Preventing automatic calculation of final grades within the Canvas learning management system allows instructors greater flexibility. For instance, an instructor might choose this option if they intend to use a complex grading scheme not easily accommodated by the default settings, if they need additional time to finalize grades outside of Canvas, or if they prefer to manually review student performance before releasing final results. This functionality provides a manual override to the automated totaling of assignments, quizzes, and other graded items within the platform.
This control over grade visibility and calculation offers significant advantages. It allows instructors to ensure accuracy in complex grading scenarios, provides a period for careful review and consideration of student work, and prevents premature release of potentially incomplete or inaccurate final grades. Historically, learning management systems offered less control over these features, requiring more manual workarounds. The ability to selectively disable automatic calculations represents a significant improvement in streamlining the grading process while maintaining instructor oversight.