How to Alter Point Criteria in Canvas

In the world of online education, Canvas has emerged as a popular learning management system (LMS) that provides a comprehensive platform for instructors and students. One of the key features of Canvas is its ability to track and manage student performance through point criteria. However, there may be instances where you need to alter these point criteria to better suit your course requirements or individual student needs. In this article, we will explore how to alter point criteria in Canvas and provide you with a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition.

Understanding Point Criteria in Canvas

Before diving into the process of altering point criteria, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what point criteria are in Canvas. Point criteria refer to the values assigned to various course activities, such as assignments, quizzes, discussions, and exams. These points are then used to calculate a student’s overall grade. By default, Canvas assigns a specific point value to each activity based on the instructor’s input during the course setup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Alter Point Criteria in Canvas

1. Log in to your Canvas account and navigate to the course you wish to modify the point criteria for.
2. Click on the “Settings” tab located on the left-hand side of the page.
3. Within the “Settings” menu, locate the “Points” section and click on it.
4. You will now see a list of all the course activities and their respective point values. To alter a point value, click on the “Edit” button next to the desired activity.
5. Enter the new point value for the activity and click “Save.”
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each activity you wish to modify.
7. Once you have made all the necessary changes, scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Update Points.”

Best Practices for Altering Point Criteria

When altering point criteria in Canvas, it is crucial to keep the following best practices in mind:

1. Communicate changes to students: Inform your students about any modifications to point criteria to ensure they are aware of the new expectations.
2. Review your course structure: Make sure that the altered point criteria align with your course goals and learning objectives.
3. Consider student feedback: Be open to feedback from students regarding the point criteria and make adjustments if necessary.
4. Document changes: Keep a record of any changes made to point criteria for future reference and transparency.

Conclusion

Altering point criteria in Canvas is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the guide provided in this article, you can easily modify point values for various course activities and ensure that your course aligns with your educational goals. Remember to communicate changes to students and maintain transparency throughout the process. With these best practices in mind, you’ll be well on your way to effectively managing point criteria in Canvas.