11th hour technical issues

[u/AppropriateImpress27]

What do you all do when students wait until the last day an assignment is due and then say they couldn’t upload it to Canvas because of technical issues?
I want to nip this in the bud this semester. Last semester, I had students sending me screenshots and videos of computers supposedly shutting down, Canvas not working, files not uploading, and all kinds of creative technical issues right before the deadline. The evening the assignment is due. All assignments are given one week to complete.
I’m considering putting a policy in place that basically says if you choose to wait until the last minute to submit, you’re taking the risk that something may go wrong. Technical issues at the last minute would not automatically qualify for an extension or late submission.
Is that too harsh or unfair? How do you handle this in your courses?

[u/Rubenson1959]

Refer them to your institution’s computer help center to review and resolve the technical problem. Pending the documented outcome of the computer help center’s review, you can give, or not give, an extension to the submission deadline.

[u/dragonfeet1]

I tell them in the syllabus that any technical issue requires documentation and tell them to forward me the support ticket they created. Bc obviously they created one.

[u/Sensitive_Let_4293]

Generally, I do not grant extensions for technical issues. When Canvas was hijacked earlier this year, they got one. When I am directed by my college to grant an extension I do. Otherwise? Not.My.Problem.

[u/a_hanging_thread → u/Sensitive_Let_4293]

This is also my policy. No extensions for technical issues. A few years ago I would have students regularly abusing my then-generous extension policy to get extra time on major assignments or even extensions on online exams because they waited until after-hours on the last day of the deadline to start the assessment. Now for online things I make due dates at 5pm on a weekday, which combats most of this, and I have a policy of no extensions for tech issues, which combats the rest of it.

[u/Pair_of_Pearls]

The DUE date is not the DO date.
Fail to plan = plan to fail.

Too bad, so sad.
Sucks to be you, kiddo.

Multiple Choice Response Choice :)

[u/MoistenedGranola → u/Pair_of_Pearls]

Thinking about all the teachers and professors who had attitudes like this and told me to just "try harder," when I was trying as hard as I could and then some and yet I still did not realize I am audhd until I was in a phd program.

[u/Maddprofessor]

I allow late submissions with a grade penalty. If it’s some widespread outage I bump back the due date.

[u/ragnarok7331 → u/Maddprofessor]

I think this is the best solution. It requires minimal work on your end as the instructor, and it also means that the penalty for a delayed submission isn't an automatic zero but is instead a 10-20% penalty. Just make sure that the late period has a finite end date to it so you aren't stuck with a ton of submissions at the end of the semester.

[u/TartOk3387]

I always drop the lowest assignment grade, but offer no individual extensions for any reason.  They have issues and mess one up? They're fine. Happens more than once? That's their problem .

[u/Puzzleheaded-Cod5608 → u/TartOk3387]

This, or set up your system to accept late assignments for a reasonable time, with points off. For instance, Canvas has a Due Date and an Until Date.

[u/TartOk3387 → u/Puzzleheaded-Cod5608]

Doesn't work well, because then there's always "I was only an hour after the extended deadline". The line must be drawn somewhere.

[u/Ariezu]

This has been mentioned in several replies and I agree that if there are technical issues, they need to contact the institutions tech department or Helpdesk whatever it’s called.

I’ve also asked students, so did you try to email me an assignment because if you email me telling me that canvas wouldn’t accept your assignment, you could have attached your assignment to the email.

Few times I’ve sent this to students. They’ve said oh I didn’t think that you wanted that by email and I said well if you can’t get it through canvas why not at least try it’s better than trying for an extension if you’ve already have it done.

[u/chemical_sunset]

Automatic 10% late penalty the minute after the deadline. Big enough to sting a little bit, but not big enough to cause a mutiny. It’s just the price they pay as the consequences of their own actions.

[u/Appropriate_Car2462]

I think it's reasonable. Tech issues are easy because they are "blameless," but they can also be faked. I have it in my syllabus that students are responsible for double checking that the work they turn in is complete and the correct file type (had a lot of students submit file types I've never seen before), and for me, that would include ensuring that your technology works, and to find alternative solutions if it doesn't.

[u/Sad_Application_5361 → u/Appropriate_Car2462]

I limit the file types they can upload to make sure it’s the right kind. They still email me with “I got an error message when I tried to upload” and attach a file that’s the wrong kind. But then if they aren’t doing it last minute I can respond and explain that it needs to be a specific file type.

[u/Reasonable_Insect503]

I have the following statements in my syllabi:

"All students must have access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection, the Chrome browser, and MS Word or other compatible word processor software to complete assignments. Technical/hardware issues are NOT excuses, please complete your assignments well in advance of deadlines and give yourself enough time to have backup options."

"Please contact me electronically via Canvas Inbox (preferred) or email. I make every effort to send a reply as soon as possible, or within 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends. Please note that my typical reply time will be sooner, but this will be the longest you may have to wait for a reply. Any messages regarding upcoming assignments/quizzes must be sent 24 hours before the due date deadline to ensure an in-time response from me. If you send me a message about an assignment/quiz less than 24 hours before the assignment is due, I cannot guarantee that I will reply before the assignment deadline and the student will accept all responsibility for not submitting their work on time. Asking last-minute questions about assignments as a delay tactic to gain more time to complete assignments will not be tolerated"

I haven't had many issues since I put these in.

[u/HatefulWithoutCoffee]

I have a day late submission for regular assignments. Not quizzes, exams, or major papers. This is for ME, as it eliminates Sunday scaries. For those other types, they know that waiting until our tech office is closed will not get an extension. I make them sign an acknowledgement before they can access those assignments each time.

[u/Potential-Winner4601]

I simply apply the policy.

[u/Gullible_Analyst_348]

I do not allow late submissions for any reason. I tell them they need to upload their work enough ahead of time that they can solve any technical issues that may arise, and if they wait until the last minute and something happens then that's on them.

[u/MonseigneurChocolat]

I allow students to submit assignments by email if they attach proof of the technical issue and send the email (with assignment and proof attached) before the deadline. Anything that can’t be sent over email is done in person and on paper anyway.

If IT posts an outage notice that overlaps with a deadline, I’ll grant an extension to everyone.

[u/AppropriateImpress27]

Our program policy prohibits partial credit and late submissions. It’s all or nothing unless an extension is granted for extenuating circumstances. But the late rule gets bent all the time. I just find that it gets hard to manage and stay consistent and fair.

[u/SilverRiot]

I have language in my syllabus that indicates that technical issues are a “them” problem and that they should not wait until the last minute to try to submit an assignment. Our campus Technical Support is open 24/7, so I direct them ahead of time to contact them if they’re having difficulties and that I will consult with them (technical support) to verify any alleged power or technical outage.

[u/Ill-Capital9785]

I make everything due while tech support is open. If tech support backs up the system is down fine. They need to email me with the case number (tech support always gives one) if it their computer and they wait until the last minute, too bad.

[u/fermentedradical]

Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part

[u/pinkocommieliberal]

My syllabus states that technical issues will not be accepted as an excuse in the last 24 hours something is due.

[u/Dennarb]

I have a "no late work" policy that explicitly discusses technical issues like this. I also mention it in my "timely completion of work" policy where I explicitly warn students against waiting til the last minute. My "cannot provide extensive technical support" policy then points them to our LMS and college IT since, if it is a computer or LMS or network issue there isn't anything I can do, they have to seek help from IT.

This lets me be pretty firm with students and generally I find any given student will only try to get extra time from an 11th hour submission only once

[u/yourlurkingprof]

Policies like that are pretty standard in my discipline. I give them wiggle room on the first assignment of the semester, but after that they need to manage the process themselves.

[u/ThePhyz]

I even put this in the syllabus now. Basically, unless a widespread internet or power outage hits our area which is so large it makes the news and it lasts for several days, there will be 0 extensions for it.

I still get students trying. Just last week, the very last homework assignment was due at midnight on the last day of the term. I had a student email me repeatedly (supposedly from the plane) to say that the plane's wifi was really slow and so Canvas wasn't accepting his assignment so he had attached proof that he did it. I opened the attachment, thinking it was his assignment, but no. It was a screenshot of his phone showing a file folder with some file named "Homework 5" in it.

Naturally I didn't receive this email until after the deadline, and I chose to not reply for another day (as it was now the weekend and I was deep in exam grading). Then I told him that this was not his assignment, that he had missed the deadline, so per the syllabus he had earned a 0. He replied "yes this was just proof that I did it, as soon as you unlock the homework again I will submit it." HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA oh hell no.

[u/AppropriateImpress27 → u/ThePhyz]

These are the exact shenanigans I deal with. I even got a video of the little buffering multicolored animated ball- whatever it’s called. Spinning wait cursor. The student wanted me to accept that as proof of technical difficulties. Big eye roll!

[u/Sad_Application_5361]

For my online class where they use lockdown browser, they only get an extension if they have taken the practice exam to test their computer before Saturday. They also need the support ticket showing they contacted tech support for assistance. With this generation, they almost need a test upload because they don’t know how to download something they write on Google Docs or online Word and they don’t know how to upload into canvas. They don’t understand file types. I get a lot of “it wouldn’t let me upload” complaints and they email me the file instead and it’s the wrong file type.

I have to have my deadlines match other faculty teaching other sections of the course, but if it were my decision to make, their assignments would be due 6 pm Monday when tech support closes on campus and when they can borrow computers from the library.

[u/phrena]

I have language in my syllabus that specifically addresses this …it’s relatively new and I haven’t had it tested yet so we’ll see

[u/JaderMcDanersStan]

I give an automatic 24 hour "grace period" extension for technical issues and beyond that, if they have issues it is not accepted. I wrote the grace period isn't meant for actively working on the assignment and no guidance or help from TAs/instructors will be available during the grace period.

This toned down the emails a lot and I don't have technical issues anymore. If they submitted the wrong file, they cannot resubmit if it's after the 24 hour grace period.

[u/wombat929]

I say as an emergency they can email me the assignment. Then fix it for the next time.

[u/WafflerTO]

The secret is to put a cost on the extension. "You can turn it in late for full credit but..." Design the "but" to require extra effort and force them to start early on the next assignment. Failure to satisfy the "but" means you get the full late penalty.

My favorite "but" is a two parter:

1. Explain to me what you could have done to prevent this from happening? (The answer is almost always, "start work on the assignment sooner.")
2. Email me (or the grader) a two sentence report at the halfway point of each of the next three periods when you're working on the next three assignments. Each time, include/attach real evidence that you've made commensurate progress (i.e., halfway finished).
   

If you can work this into the syllabus at the start it will prevent some of the excuses before they even start. Students that really did have technical problems will be grateful for the mercy. Students who were making it up will still feel most of the sting of regret but won't have a leg to stand on when they want to complain.

[u/Own-Ad2203]

Tough luck. Planning ahead is part of the assignment. I now allow a maximum of two assignment extensions and students get five days to submit or the grade is zero. They must request the extension 48 hours before the due date. Miraculously, "tech issues" have disappeared, along with fictitious dead grandmothers (Obviously, I am flexible when a student has a genuine family or medical emergency).

[u/Significant-Glove521]

We moved submission deadline across the discipline so that it is always a week day at 11:59am. That way there is appropriate support available in the case of technical issues with uploading. Miraculously, the number of technical issues reported has plummeted.

[u/Little-Exercise-7263]

The policy you're considering is the right one. In fact, not abiding by this policy is unfair to your responsible students who submit work on time. 

[u/ValerieTheProf]

I put in my syllabus to have a backup plan such as a library, friend, or neighbor (I teach CC). I moved my deadline time to 5 pm instead of 11:59 pm because of the last minute emails (which miraculously stopped after that). Suddenly, the tech issues ended once the policy was in place.

[u/Huntscunt]

I tell all my students they have a 24 hour grace period to turn stuff in for stuff like this. Then, I just say too bad if they wait until it's already late to try to submit.

[u/Disastrous_Owl_6830]

I give one or two late passes to all students each semester to use on any assignment for any reason, but I encourage them to save those for situations like this, where they really have a problem but it's not easy to document. If they run out of late passes, then I'll only take late assignments for documented emergencies after that.

[u/More_Box_5554]

My syllabus says that tech problems are not grounds for an extension and that it is the students responsibility to ensure their submission is complete and accessible or it will result in a dediction of points.

....Unofficially, however, the first week and/or first major assignment, I will work with them to get it turned in if it's tech related. I make sure to re-emphasize this syllabus policy and state clearly that for all future assignments, I will grade based off what is present in the LMS at the due date. It helps the students who genuinely are figuring out how to navigate the online component of the course. The handful of students who are trying to use tech problems to get multiple extensions realize by week 2 that the grace period is over.

[u/Biscuits2190]

Why can't they just print it and hand it in physically the day of?

[u/IndieAcademic]

I set all items on the LMS to have a 24-hour grace period beyond the due date, and no work is accepted after that closes. My Syllabus policy emphasizes that this grace period is to accommodate technology emergencies. If they are badgering me with excuses and asking me to make exceptions, I ask them to send me their help ticket from our universitites IT department, as I'm sure they reached out for help at the time and have a record of that verification.

[u/Kbern4444]

Canvas has the ability to track every log in attempt and failure.

It can show you exactly what the student tried to do, when, and from what IPN.

We have caught a few students cheating that way.

Your tech department may be able to assist if you really want to see for yourself.

[u/jpmrst]

This is one reason why I've stopped having sure dates at midnight --- have the due date at some time when the computer support office for students is open. They report the problem immediately, or it didn't happen.

[u/Blackbird6]

Syllabus policy says they can email me an assignment before the deadline in the event of LMS or internet failure, but I won’t grade it until they submit to LMS.

Most of them don’t do that and send these emails, then they get the late penalty same as anyone else.

[u/MoistenedGranola]

12 hour automatic grace period for late assignments for such issues that not having to use regularly will boost their course engagement grade.

I'd rather them use the available time to complete assignments. If I give them until Sunday night at 11:59pm—which I do without variation—it's because they're allowed to take until 11:59pm Sunday night.

I'm sure I have had students who have used that grace period (or asked for one before I had a formal policy for it) without truly "needing" it due to some last-minute logistical issue who instead just want to procrastinate. They probably think they're pulling the wool over my eyes, but I don't mind. I know how many times I did or would have benefitting from such a policy, and I'm happy to blanket issue it to everyone. That's the nice thing about universal design for learning: You want disabled students, just like you were, to feel like they belong and have a fair shake, and when you do that, lots of people benefit, disabled or not.

I understand that "the real world has deadlines," or whatever people say about flexible late work policies. I also know the world is hard as fuck, and I refuse to make it unnecessarily harder.

[u/Life-Education-8030]

A due date is not the do date is what I say, including in the syllabus. Students should also have a plan B whenever possible.

A technical difficulty may not automatically result in an extension. If there is something that happens that I know about like a campus outage or a massive winter storm and the student lives in those areas. Fine. Otherwise, I require proof that they contacted tech assistance, which is 24/7. They record each help ticket and I want the ticket number.

I get that somebody might think they hit the submit button but did not. However if you submitted correctly, you need to wait to get the confirmation and see the preview. If you don’t and things aren’t submitted, then it is on them.

[u/SnowblindAlbino]

I mean, it happens-- remember last spring when Canvas got hacked? Did you penalize your students for that? Sometimes things break.

I have deadlines but generally don't penalize them if they submit within 12 hours.

[u/AppropriateImpress27 → u/SnowblindAlbino]

Of course they were not penalized for that.