This guide provides instructions for creating and grading video assignments in Canvas using either the built-in Media Recorder or the Panopto video recorder integration.
Which tool should I use?
Before setting up a video assignment, consider the learning objectives and length of the videos you expect from students. Both tools will work with the Canvas Speedgrader for multimodal feedback, but they serve different pedagogical needs.
The Canvas Media Recorder is better for:
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short, informal reflections or simple "get-to-know-you" introductions.
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brief recordings (less than five minutes).
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"one-take" style assignments that don’t require editing.
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video that won’t be used outside Canvas by you or your students
The Panopto Integration is better for:
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longer videos and screen captures.
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assignments where students need to do some basic video editing.
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higher accuracy automatic captioning for accessibility.
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video that might be used outside Canvas by you or your students (like for student portfolios)
Using the Canvas Media Recorder for Video Assignments
To create a video Assignment using the Media Recorder in Canvas, follow these steps:
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In the course menu, click Assignments.
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Click the Add (+) Assignment button.
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Enter the assignment name and description.
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Enter assignment details, such as the Point Value, Assignment Group, and how the grade should be displayed.
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For Submission Type, select Online.
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Check the Media Recordings box. This setting allows people to upload a pre-recorded video or record a new one using their computer's microphone and webcam.
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In the Assign section, set the Due Date, Available from, and Until dates and times.
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Click Save & Publish to make the assignment available, or click Save to keep it as a draft.
See Canvas guide: How do I add or edit details in an assignment?
Setting up a Panopto Folder for Video Assignments
To create a video Assignment using Canvas and Panopto, follow these steps:
Prepare the Panopto Folder
Before students can submit, they must have record or upload privileges in Panopto.
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Create a Panopto Folder for the course.
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Click the Panopto Folder link that is created in Course Hub. This will open Panopto.
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In the course folder that appears in Panopto, click the Settings icon (cogwheel) in the upper right-hand corner.
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Under the Overview tab, select Create Assignment Folder. This creates a special subfolder where students can record and submit videos privately for the instructor.
See Middlebury HelpDesk guide: Add a Panopto Video Folder
Configure the Canvas Assignment
Once the Panopto folder is ready, next create the assignment in Canvas with specific settings to integrate the Panopto folder:
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In the course menu, click Assignments.
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Click the Add (+) Assignment button.
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Under the submission type, select Online.
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Check the box for Text Entry. NOTE: This step is critical because it allows students to access the Panopto embed tool within the Rich Content Editor (RCE) to submit their recordings.
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Click Save & Publish to make the assignment visible to students.
See Panopto guide: How to Create a Video Assignment in Canvas
Providing Text or Video Feedback with Speedgrader
After students submit work, media recordings can be reviewed in SpeedGrader. The video will appear in the document window for grading and comments. If the assignment was set up using Panopto, the video will automatically populate in the assignment area for you to view and grade.
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Once a student has submitted a video, the media recording will appear directly in the SpeedGrader document window.
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Watch the video within the interface.
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Use the right-hand sidebar to enter a grade, points, or assignment comments. NOTE: Canvas allows instructors to add comments as text and video with a webcam for more personalized feedback.
See Canvas guide: How do I grade a media recording submission in SpeedGrader?