[Mostly OT] Feedback on Python homework using Canvas LMS
Irv Kalb
Irv at furrypants.com
Mon Mar 16 17:02:56 EDT 2020
> On Mar 16, 2020, at 11:31 AM, Irv Kalb <Irv at furrypants.com> wrote:
>
> This is for anyone who teaches Python and uses the Canvas Learning Management System (maybe a small group).
>
> I teach Python at two colleges in Silicon Valley in California. At both schools we use Canvas. Overall, it works very well. I use it to post notes, sample programs, build tests, post homework, and correct homework assignment.
>
> However, there is a problem (bug!) when I give feedback on student's homework assignments. I often give feedback by writing small snippets of code to explain what a student has done wrong, or how something could be done better. The problem is that in the feedback section for homework assignments, Canvas eliminates any leading space characters. So, I might write:
>
> if x == y:
> # do thing 1
> else:
> # do thing 2
>
> but when it gets posted and viewed by the student, it shows up as:
>
> if x == y:
> # do thing 1
> else:
> # do thing 2
>
> Which obviously is very annoying to me, and not as helpful to the student.
>
> Knowing that this happens, I have started to write feedback using periods for indenting:
>
> if x == y:
> ....# do thing 1
> else:
> ....# do thing 2
>
> I have posted about this problem on the Canvas board, pointing out the importance of leading spaces, but I've had no response. I also even wrote the company through snail mail, and got no response.
>
> Question 1: Does anyone have any suggestions for indenting besides using periods?
>
> Question 2: Does anyone know any other way to reach the appropriate person(s) at Canvas to address this issue.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Irv
> --
> https://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
>
Thanks to MRAB and Ethan for their quick responses.
I like both suggestions, and will probably go with the non-breaking space (Option space on my Mac). I tested that and it works well.
Irv
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