Individual start files of each student

[RaymondFrost]

How do I batch upload individual start files for each student? 

I know that it is possible to batch download for grading and then batch upload the graded files. But what if I want each student to start with a slightly different file that I upload? If I include the student name in the file name, can Canvas drop each individual file in each student's account?

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

Hi @RaymondFrost ...

There is nothing on the current Canvas UI (User Interface) that I know of that would allow you to drop individualized files into separate student folders.  To be honest, I'm not even sure if that is possible through some back-end programming...as that would be beyond my scope of knowledge.  A clunky work-around might be to create a group for every student in your course (10 students...10 groups), and then you could upload the file into the group for that particular student.  But, you'd have to go into each group to upload the file...which could take you some time...especially if you don't want said file to be seen by other students.  Certainly not an ideal solution, but it might work for your needs.

[RaymondFrost]

Thank you, but I was really hoping for a bulk solution. I have over 100 students in some sections. It seems as though the UI is close to having this functionality since it allows bulk upload of graded assignments. The advantage of individual start files is to cut down on cheating.

[Chris_Hofer]

@RaymondFrost ...

I understand...and I can see where having many students like you do would complicate the issue.  Unfortunately, this isn't a feature of the current Canvas environment.  You could certainly suggest this as a Feature Idea here in the Community if you wanted:

• How do idea conversations work in the Instructure Community?
• What is the feature development process for Instructure products?
• How do I create a new idea conversation in the Instructure Community?