We Don't Have Endless Amount of Time - So Save It! Here's How!

[jtamburro]

I'm guessing you've probably seen this combo of buttons when grading:

Let me guess... you very rarely or have never used it!?  I won't lie... I didn't use it myself until I just became super tired of typing.

Let me suggest adding video or audio feedback to save time!  We all are probably super fast at typing, but that still takes longer than sending a message verbally.  In the time it takes me to write this sentence, I could've probably said all of what I needed to say.

I know we all are leery of using that record video button... we don't like to see ourselves on camera.  I get it.  But, at least try it out!  Try recording just your voice.  

Think about how texts can be read completely different than how they are meant.  That can also happen with teacher commentary.  If students could here the tone of your voice, then reading constructive commentary from their teacher might be less stressful!

If you get shy, write a script!  While you may say similar commentary to all students, it is still more personal.  Start with saying something positive about their work first before giving constructive criticism.  

In order to take full advantage of all that Canvas has to offer, you sometimes have to take that leap of faith!

[passerinij]

Hello! I'm glad you posted about this topic. I wrote a Canvas message to students this afternoon and decided to make a video/audio version of the message text. Under the circumstances, I felt okay about sending the video w/o captions (i.e., the video said exactly what the text on the screen said).

The video turned out better than expected, so I thought I'd save it and perhaps use it in a course module. But I didn't use a separate video capture program -- just the media message feature in Canvas. I can't see how to get at the file. Basically, the video plays in the message; however, I don't see any way to extract it from the message. It's only a 6-minute video, so no biggie. But it seems odd...

I have the same question about the media comment feature. If I create a video comment for a student in SpeedGrader and then I want to save it and perhaps use it again with another student for whom the same advice applies... how would I do that? Or is that feasible?

Is the media message or media comment feature basically a message in a bottle? As in, you send it and then it's gone? Or is there a way to access it, download it, save it, caption it, etc.? 

Apologies if my questions have super-obvious answers. I'm a relatively new Canvas user and haven't learned all the tricks yet. 🙂  --JoLee