How do I create a cloud assignment with a Google Drive file?

You can create an online assignment that embeds a document directly from your Google Drive folder. Accepted assignment types are Google Documents, Spreadsheets, and Slides. Please note that in cloud assignments, Google Slide presentations are not displayed in presentation mode.

When students open the assignment, Google Drive will create a copy of the file as the student’s submission. Students can make changes per the assignment instructions directly from the Canvas assignment page. When they are ready to submit the assignment, they can submit the assignment. The copied document is also added to the student’s Google Drive folder for the course.

You can also view each student's document copy in SpeedGrader for grading. Submitted assignments are converted to a PDF to show the assignment at the time of submission. If students made any changes to their assignment, they will have to resubmit it for the changes to be visible in SpeedGrader.

Depending on your institution, you may need to create assignments with the Google Assignments LTI 1.3.

To learn how to copy Google App LTI assignments to Google Assignments LTI 1.3 assignments, visit Google's article, Use Assignments with Canvas.

The Google Apps LTI currently includes a few limitations when creating assignments:

  • You cannot use Google Drive files in an external tool for group assignments.
  • If you want your assignment to be moderated, you must set up the moderated assignment before setting the External Tool submission type. If you need to return to the moderate page after the External Tool is added, open the assignment and add /moderate after the assignment URL.
  • Google Drive cloud assignments cannot be viewed in Student View.

Open Assignments

Open Assignments

In Course Navigation, click the Assignments link.

Add Assignment

Add Assignment

Click the Add Assignment button.

Add Assignment Details

Add Assignment Details

Enter the number of points for the assignment [1], select the Assignment Group [2], and select the grading type from the Display Grade as menu [3].

Note: When adding a Google Drive Cloud assignment it overwrites the title and description in the assignment settings.

Select Submission Type

Select Submission Type

In the Submission Type drop-down menu, select the External Tool option.

Note: If you want to use a Canvas rubric for the assignment, you must add the rubric before setting the External Tool submission type. Additionally, if you want to apply moderated grading, you must set up moderated grading before setting the External Tool submission type.

Find External Tool

Find External Tool

Click the Find button.

Configure External Tool

Configure External Tool

Locate and select Google Drive.

Attach File

Attach File

Locate and select the file you want to link to the assignment [1]. Click the Submit button [2].

Select Tool

Select Tool

Click the Select button.

Save and Publish

Save and Publish

If you are ready to publish your assignment, click the Save & Publish button [1]. If you want to create a draft of your assignment and publish it later, click the Save button [2].

View Assignment

View the assignment.