Tech Tip: Canvas Gradebook

I enjoy using Canvas Gradebook to help keep track of my performance in my various courses. Canvas Gradebook allows me easily view total points for a class or the overall weighted value of each assignment group. I also like how I can now sort graded assignments by various parameters, such as due date, module, title, or assignment group. This allows me to easily find grades for a particular assignment. Canvas Gradebook also denotes newly graded assignments with a blue dot, which makes it significantly easier to locate and check on recent assignments. Sometimes, I am also able to "test" potential scores on the final exam to determine my final grade in the class. Ultimately, I am only able to perform this test whenever the final exam is entered as an assignment in Canvas and all other assignments are graded and entered properly. Also, some instructors do not utilize the built-in assignment weighting calculation within Canvas so grades are entered into the system on a pure point basis. For the purpose of keeping track of an exact overall grade in a class, I have found that using an Excel spreadsheet is a better method to keep track of grades for multiple classes. As such, I rarely use Canvas Gradebook other than to check the individual grades of assignments; I use an Excel spreadsheet to check my overall grade in my classes.