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File Upload Question Type

Students upload files (documents, images, code, etc.) for instructor review.

Basic Syntax

[fileupload]

Note: No answer field—instructors review files manually.

Options

filetypes

Allowed file extensions (comma-separated).

[fileupload]
filetypes = pdf, doc, docx, txt;

maxfilesize

Maximum file size in MB.

[fileupload]
maxfilesize = 10;  // 10 MB limit

multiple

  • true — Allow multiple file uploads
  • false (default) — Single file only
[fileupload]
multiple = true;
maxfilesize = 25;
filetypes = pdf, jpg, png;

Examples

Essay Submission as PDF

Write a 3–5 page essay and upload it as a PDF file.

[fileupload]
filetypes = pdf;
maxfilesize = 5;

Code Submission

Write a Python script that solves the given problem. Upload your .py file.

[fileupload]
filetypes = py;
maxfilesize = 2;

Diagram or Graphic

Create a labeled diagram of the water cycle using any tool (Visio, Google Draw, etc.).
Upload as PDF or image (JPG/PNG).

[fileupload]
filetypes = pdf, jpg, png;
maxfilesize = 10;

Project with Multiple Files

Submit your project folder as a ZIP file containing:
- Your code files (.html, .css, .js)
- A README.txt explaining your project
- Screenshots of the running application

[fileupload]
filetypes = zip;
maxfilesize = 50;

Lab Report Submission

Submit your lab report as a Word document or PDF. Include:
- Title, date, and names
- Objectives
- Data and observations
- Analysis and conclusions

[fileupload]
filetypes = doc, docx, pdf;
maxfilesize = 5;

Grading

Instructors grade file submissions manually:

  1. Download the file from the assessment
  2. Review the content
  3. Enter a score and comments
  4. Submit feedback to the student

Score Entry: - For point-based assessments: Enter points earned - For rubric-based: Select rubric level and comments

File Type Guidelines

Documents: - pdf — PDF files (recommended for consistency) - doc, docx — Microsoft Word - txt — Plain text - odt — OpenDocument text

Images: - jpg, jpeg — JPEG photos - png — PNG images - gif — GIF images

Code: - py — Python - js — JavaScript - java — Java - cpp, c — C++/C - html, css — Web files

Archives: - zip — ZIP archive - tar — TAR archive - rar — RAR archive

Tips

  • Restrict file types: Prevent malicious files; whitelist allowed extensions
  • Set reasonable size limits: Balance student needs with server resources
  • Provide instructions: Tell students exactly what format/naming you expect
  • Test the upload: Verify students can upload and you can download before assigning
  • Offer alternatives: Some students may have accessibility needs; provide options
  • Store backups: Keep submissions backed up; they're valuable learning artifacts

Best Practices

  • Always accept PDF for "any document" submissions (standardizes viewing)
  • For code: specify which programming language or accept ZIP with README
  • For images: specify resolution requirements (e.g., "minimum 1024×768")
  • For lab reports: provide a template or rubric

See Also