SpeedGrader allows you to view and grade student assignment submissions in one place using a simple point scale or complex rubric. SpeedGrader is also integrated as part of the Canvas Teacher app.

Benefits of Speedgrader 

Everything in one place

Student work is displayed on the left hand side of the instructor's screen, with the grading panel on the right. 

Color-coded student list

Allows the instructor to see at a glance
  • An orange dot against a student name indicates they have made a submission
  • A green checkmark indicates a student has already been graded
  • A student name in light gray indicates the student has not yet submitted.
  • A gray checkmark indicates the assignment is moderated and has already been graded by another grader.

Time stamp

  • A date and time stamp is provided for each piece of student work
  • Late assignments show a Late label and the time stamp appears red

Variety of feedback

Instructors can provide feedback in a number of ways

  • Written feedback on individual assignments using annotation tools across the top of the assignment area including Point Annotation, Highlight Annotation, Freetext Annotation, Strikeout Annotation, Freedraw Annotation and Area Annotation. 
  • Written feedback in the main comment box on right side of Speedgrader 
  • Audio feedback using the loudspeaker icon under the main comment box 
  • Video feedback using the video icon underneath the main comment box 

How to Access Speedgrader 


SpeedGrader gives you an overview of student submissions for an assignment.

  • From Module Navigation, click Grades.
  • Within the gradebook, identify the column for your assignment or quiz, and click the options icon at the top of the column 
  • Select SpeedGrader from the menu
  • To open the list of students, click the dropdown list beside the first student name. 
  • SpeedGrader opens the assignment for the first student listed in the student list, arranged alphabetically by last name.
  • You can sort the student list using different options. To do this, click the Settings icon on the top left of Speedgrader, click Options, change the sorting to your preference below: 
  • By student name alphabetically 
  • By the date they submitted the assignment 
  • By submission status (needs grading, not submitted etc)
  • Randomise students 
  • Randomise students with submission status 
  • Click Save Settings when you have made your selection.

If your course has more than one section 


If your course includes more than one section, students are displayed according to the section shown in the Gradebook.

By default, the Gradebook shows all sections, though you can select a specific section to view.

Viewing an assignment by section only displays submissions for that section and decreases the overall loading time for the assignment's data.

When an assignment is opened in SpeedGrader, all values for that assignment are loaded and saved in the browser, including student submission data, any grades (including original grades for resubmitted assignments), rubrics, and comments. To improve performance, assignments in large courses should always be viewed by section.

Viewing by section is only available to instructors; admins cannot filter assignments by section.
Viewing by section is only available for group assignments if you assign grades to students individually.
When a section filter is applied in SpeedGrader, the same section filter also displays in the Gradebook.