Canvas: Recording and Submitting Video Assignments for Students

This article provides step-by-step instructions for students to submit media assignments in Canvas using the built-in Media Recorder or Panopto recording tools.

Using the Canvas Media Recorder

To record and submit a video for a Canvas assignment using the Media Recorder, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the assignment within the Canvas course and click the Start Assignment button.

2. Select the Record/Upload Media option.

3. Grant permission for your browser to access your camera and microphone when prompted. 

   • NOTE: If you encounter issues, ensure computer system settings (such as Mac System Settings) allow the browser to record.

4. Configure your hardware by selecting the correct webcam and microphone from the provided dropdown menus in the recording interface.

5. Click Start Recording to begin your video, and then click the button again to finish.

6. Title the video if desired

7. Click Save Media to prepare the file.

8. Submit the assignment by clicking the Submit Assignment button; simply saving the media does not complete the submission process.

9. Verify the submission by looking for a confirmation on the right-hand side of the screen or by checking the Submission Details to preview the video.

See Canvas guide: How do I submit a media file as an assignment submission? 

Using Panopto Recorder Tools in Canvas

Submitting a media (audio or video) assignment using Panopto involves a specific workflow through the Canvas Rich Content Editor (RCE). Here are the essential steps:

1. Go to the Canvas course, select the Assignments tab, and click on the specific assignment.

2. On the assignment submission page, locate the RCE text box. 

3. Click the three vertical dots to expand the menu, then click the plug icon (Apps). 

4. Search for and select Panopto Video.

5. In the Panopto window, ensure you are in the correct "Assignments" folder for your specific course. NOTE: If you do not submit to the correct course assignment folder, your instructor may not be able to view the video.

6. Select the Record tab and click Launch Capture (for browser-based recording) or Launch App (for the desktop Panopto recorder). 

7. Once the recording is finished and processed, click Insert.

8. The video will appear as an embedded player within the RCE text editor.

9. Complete any additional text required for the assignment and click the Submit Assignment button. (If it is a discussion assignment, you will click Reply instead).

10. You should receive a confirmation message at the top of the screen indicating the assignment was successfully submitted.

See Panopto guide: How to Submit a Video Assignment in Canvas

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Make sure you have a strong Wifi (or Ethernet) connection when recording.

• Browser considerations:

  • Use Firefox or Chrome.

  • Check Browser permissions

  • Clear browser cache.

• Keep the video under 500MB.

• Try adjusting your video to a lower resolution.

• Be sure the video is done recording and that you click Submit Assignment before closing your browser. If the video is still processing, refresh the page, then click Submit Assignment.

Backup option: Record on your phone, export to a smaller file size, and then upload to the media player.