Assignments
Assignments in ampEducator allow instructors to assess students through a variety of submission types. You can configure each assignment to meet your grading criteria, set submission requirements, and provide students with clear guidelines for submitting their work. With flexible submission options and grading controls, assignments help ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a way that fits your course structure.
When creating assignments in ampEducator, you can choose from four different submission types, each designed to suit different kinds of tasks. Here's a breakdown of each type:
- No Submission Required This option is ideal for assignments where no submission is necessary. Students will still see the assignment listed, but they won’t be prompted to submit anything. You can use this for assignments that involve in-class activities or for record-keeping purposes.
- Upload Files This submission type allows students to upload their completed assignments as files. You can configure the maximum number of files students can upload and set a file size limit. Additionally, instructors can upload files on behalf of the students if needed. This is useful for assignments that require documents, images, or other file-based work.
- Inline Text For text-based assignments, students can type their responses directly into the provided text editor. You can set minimum and maximum word counts to ensure that submissions meet the required length. The system also automatically saves their work every 30 seconds, and students can manually save their progress at any time. This submission type is perfect for short-answer questions or essays.
- Inline Video This submission type allows students to record and submit a video directly through the system. The video can be up to 15 minutes long, and the system will display a timer during the recording. Students must grant permission to access their camera and microphone. This is ideal for assignments that require oral presentations, demonstrations, or any task that benefits from video submissions.
Each of these submission types can be customized to meet your specific needs, offering flexibility in how assignments are delivered and graded.
To create a new assignment, start by going to the Grading Schema of your course. Here, you’ll set up the key details for your assignment, including the grade type (percentage, letter grade, pass/fail, etc.), weight, and passing mark.
Next, choose the submission type that best fits the assignment. You have four options:
- No Submission Required: For assignments that don't require a student submission.
- Upload Files: Students will upload their completed assignments. You can set limits for file size and the number of files students can upload, and you can also upload files on their behalf if needed.
- Inline Text: Students enter their responses directly in the text editor. You can set word count limits, and the system will automatically save their work every 30 seconds.
- Inline Video: Students can record and submit a video directly through the system. The video can be up to 15 minutes long.
You can also add a description for the assignment, upload multiple attachments (like instructions or guidelines), and set a due date.
These features give you the flexibility to customize each assignment to meet your course’s needs, making the assignment process more efficient for both you and your students.
Once a student submits an assignment, they will receive a submission key via email. This key serves as proof of submission, helping resolve cases where students claim to have submitted but the assignment is not visible to instructors. Instructors can ask students for this key to confirm submission.
To grade an assignment, navigate to the Gradebook within your course and click on the assignment title. Then, click the Mark Assignment icon below the grade box to begin grading.
Once you’re in the grading section, you can view the student's assignment directly within the browser—there’s no need to download it unless preferred. At the bottom of the page, you'll find three options:
- Request Resubmit: If the assignment needs revisions, select this to prompt the student to resubmit.
- Provide Feedback: Enter comments or additional instructions that will be visible to the student once saved.
- Mark Assignment: Check the Marked box to enter the grade for the assignment. Once you check the box, a field will appear to input the grade.
Be sure to click Save when you are finished to update the grade.
By utilizing these features, instructors can streamline assignment management, ensure proper tracking of submissions, and provide clear communication with students.