How do I allow students to upload files to share with the class?
Canvas does not include an option for instructors to allow students to upload files to a course's Files tool. There are two recommended workarounds for students to share files with the entire class:
- Create a group that includes all students - When students are added to a group, Canvas creates a group-specific Files area where the students can upload and share files. By adding all the students in a course site to the same group, you can leverage this functionality for students to share files with the entire class. Please note that a group's Files is limited to a 100 MB file quota.
- Create a shared OneDrive folder - You can create a OneDrive folder where you allow anyone at UVA with the link to edit files, and share the OneDrive link with students. Please note that if the link is shared with someone at UVA who is not in the class, they will also be able to access and edit content in the folder.
Tip: If you would like to have students share video or audio files with the class, use a media tool or Canvas Discussions along with a media tool. For details, see one of the following articles:
Use a Canvas group to create a group Files area.
Add a group set.
Select the Add Group Set button.
Create a set with one group.
In the Create Group Set window:
- Enter a name for the group set.
- For the Group Structure, select Split students by number of groups, then enter 1 for the number.
- Select Save.
All students will be included in the group.
View the group set.
Select the name of the group set.
After you create the group set, a link will be added near the top of the People tool with its name, for example, Group for file sharing. Select this link.
View the group.
When there is only one group and all the students in the course are included in it, Unassigned Students (0) will display on the left side of the group set's page and Groups (1) will display to its right.
Under Groups (1), you can select the name of the group to view all the students.
Note: If any new students are enrolled in the class after you create the group, you will need to follow the steps to manually add students to the group (opens new window) to give them access to the group's folder.
Provide instructions to students.
Students can upload files to the group's Files area by following the steps in How do I upload a file to a group? (opens new window).
They can view the files uploaded by other students by following the steps in How do I view group files as a student? (opens new window).
View files.
Instructors and TAs will be able to access the students' files by following the steps in How do I view content and student activity within a group as an instructor? (opens new window).
Create a shared OneDrive folder and provide the folder's link to students.
Create a folder in OneDrive.
Follow the steps in Create files and folders in OneDrive (opens new window) to add a folder in your UVA OneDrive account.
Share the folder.
Follow the steps in Sharing Files With Students (opens new window) to share the folder with the settings People in University of Virginia with the link Can edit, and copy the share link.
Make the link available to students.
Provide the link to the shared folder by adding it to your Canvas course in one of the following locations: