Overview
The Assignments tool enables instructors to create, distribute, and grade assignments while allowing students to submit their work online. With support for multiple submission types, peer review, and detailed grading workflows, the Assignments tool streamlines the entire assignment lifecycle.Key Features
Assignment Creation
Instructors can create assignments with flexible options:- Multiple submission types: Text, file attachments, both, or external tools
- Configurable due dates: Set open, due, and accept-until dates
- Point-based grading: Define maximum points and grading scales
- Group assignments: Support for individual or group submissions
- Honor pledge: Optional honor code acceptance before submission
- Peer review: Enable anonymous peer assessment workflows
Submission Types
The tool supports various submission formats:Inline Text
Students can type their responses directly using a rich text editor with formatting options
Student Workflow
Students experience a streamlined submission process:Grading Interface
Instructors have powerful grading capabilities:- Submission list view: See all student submissions with status indicators
- Inline grading: Grade directly within the interface
- Feedback comments: Provide detailed text feedback for each submission
- Feedback attachments: Upload files with grading rubrics or annotations
- Return to student: Mark assignments as graded and release feedback
- Grade override: Adjust grades after initial grading if needed
Assignment Properties
Key configuration options available when creating assignments:| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | Assignment name visible to students |
| Instructions | Detailed assignment description with formatting |
| Open Date | When the assignment becomes visible |
| Due Date | Deadline for on-time submissions |
| Accept Until | Late submission cutoff date |
| Points | Maximum points possible |
| Submission Type | Text, attachments, both, or external |
| Grade Scale | Points or pass/fail |
| Honor Pledge | Require honor code acceptance |
| Allow Resubmission | Let students resubmit after initial submission |
Assignments automatically integrate with the Gradebook. Grades entered in Assignments sync to the Gradebook in real-time.
Submission Tracking
The tool provides comprehensive tracking:- Submission status: Not started, draft, submitted, graded, returned
- Timestamp tracking: Records submission time and modification history
- Late submissions: Automatic flagging of submissions after due date
- Resubmission log: Complete history of all submission attempts
- Grade status: Ungraded, in progress, graded, released
Bulk Operations
Save time with bulk actions:- Download all submissions: Export all student work as a ZIP file
- Upload grades: Import grades from spreadsheet
- Release grades: Publish feedback to all students simultaneously
- Email notifications: Notify students of grades or comments
Notifications
Stay informed with automatic notifications:- Instructors receive emails when students submit assignments
- Students receive notifications when grades are released
- Reminders can be sent for upcoming due dates
- Configurable notification preferences per assignment
Best Practices
For Instructors
- Set clear due dates and accept-until dates to manage late submissions
- Provide detailed instructions with examples or rubrics attached
- Use the grade scale that matches your course grading policy
- Enable resubmission for low-stakes assignments to encourage improvement
- Release all grades at once to maintain fairness
- Use feedback attachments for detailed rubrics or annotated submissions
For Students
- Submit early to avoid last-minute technical issues
- Save drafts frequently while working on inline text submissions
- Check file formats and sizes before uploading attachments
- Review submission confirmation after submitting
- Check for feedback regularly after due dates pass
Technical Details
The Assignments tool is implemented using:- Core Service:
AssignmentServiceinterface (assignment/api/src/java/org/sakaiproject/assignment/api/AssignmentService.java:58) - Data Model:
AssignmentandAssignmentSubmissionentities using Hibernate JPA - Storage: Submission attachments stored via Content Hosting Service
- Integration: Automatic gradebook synchronization via Grading Service
Assignment submissions support attachments up to the system-configured file size limit. Contact your administrator if you need to adjust these limits.