ARCHIVED: In Oncourse, what are Drop Boxes?

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UITS no longer supports original Oncourse. For information about Indiana University's current version of Oncourse, see ARCHIVED: What is Oncourse?

The following is an overview of Oncourse Drop Boxes.

What it does

A drop box is a folder created by an instructor where class members can upload files. Students commonly use drop boxes to hand in assignments.

Within each drop box, Oncourse creates individual folders for every student who uploads a file. Students can see only the files in their own folders, and cannot delete files. Instructors can see and delete everything in the drop box. A drop box can be available to the entire class, or restricted to groups defined in the class roster.

Drop boxes and group spaces work similarly. However, if you are a student using a drop box, only you and your instructor can see the files you put there. By contrast, in a group space, your files are available to everyone who shares the space.

Key concepts

Opening and closing dates: As an instructor, you can designate opening and closing dates for a drop box. Students can only see and use drop boxes that are currently open. If you intend to accept late assignments, you can set the closing date later than the assignment due date, and then check the "last modified" date of a file to determine whether it was uploaded on time.

Size limits: You may increase the Upload File Size Limit from 1.5 to 50MB and Total Space Limit from 100 to 500MB to accommodate large files (e.g., multimedia files).

Updating or resubmitting files: You can decide whether to allow students to update files once they've uploaded them.

Things to consider

You can link a drop box directly to the related Schedule item. Discuss file formats, especially for word-processed documents, with your students. Make sure that everyone knows what file formats can be accepted.
Offer your class ample opportunity to experiment with the drop box before an assignment is due.
If you'd like to set up a drop box that is only accessible to a particular group, be sure to make a note of the group in the title or descriptive caption for the drop box.
Drop boxes are for passing files one way: from student to instructor. Instructors cannot upload or replace files for students to receive.
Be sure your students understand the difference between a drop box and a group space.