why can't we batch edit the assignment options (not dates)?

[KirstenThomson]

I find it incredible that Canvas doesn't allow the batch editing of assignment options like it does with dates or a limited setting like points. If I want all my assignments to use the same options (how many attempts, if feedback offered, keep the best score, etc.) I have to open every single one. Yes, I can save the settings as a set and apply that set to each assignment I open, but Dear God, there has to be a way to apply that set to all assignments at one click?

[Gabriel33 · Accepted solution]

There doesn't seem to be a way to do it in bulk in the user interface, so here are two alternatives:

1. James' Google sheets for adjusting assignment dates can help you changing the point values more easily, but unfortunately not the other features (he made it before Canvas had its own system to bulk adjust dates).
   It might be possible to adjust the code to include other parameters. I don't have much experience with the Google Sheets scripts, but it seems to me that just replicating the mentions of "points"/"points_possible" (which shows up just 3 times that I could find) and slightly adjusting for the other assignment parameters should work.
   
   
2. Alternatively, the Canvas Assignments API can help you list each assignment and edit their properties with some scripting.

You might also want to submit it as a Canvas Idea, as I haven't found that specifically being asked. Though given that Ideas are currently being restructured, and that allowing negative bulk date adjustments have been stuck as an idea for 5 years, I'd recommend going with one of the two alternatives above. 

[Gabriel33 · Accepted solution]

There doesn't seem to be a way to do it in bulk in the user interface, so here are two alternatives:

1. James' Google sheets for adjusting assignment dates can help you changing the point values more easily, but unfortunately not the other features (he made it before Canvas had its own system to bulk adjust dates).
   It might be possible to adjust the code to include other parameters. I don't have much experience with the Google Sheets scripts, but it seems to me that just replicating the mentions of "points"/"points_possible" (which shows up just 3 times that I could find) and slightly adjusting for the other assignment parameters should work.
   
   
2. Alternatively, the Canvas Assignments API can help you list each assignment and edit their properties with some scripting.

You might also want to submit it as a Canvas Idea, as I haven't found that specifically being asked. Though given that Ideas are currently being restructured, and that allowing negative bulk date adjustments have been stuck as an idea for 5 years, I'd recommend going with one of the two alternatives above. 

[KirstenThomson]

This is embarrassing, but I mixed up my complaint about another platform with Canvas and as soon as I posted it I tried to delete it! From your reply it sounds like the same complaint carries over though so I appreciate your solution. I need to up my caffeine apparently.

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

@KirstenThomson ...

Thanks for clarifying that you got another platform mixed up with Canvas.  Even if you were working in Canvas, another option for you would be to first create a sort of "template" assignment page.  Then, put all the settings that you want into that "template" assignment ... which may also include the overall look and design of the assignment page itself which has your instructions to students.  (Example, maybe you have these sections for the assignment: Overview, Instructions, Submission Requirements, etc.)  Then, once you have that "template" configured just how you want, you can make duplicate copies of that assignment "template" page, and it should carry all of those settings over for each copy that you make.  Just make sure to change the necessary details in each of your duplicate pages, and you should be "good to go".  How do I duplicate an assignment? 

I hope this will help in some way.  Sing out if you have any other questions about this.

[Gabriel33]

That makes sense, I was confused about what you meant by "save the settings as a set", as that isn't a feature of Canvas as far as I know, thanks for clarifying.