Canvas Speedgrader Resources

Introduction

This guide combines SPC’s own training insights and official Instructure documentation to help faculty effectively use Canvas SpeedGrader—including adjustments introduced in Summer 2025.

Contents

What is SpeedGrader?

Accessing SpeedGrader

Grading Assignments & Discussions

Grading Quizzes: Manual Scoring & Green Check Behavior

Update vs. Submit: What’s the Difference?

Other SpeedGrader Resources

What is SpeedGrader?

SpeedGrader is Canvas’s built-in tool for viewing and grading student submissions, leaving feedback, and tracking grading progress.

How do I use SpeedGrader?

How do I use SpeedGrader with the Updates (2025)

Tech Tip Tuesday: SpeedGrader Updates (2025)

Accessing SpeedGrader

You can open SpeedGrader from:

• The three-dot menu in Assignments, Quizzes, or Discussions

• A grade cell icon inside the Gradebook: 

Guides: 

• How do I get to SpeedGrader from the Gradebook?
• How do I get to SpeedGrader from the Gradebook?

Grading Assignments & Discussions

In SpeedGrader, you can:

• Enter scores manually

• Leave feedback via text, audio, or video

• Use attached rubrics to standardize grading

Guides:

• How do I enter and edit grades in SpeedGrader?

• How do I leave feedback comments for student submissions in SpeedGrader?
   

Grading Quizzes: Manual Scoring & Green Check Behavior

For quiz items that require manual grading (essays, short answers, etc):

• Enter the score directly in the response box

• Clicking the green checkmark automatically assigns full points for that question

• ⚠️ Important: If you enter partial credit and then click the green check, Canvas will overwrite your score with the full point value.

Guides:

•  How do I grade quiz questions in SpeedGrader?

Update vs. Submit: What’s the Difference?

• Update saves your score (and pushes it to the gradebook) but may not immediately change the grading icon

• Submit posts any feedback you entered and updates the grading icon (if not already updated).

• Tip: If the icon stays yellow after updating, refresh the page or use Submit when possible

• Tip: If you're having issues, try pressing update (under Final Score) and then Submit (in the feedback/comments panel on the right). 

Other SpeedGrader Resources:

Merged or Large Course Grading in SpeedGrader

How do I use the Comment Library in SpeedGrader?

How do I sort the student list in SpeedGrader?

Have Questions? Contact the Academic Technology Support Team

atst@spcollege.edu 

 Phone at 727-341-3500

(Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST).

After-hours or weekend assistance? Contact the Technical Support Center at 727-791-2795 or onlinehelp@spcollege.edu

Want to Schedule a One-on-One or Group Session on Canvas or other instructional technology issues or opportunities?

Schedule 1:1 Support Help with a Member of the Academic Technology Support Team