Personalize Your Student's Learning Experience with the Canvas "Assign To" Feature

Canvas recently introduced an enhancement that streamlines assignment management—the "Assign To" feature. This feature allows instructors to customize assignments, quizzes, and discussions for specific students, sections, or groups easily. Whether it's for differentiated instruction, offering accommodations, or managing makeup work, the "Assign To" feature offers the flexibility to set unique due dates, availability windows, or even different tasks altogether for select individuals or groups.

One of the key benefits of this feature is its convenience. Instead of having to enter the assignment editor for small adjustments, instructors can quickly update due dates and assignments using a slide-out menu. This slide-out isn’t just available in the assignment editor but can also be accessed via the three-dot context menu next to assignments or activities in the assignment index and modules. It’s a practical update that simplifies course management and enhances efficiency.

Differentiated Deadlines for Student Groups
If you have students working in groups or cohorts, the "Assign To" feature allows you to give specific deadlines for each group without needing to create separate assignments for everyone. This is useful when groups are working on staggered timelines or different projects.

Accommodations for Individual Students
The "Assign To" feature is ideal for accommodating students with different learning needs, such as those who require extended time on assessments or need assignments to be released on a different schedule.

Targeted Assignments for Make-Up Work
If students miss class or need a different version of an assignment due to an excused absence, you can use the "Assign To" feature to assign a make-up task to only the students who need it, without disrupting the rest of the class.
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How to Use the "Assign To" Feature in Canvas
For a detailed walkthrough use the Canvas guide: How do I assign an assignment to an individual student?


For a short video on the multiple places to find the Assign To button, check out this short video.

The "Assign To" feature represents an exciting enhancement for faculty who want to streamline course management and better support individual learning needs within Canvas. From differentiated deadlines to personalized accommodations, this feature enables instructors to tailor assignments with a few clicks, all while saving time and maintaining an organized course structure. By integrating "Assign To" into your Canvas practices, you can boost efficiency and student engagement, ensuring each student receives the resources and support they need to succeed.