Short- and Long-Term Strategies to Reduce Learner Anxiety
What is It?
In Canvas, when courses are repeatedly copied from previous versions, unexpected behaviors can occur. Recently, the Canvas Community has reported that zeros are appearing in the Gradebook after copied assignments or quizzes are published. Interestingly, this can happen even before an assignment is past due, and while it may be linked to existing Canvas settings, it is not the expected behavior in this context.
Why is It Important?
This behavior can create confusion and anxiety for both students and instructors. Students may see zeros and assume they have missed or failed assignments, while instructors may spend time investigating apparent grading errors. Inaccurate Gradebook entries can undermine confidence in course data, complicate reporting, and make course management more stressful, highlighting the need to understand this as a known Canvas behavior.
How Do I Do It?
Short Term
From your gradebook, select the 3 dots next your assignment. From here, choose the "Set Default Grade" option.
Leave the Grade Value field empty [1]. Check the Overwrite already-entered grades checkbox [2]. Select the Set Default Grade button [3].
Long Term
Using Blueprint courses in Canvas is a smart way to streamline course building and create a more professional, efficient workflow. Instead of repeatedly copying past courses - which can introduce unexpected issues - Blueprints let you maintain a single, up-to-date source for all your content. By adopting this approach, you develop new habits that save time, reduce errors, and make building and maintaining courses smoother, giving you more control and confidence in your course design.
- Create a ticket requesting a blueprint for each of your courses taught.
- Build from template, or, IDT Support member will populate your blueprint with existing content.
- Build your best course in line with best practices for instructional design, course development, and accessibility before the next term. (Feel free to schedule a consultation for expert support.)
- When ready, create a ticket requesting association between your blueprint and the corresponding course (s) or have your department chair complete this task.
- Sync your content to the live course.
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