Using with Canvas (LTI Integration)
SmartyCards can be integrated with Canvas using LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability). This allows you to create assignments that link directly to SmartyCards decks, with automatic grade passback to the Canvas gradebook.
Setting Up an Assignment in Canvas
In Canvas, create a new Assignment. Add your assignment details (name, description, points, etc.).
For Submission Type, select External Tool
Click Find to see a list of available tools:
Choose SmartyCards from the list:
WARNING
Your Canvas administrator must first add and enable the SmartyCards LTI for your institution. If you don't see SmartyCards in the External Tool list, contact your Canvas admin or email latistecharch@umn.edu.
Choose the deck you want to assign (or create a new deck), and click Create Assignment:
Click Select to confirm your choice:
Save the assignment
Your assignment is now set up. You should see it embedded in the assignment page (or a link to open SmartyCards in a new tab):
The assignment column is automatically created in the Gradebook. When a student completes their practice session, students will be awarded 100% for completing the activity:
Student Experience
When students click the assignment:
- They are taken directly to the SmartyCards practice activity
- They practice all cards in the deck
- Once complete, their grade (100%) is automatically submitted to Canvas
Students can return to the assignment to practice again, but their grade is recorded on first completion.
Students may also access the practice deck directly in SmartyCards,
How Grading Works
SmartyCards assignments are graded on participation, not correctness. Students earn 100% once they complete the practice session by going through all cards in the deck. The goal is to encourage practice and engagement, not to penalize students for getting answers wrong while learning.
If you have a large deck, consider breaking it into smaller decks for multiple assignments to make it more manageable for students.