Google Assignments Canvas LTI

Environment

Canvas
Google Assignments LTI 1.3

Issue

How to use the Google Assignments LTI 1.3 in Canvas.

Resolution

Google Assignments is an LTI for Canvas that is available for all courses. Google Assignments replaces Google Cloud Assignments and Google Apps.

What is Google Assignments LTI 1.3?

• Drive file attachment on the assignment allows students to get their own copy to edit and submit.
• Scans for missed citation checks.
• Grading is similar interface as Speedgrader.
• Assignments that are graded using the new Google Assignments will automatically transfer to the Canvas Gradebook.
• See Instructure Community Meet Google Assignments LTI article.

How is the New Google Assignments different from Google Cloud assignments?

• Teachers and students have mirrored access to the Google doc so comments, edits, and suggestions are reflected in the students document, unlike in Google Cloud assignments.
• Teachers have direct access to the Google doc so comments, edits, and suggestions are reflected in the students document.
• Teacher interface shows a list of all student assignments/grades at a glance

Caveats for Google Assignments

• If you adjust a grade for a Google Assignment directly in your Canvas Gradebook this change does NOT get passed back to the Google Assignment tool.

Supported File Types

• See the Google Support Start, revise & submit assignments article.

Create a Google Assignment

• See the Google Support Use Assignments with Canvas article.

1. Create a new Canvas Assignment
2. Within the Submission Type field, select External Tool and then click Find. 
3. From the list, click on Google Assignments (LTI 1.3).
4. Sign in using your Umich Gmail credentials.
5. Once logged in, click Link to link your account with Google Assignments
6. Adjust your desired settings for your assignment
   • Note: if using a rubric and grading with Google Assignments this where you create the rubric, see the Google Support Create or reuse a rubric for an assignment article
7. Click Create.
   • Note: a Google rubric cannot be edited after you click the create button
8. When you are redirected to the Configure External Tool window, scroll to the bottom and uncheck Load in a new tab if you want the tool to open within Canvas.
9. Click Select.
10. Scroll to the bottom of the assignment page and click Save or Save and Publish.

Notes:

• Any files you attach to the assignment, a copy will be made for each student the first time they access the assignment. The file is saved in your Google Drive but the student has a link in their Google Drive. Both you and the student have edit access.
• After submission the student has viewer only access to all submitted files. A copy of all files are saved in the student's Google Drive.
• Any files the student attach and submit get moved into your Google Drive but the student has a link in their Google Drive.
• After grading, the student will regain edit access to all submitted files and both you and the student receive copies of all submitted files in your Google Drive.

Grade a Google Assignment

1. Navigate to the assignment. If the assignment does not open within Canvas click the button to open in a new tab.

If grading in Google Assignments

2. Click a student name from the list of submissions to view their submission in Google Assignments.

If grading in Canvas Speedgrader

2. Click the Speedgrader button on the right and select a student from the dropdown in the top right.

Create a Collaboration with Google Assignments

• See the Collaboration In Canvas With Google Assignments LTI article

How to copy an assignment from Google Apps to Google Assignments

• See the Google Support How can I copy an assignment from Google Apps LTI to Assignments LTI 1.3?

Is Google Assignments different from Google Apps?

• Google Assignments was used in conjunction with the Canvas Google Apps LTI tool (also referred to as Google Cloud Assignment).
• As of 10/2023 Instructure no longer supports the Google Apps LTI. 
• Google and Instructure made sure that Google Assignments LTI 1.3 has the Google Apps LTI functions. 
• Current Google Apps LTI users won’t lose access but should transition to Google Assignments LTI 1.3.

Additional Information

• Check out the new Academic Technology@Michigan website for course planning resources from across U-M
• Visit the Canvas @ Michigan site for faculty including the U-M Instructor Guide with links to additional support resources from across campus
• Check out the Canvas and MiVideo tutorials

For additional questions, please contact the ITS Service Center