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
Grading Assignments & Discussions
Grading Quizzes: Manual Scoring & Green Check Behavior
Update vs. Submit: What’s the Difference?
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 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:
Grading Assignments & Discussions
In SpeedGrader, you can:
Enter scores manually
Leave feedback via text, audio, or video
Use attached rubrics to standardize grading
Guides:
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:
Update vs. Submit: What’s the Difference?
Update saves your score but may not immediately change the grading icon
Submit finalizes the grade and typically triggers the green checkmark to appear
Tip: If the icon stays yellow after updating, refresh the page or use Submit when possible
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
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Articles in this section
- Canvas Speedgrader Resources
- How Do I View Concluded Enrollments in a Course in Canvas?
- How to Print Grades for a Student
- Merged or Large Course Grading in Speedgrader
- Submitting Final Grades in Canvas FAQ
- Submitting a Final Grade for a Student Auditing Your Course
- Submitting Final Grades in Canvas
- Grading in Canvas
- Issuing an Incomplete for a Student's Final Grade
- Opening up a Course for a Student with an Incomplete
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