.g.: typing 10 out of a three point assignment ( brain fart ).  More about this in a moment.

Please correct me, with evidence of course, if you like.

PS - I just ran your claim(?) on a prior course using my "Test" student.  There wasn't a warning.  Evidence:

 

[chriscas]

Hi @jflowers,

I guess the warning might depend where you're entering grades.  At least form the main grades page, it seems like a warning is displayed if the value entered is 150% or higher (screenshot is after I gave a grade of 38 out of 25 points in a test course)...

According to the How do I enter and edit grades in SpeedGrader? - Instructure Community guide, looks like the warning should display in SpeedGrader too...

I will also say that the warning pops up for maybe 10 seconds or so, then fades away.

-Chris

[jflowers · Accepted solution]

I see:  https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Ideas/Gradebook-quot-Unusually-High-quot-or-Excessive-Poin...

Seems like this is a UX issue after all.  But poor design/engineering and ... well, here we are I suppose.