Assignment Module

The Assignment module is an interactive activity module that allows students to submit files or text responses with attempt tracking. This module type is ideal for homework, projects, essays, and other graded work.

Overview

Assignment modules are interactive modules that require user participation and track submissions. They support:

• File submissions: Students can upload files (documents, images, code, etc.)
• Text submissions: Students can type responses directly in the editor
• Attempt tracking: Multiple attempts can be allowed with submission limits
• Due dates: Set deadlines for assignment submissions
• Grading: Manual or rubric-based grading
• Feedback: Provide comments and feedback on submissions

Creating an Assignment Module

To create an assignment module:

1. Navigate to your course
2. Click “Add Module” or “Create Activity”
3. Select “Assignment” from the module types
4. Enter a title and description
5. Configure submission settings (file types, text, attempts)
6. Set due dates and grading options
7. Save as draft or publish when ready

Submission Settings

When creating an assignment, you can configure:

Submission Types

• File upload: Allow students to upload files
  • Specify accepted file types (PDF, DOCX, images, etc.)
  • Set maximum file size limits
  • Allow multiple files per submission
• Text entry: Allow students to type responses
  • Rich text editor or plain text
  • Word count limits
  • Character limits

Attempt Settings

• Unlimited attempts: Students can submit as many times as needed
• Limited attempts: Set a maximum number of attempts
• Single attempt: Students can only submit once
• Attempt tracking: View all previous attempts and submissions

Due Dates

• Due date: Set when the assignment is due
• Late submissions: Allow or disallow late submissions
• Cut-off date: Set when submissions are no longer accepted
• Time zone: Specify time zone for due dates

Grading

Assignment modules support various grading methods:

• Points: Assign point values to assignments
• Rubrics: Create and use grading rubrics
• Manual grading: Grade submissions individually
• Grade categories: Organize assignments into grade categories
• Grade visibility: Control when grades are visible to students

Feedback

Provide feedback on student submissions:

• Inline comments: Add comments directly on submissions
• Overall feedback: Provide general feedback on the entire submission
• Audio feedback: Record audio feedback (if enabled)
• File attachments: Attach feedback files
• Grade comments: Include comments with grades

Module Status

Assignment modules follow the standard module lifecycle:

• Draft: Assignment is being created; visible only to creator and granted users
• Published: Assignment is ready for students; visible to enrolled students
• Archived: Assignment is preserved but no longer active; hidden from students

Best Practices

When creating assignment modules:

• Provide clear instructions in the assignment description
• Set realistic due dates that allow students time to complete work
• Specify file requirements clearly (formats, sizes, naming conventions)
• Use rubrics for consistent grading
• Provide example submissions when appropriate
• Set up grading criteria before publishing

Learn more about module statuses and module management.