[ARCHIVED] Making an assignment that allows students to choose essay title

[gbrown2]

I assign essays to my class often. But, I want to do this in Canvas. Wonder if this can be done.

I want the students to choose from a list of topics I give. Once they have chosen, they claim "ownership" of that topic and no other student can have that topic. Either the topic is removed from the list, or the student is told the topic is taken. Once the student chooses their topic and approves, they see a master list of topics and the students associated with the specific topic. Is there an app for this or is there a configuration in Canvas that this can be done? Thanks.

[tobe_baeyens]

You could use a google form for that. There is an extension that you can use to eliminate choices. You can create a module where the student has to go through in order. On the first page you can embed or link to the form so the student can complete the form. On the next page you can embed or link to the spreadsheet results so the student can see who signed up for which topic.

[gbrown2]

Hello Tobe,

Thank you so much for this suggestion. Google Docs works well in Canvas, and the app in Google Docs I did not even know about. I will try this options on my next assignment coming up this week.

[gbrown2]

LOL! I meant Google Form (but I think you know what I mean). Thanks again.

[bdalton_sales]

Use a Canvas Discussion so Students can post their chosen topic or allow students to edit a wiki page although you can run into issues with concurrent edits for this.  Lastly you could use the Groups, list the topics in the assignement with a number and then ask students to self sign up to a group with that number (group size of 1) to "Claim" it.  They then could use the group as a space to collect drafts, notes and show development of the essay.

[tobe_baeyens]

Using groups with a size of 1 is indeed a very good option. You could even rename the groups so they get the name of the assignment.Great solution!

[gbrown2]

Hi Brett, 

Thanks for your suggestion (and forgive me for my delayed reply as we are on break). I will look into doing this as well. I did not know that a group can be comprised of one person. And, having the groups would make sending assignments much easier for the students. Again, thank you.