The majority of an online instructor’s course facilitation will occur within the learning management system (LMS). However, there are some tasks that can be improved or streamlined by downloading comma-separated value (CSV) files from Canvas. Running an online course requires balancing a lot of names, assignments, and deadlines, so using Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or another spreadsheet software can assist with course management.
In this piece, we will look at three areas where Canvas offers CSV downloads and how you might best utilize these features.
Download Your New Analytics Reports
Reports in New Analytics offers a convenient place to find student information and download a report of any missing or late assignments. While particular use cases will vary from instructor to instructor, downloading reports can assist with quickly generating answers to student questions (e.g., “Do you know what assignments I’ve missed?”) or comparing metrics across current and past courses by combining reports into one file.
Download Excel Files
Excel files do not render well in Canvas’ SpeedGrader. For this reason, many instructors will download the Excel files for a whole assignment, inspecting them offline while manually inputting grades in SpeedGrader. When you download all submissions for an assignment, the files will download in an organized ZIP file, allowing you to grade student Excel files one at a time.
Download and Then Import Your Gradebook
Instructors can export their entire Gradebook at any time, which downloads as a CSV file. The format of the resulting CSV will look similar to the Gradebook in Canvas. Instructors can update scores or fill in empty cells offline before importing the Gradebook back into Canvas. Please note: It is best not to make alterations to columns or headings in your offline Gradebook file. Making changes to columns or headings before importing your Gradebook can cause errors. However, if you add a column to your file, Canvas will recognize the inconsistency when you import and ask if you’d like to save the new column as a new assignment. The new assignment will appear in the Gradebook and on the Assignments Index page. Some use cases for working in an offline version of your Gradebook include comparing grades across current and past courses by combining Gradebooks, sending a copy of student(s) grades to an authorized outside party, and helping to input your final grades with your university at the end of a term.
Conclusion
While the LMS system will be sufficient for most needs as you run your online course, CSV files hold the potential to streamline aspects of your course management by converting your course data into a format that is easy to copy and paste, analyze, and compare.