This Guide walks you through the many features of the Dropbox tool, including creating Dropbox folders, editing or modifying due dates on Dropboxes, creating categories for my Dropbox folders, adding and grading with rubrics, and more!
If you have questions about Dropbox that are not answered in this Guide or the FAQ page, please let us know at asktei@sjcme.edu.
Students use the Dropbox tool to upload and submit assignments directly in Brightspace Learning Environment.
Instructors use the Dropbox tool to see students’ submission times, view submissions, check for plagiarism using the integrated TurnItIn originality tool, associate assignments to rubrics, and return submissions with grades and feedback right in Brightspace. Additionally, due dates on Dropboxes automatically show up on the Brightspace calendar which is visible to students.
Important Note: When a student submits a Word document to Brightspace, it will be converted to a PDF format to be viewed in Brighspace's "viewer" in the Dropbox. Please be aware that APA or MLA formatting may be skewed when viewing the submission in this way. If you are grading for APA 7 or MLA 9 accuracy, please be sure to either download the Word doc submission (if you wish to comment on the Word doc), or ask students to submit PDF files to the Dropboxes in your course (to use the Annotation Tool to provide comments and feedback). If you have any questions about this, please contact asktei@sjcme.edu.
Resources:
Why Create Dropbox Folders?
A Dropbox folder allows learners to submit their assignments directly into the Brightspace learning environment. Think of it like an "inbox" on your desk.
Also, you can enable the built-in plagiarism tool, TurnItIn, so that it automatically checks student submissions (for more information about Turnitin, contact askalibrarian@sjcme.edu.
This video will walk you through creating a Drobpox folder for Student Assignment Submission. Please know that if you need help with creating Dropbox folders, shoot an email to asktei@sjcme.edu!
Note: If you prefer written instructions, see the PDF below each video or in the Written Instructions box on the right-hand side of the page.
Create a Dropbox for Student Assignment Submissions (8 minutes)
Why Would I Need to Edit or Modify a Due Date in a Dropbox Folder?
You may decide you would like to give your students more time to submit their assignments, or perhaps you did not add a due date to your original Dropbox folder but would like to. Watch this short video to see how easy it is to edit a due date in a Dropbox folder.
Note: If you prefer written instructions, see the PDF below each video or in the Written Instructions box on the right-hand side of the page.
Modify or Edit a Due Date in a Dropbox Folder (1 Minute)
Why Would I Create Categories for Dropbox Folders?
Creating categories for Dropbox folders helps organize the Dropbox area for both you and your students, especially if you have many similar assignments. For example, if you have more than one research paper required for your course, you can create a Research Paper category to place all research paper Dropbox folders under.
To learn how to create Categories in the Dropbox area, watch the video below, or view the PDF below the video or in the Written Instructions box on the right-hand side of the page.
Create Categories in the Dropbox Area (2 Minutes)
Why Would I Add an Existing Rubric to a Dropbox Folder?
You would add an existing rubric (one that is already in Brightspace) to a Dropbox folder so that students know the academic expectations of an assignment, as well as to assist you in easily grading the assignment in Dropbox. If you do not have an existing rubric in your course but are interested in creating one, please contact asktei@sjcme.edu.
For more information on rubrics, please see the Rubrics Guide.
Watch this short video that demonstrates how easy it is to add an existing rubric to a Dropbox folder in your course.
Note: If you prefer written instructions, see the PDF below the video or in the Written Instructions box on the right-hand side of the page.
Add an Existing Rubric to a Dropbox Folder (2 minutes)
What is a Turnitin Originality Report?
A Turnitin Originality report allows faculty to determine if a student submission contains plagiarized or uncited content. Please visit this resource from the Wellehan Library to learn more about the Turnitin Originality report, or contact askalibrarian@sjcme.edu.
If you would like to know how to enable Turnitin in a Dropbox folder, please view the Creating Folders video or reach out to Liza Dalfonso for training.
Why Would I Download a Student's Submission?
If you prefer to make comments directly on a student's assignment, this option is great for you. You can download a student's paper, make comments as you normally would, and then reupload the assignment right in Dropbox.
This video walks you through downloading the submission. If you need additional information on how to reupload the assignment, please see the tab "Reupload & Grade Student Submission with Feedback".
Note: If you prefer written instructions, see the PDF below each video or in the Written Instructions box on the right-hand side of the page.
Download a Student's Submission (3 minutes)
My Course has More than One Section - Can I View Student Submissions by Section?
You sure can! Watch this video to see how easy it is to view student submissions by section.
View Student Submissions by Section (1.5 Minutes)
When Would I Reupload Student Submissions to Dropbox?
Once you have provided comments and feedback on a student's submission that you have downloaded, you would now reupload the submission to the appropriate Dropbox so the student can view your comments and feedback. Also, you will be able to enter a grade and additional feedback if desired.
Note: If you prefer written instructions, see the PDF below each video or in the Written Instructions box on the right-hand side of the page.
Reupload Student Submissions to Dropbox (2.51 minutes)
Why Enter a Score for a Student Submission in Dropbox?
If a grade item is attached to a Dropbox, entering a score and publishing it allows students to see their score in Brightspace.
How to Enter a Score in Dropbox (<2 Minutes)
What is the Annotation Tool?
T.E.I recommends using the annotation tool to grade because it is one of our favorite features in Brightspace!
The Annotation Tool in Brightspace allows you to view, make comments and corrections, provide feedback, and grade student submissions all without having to leave the platform. In addition, using the Annotation Tool along with an embedded rubric is the fastest and easiest way to grade in Brightspace!
Watch this video to learn more about the Annotation Tool.
Note: If you prefer written instructions, see the PDF below the video or in the Written Instructions box on the right-hand side of the page.
The Annotation Tool (3.5 Minutes)
Why Grade Using a Rubric?
Rubrics benefit both you, the instructor, and your students because they enable clear communication in terms of both your expectations for an assignment and detailed feedback in response to students' work.
If you are interested in learning more about adding rubrics to your Brightspace course, please contact asktei@sjcme.edu.
Grade Using a Rubric (3.5 Minutes)
Why Grade Using a Rubric and the Annotation Tool?
This is the dynamic duo of grading!
Similar to the comment feature in Word, the Annotation Tool in Dropbox will allow you to comment, highlight, underline, et cetera on a student's submission without ever leaving the Brightspace platform. Using the Annotation tool along with a rubric provides quality feedback and greatly reduces grading time. Bonus: students love receiving feedback this way as well!
Grade Using a Rubric and the Annotation Tool (4 minutes)
Why Would I Want to Publish Scores and Feedback All at Once?
When you are grading in Dropbox, you may wish to enter scores and feedback for a student and then continue on to the next student. Brightspace makes it easy to publish scores and feedback all at once.
Watch this video to learn more.
Note: If you prefer written instructions, please view the PDF below the video or in the Written Instructions box on the right-hand side of the page.
Publish Scores and Feedback All at Once (3.11 minutes)
My student has questions about Turnitin that I am unable to answer. Who does he contact?
We recommend starting with this Wellehan Library Libguide.
My student is having trouble submitting a file to Dropbox.
The Wellehan Library is the best place for your student to start troubleshooting. He or she can contact askalibrarian@sjcme.edu or view the Library's Dropbox Libguide.
I'd like to have a rubric attached to Dropboxes in my Brightspace course.
Awesome! Email asktei@sjcme.edu and we can help.
Have technical questions or concerns about these features? Email asktei@sjcme.edu.
For training information, see below.
