Using LMS Assignments with JAWS
Assignments
Students can upload assignment files into the LMS so that Subject Coordinators and Tutors can download submissions and then provide feedback, grades and/or additional documents to individual students.
Note: Students in Economics and Commerce, Law and Arts may use a local assignment system that functions differently to the LMS Assignment Tool described below. Please check with your subject coordinator to confirm which assignment tool you are using.
The LMS assignment link may be located in your subject menu or within a content page of your subject. If you can't locate an assignment, check with your lecturer as to where it is located.
The instructions in this guide will describe the process needed to access an assignment within a content page of your subject.
1.1. Navigating tthe assignment
If you are new to the LMS, the most effective method for familiarising yourself with the layout of any subject page is to arrow through it. The methods below provide shortcuts for people familiar with their LMS subject pages.
Once you are inside your LMS subject:
- INSERT+F7 (this brings up a list of links on that page)
- Arrow down until you reach the link that contains your assignment
- ENTER to activate this link
You are now somewhere in the area of your subject where the assignment is located. Exactly where you are varies depending on the page.
- CONTROL HOME to go to the top of the page
- Press the letter H key. JAWS will read the name of the assignment page followed by 'Level Heading 1'
You are now situated at the section of the LMS subject page where the assignment (and maybe other items) will appear.
- Arrow down through this part of the page viewing which assignments are located here
- Within LMS content pages each assignment item has:
- Heading
- Graphic
- Title e.g., Essay 3
- Description
- >> symbol
- View/Complete Assignment option
Note: There can be numerous items on the page.
- Press the letter N key if you want to just read the descriptions of the assignments
JAWS will read 'subject content frame frame end' when you have reached the end.
1.2. Opening an assignment
You can open an assignment using the following steps.
- Arrow down to the View/Complete assessment link situated below the assignment you wish to view
- ENTER to activate the View/Complete Assignment link
This will open the assignment you have chosen.
1.3. Assignment page layout
Once you have opened an assignment
- CONTROL HOME to go to the top of the page
- Press the letter H key. JAWS will read the headings on the page.
- The assignment headings on the page may include:
- Title
- Step 1: Assignment Information
- Step 2: Assignment Materials
- Step 3: Submit
Note: If there are no other headings, JAWS will read out 'wrapping to top' and the cursor will go to the first heading at the top of the page.
- CONTROL HOME to go to the top of the page
- Press the letter H key until you reach Step 1: Assignment Information
- This section consists of:
- Title
- Instructions
- Arrow through tread the information displayed for this step
- Press the letter H key to move onto Step 2: Assignment Materials
- This section consists of:
- Comments
- Attach local file
- Or copy file from content collection
- Currently attached files
There is a third heading on this page for Step 3: Submit that contains options to 'Cancel', 'Save' or 'Submit' an assignment, but we will stay at Step 2 in order to add comments and attach a file to the assignment.
1.4. Adding a comment
You can include comments with the assignment you are about to submit.
Note: You may be required by your lecturer to include your name and/or student number when submitting an assignment.
Within the Step 2: Assignment Materials section
- Arrow through this section until JAWS reads comments
- Use the letter E key to find the edit field box. JAWS will read 'edit'.
- ENTER on this field
- Type in your comment
- TAB to the 'add local file button' option
- ENTER on this option
1.5. Attaching a local file
Files that you have created on your local computer may be attached when you submit an assignment.
Once you have entered on the add local file button (as instructed above):
- JAWS will read 'file upload edit'
- Arrow down tthe Browse button
- ENTER on this button. JAWS will read 'choose file'
- SHIFT TAB until you locate the 'look in' drop down menu
- Arrow to navigate tthe location of the file tbe uploaded e.g., My Documents
- ENTER to select the location of the file
- TAB three times to go to Folder View. A list of files will appear.
- Arrow through to locate the file
Note: Do not press ENTER here as you will not be able to tell which file has been loaded.
- TAB to the 'file name edit' field. JAWS will read the name of the file that is attached.
- TAB twice to get tthe 'Open' button
- ENTER to attach the file
1.6. Attaching a second local file
More than one file may be attached when an assignment is submitted. If you have just attached a file and now want to attach a second file you must complete the first attachment instructions. Note: If attaching just a single file the attachment is completed automatically when you 'Submit' or 'Save'.
Within the Step 2: Assignment Materials section:
- Arrow through until the 'currently attached files' section until you reach the link called 'Add Another File'
- ENTER to activate this option
- Now repeat the steps for attaching a local file including a comment (as above)
If you are attaching a second file and the assignment has been saved since you last attached the file you can omit the steps above and need only repeat the steps for 'attaching a local file'.
1.7. Removing an attached file
If the assignment has not yet been submitted you are able to remove attached files as needed.
Within the Step 2: Assignment Materials section:
- Arrow down to the name of the linked file
- Arrow down to 'Link Remove'
- ENTER to activate this option
The file will be removed with no confirmation
Note: You can still arrow through to see any other attached files, plus may attach or remove any other files as needed
1.8. Submitting an assignment
At Step 3 of the assignment page you can choose to cancel, save or submit the assignment.
- Press the letter H key to move to the Submit area. JAWS reads 'Step 3: Submit, heading level 2'
- Arrow through to read the descriptive text of 'Cancel', 'Save' and 'Submit'
- Arrow through to the 'Submit' link
- ENTER to activate this option
- Press the letter H key. JAWS reads 'Upload Assignment' followed by the name of the assignment and 'Heading Level 1'
- Arrow down to have JAWS read 'The assignment has been updated'
- Arrow down to have JAWS read the date and time the assignment was submitted
- Arrow down to the 'OK' link
- ENTER on this link to close the submission confirmation page
1.9. View a submitted assignment
Once an assignment has been submitted you may view your comments, the attached file, plus your grade and any comments from the lecturer.
Note: If you have submitted an assignment by accident you will need to contact your lecturer; a submission can be cleared to allow you to resubmit.
On the same page where the assignment is located:
- Press the letter H key. JAWS will read the name of the assignment page followed by 'Level Heading 1'
- Arrow down to the assignment you want to check
- Arrow down to the View/Complete Assignment link
- ENTER to activate this link
- Press the letter H key. JAWS will read 'assignment complete', the title of the assignment and 'Level Heading 1'
- Arrow down to read the confirmation of this assignment being complete
- INSERT+F7 (this brings up a list of links on that page)
- Press the letter key (for OK)
- ENTER to activate this link
- CONTROL+HOME to go to the top of the page
- Press the letter H key. JAWS should read 'Review Assignment' and the title of the assignment
- Arrow through to review the assignment information (description of assignment), assignment materials (your comments and files attached) and feedback from coordinator.
- Arrow down to the OK link when finished
- ENTER to exit the submitted assignment page
For students experiencing disability, some aspects of the LMS may present access difficulties. If you need any assistance or advice about using the LMS, or would like to book a consultation about your LMS subject please contact the Disability Liaison Unit at dlu-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au