Due dates are crucial for managing coursework and understanding when assignments need to be submitted. This article clarifies the distinction between “do” as in “to do” and “due” in the context of assignment deadlines within the Canvas learning management system. We’ll explore how Canvas utilizes due dates, availability dates (“available from” and “until” dates), and how these impact student submissions and grading.
Decoding Due Dates in Canvas
In Canvas, the “due date” signifies the deadline for submitting an assignment. While not mandatory, setting a due date helps students organize their workload and allows instructors to track progress. Crucially, submissions made after the due date are automatically flagged as “late” in the Canvas gradebook. This allows instructors to easily identify late work and apply any associated late submission policies.
You can specify both a date and a precise time for your due date. For example, a due date could be September 19th at 4:15 PM. Any submission made at or after 4:15:01 PM on September 19th would be considered late. If no time is specified, the due date defaults to the course’s default due time, typically 11:59 PM.
Managing Assignment Availability with “Available From” and “Until” Dates
Beyond due dates, Canvas offers “availability dates” to control when students can access and submit assignments. These dates include:
- Available From: This date and time determine when the assignment becomes visible to students. Before this date, students cannot view the assignment details or materials. Note: Rubrics remain visible regardless of availability dates.
- Until: This date and time specify the final moment students can submit the assignment. After this deadline, the submission portal closes. If no time is set, it defaults to 11:59 PM in the course’s time zone.
Late Submissions and Availability Dates: Different Scenarios
Instructors can configure availability dates to manage late submissions:
- No Late Submissions: Setting the “until” date identical to the due date prevents any late submissions.
- Accepting Late Submissions: Setting the “until” date later than the due date allows for a defined window for late submissions. For instance, an “until” date three days after the due date permits late submissions within that period. Canvas will mark these submissions as late, enabling instructors to apply late penalties if desired.
Combining Due Dates and Availability Dates
Using both due dates and availability dates allows for flexible assignment management. For example:
- Early Access with Due Date: An assignment can be made visible (“available from” an early date) while still enforcing a specific due date for on-time credit.
- Restricted Submission Window: Combining “available from” and “until” dates creates a specific timeframe for both viewing and submitting the assignment.
Key Considerations for Setting Dates in Canvas
- Course Time Zone: All dates and times in Canvas are based on the course’s designated time zone.
- Default Due Time: Understand your course’s default due time to avoid unintended late submissions. If a specific time is not set for the due date, the default time will be applied.
- Multiple Assignment Updates: Canvas often allows for bulk editing of due dates and availability across multiple assignments, streamlining course management.
By understanding the functionality of “do” (as in tasks to be completed) and “due” (referring to deadlines) in Canvas, both students and instructors can effectively manage assignments and ensure timely submissions. Utilizing availability dates provides further control over the assignment lifecycle, accommodating diverse teaching and learning styles.
