Use OneDrive files for assignments inside Canvas LMS

  • 7 minutes

Managing assignments is a challenging task for both educators and learners. Sometimes, an educator might want to provide a file for learners to update and return to the educator for review. Microsoft and Canvas are at the forefront of education with their tools and apps for learning. They make it simple for learners to complete quality work.

Microsoft's OneDrive LTI® app provides a space for educators and learners to create content, collaborate, and submit—all without leaving Canvas. For example, educators can use a Word file from their OneDrive to generate an assignment document in Canvas. When they select a file for an assignment, OneDrive creates a copy for each learner. Learners can access the documents through the Canvas assignments page and edit them directly in Canvas or open them in a new tab to work in the familiar Microsoft 365 environment with real-time syncing. With real-time syncing, learners can focus on their work without worrying about saving documents frequently.

Educators can create documents in OneDrive and embed them in assignments. They can also link to documents for reference in Canvas’s Rich Content Editor, which includes:

  • Pages
  • Discussion posts
  • Assignment directions

Create Microsoft OneDrive assignments in Canvas

In the Canvas assignments tool:

  1. Select External Tool in the submission type dropdown.
  2. Select the OneDrive submission type.
  3. Choose OneDrive.
  4. Browse for Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files that you want to attach to the assignment.

Attaching a document to the assignment provides learners with their own copy to edit and submit for review with Canvas SpeedGrader.

Create assignments with file upload submissions in Canvas

In the Canvas assignments tool:

  1. Select File Uploads in the submission type dropdown.
  2. If needed, restrict upload file types to ensure learners submit the correct file (for example, .docx, .pptx, .xlsx, .pdf).

Learners can upload a file directly from their OneDrive as a file submission for the assignment.