Creating Extra Credit Grade Items

Extra credit can be given in D2L in two ways. The first is to allow the grade item and category to exceed the maximum number of points for the assignment so extra points can be given. The other option is to indicate the grade item is a “Bonus” item. Bonus grade items are added on to the final grade if completed, so they do not alter the calculation of a final grade.

Adding Extra Points to a Grade Item

Grade items and categories can be set up to exceed the maximum point value as specified. If a grade item has been set to exceed the point value and is housed within a grade category, the grade category must also be set to exceed the maximum points.

1. Select Grades from the course navigation bar.
2. Select Manage Grades.

Note: If a grade item has already been created but needs to be modified, select the dropdown arrow next to the item, then select Edit and skip to step 9.

3. Select New.
4. Select Item.
5. Select Numeric as the grade item type.
6. Enter a title for the grade item in the “Name” field.
7. (Optional) Select a grade category or create a new category to house the grade item.
8. Enter the maximum points for the assignment in the “Maximum Points” field.
9. Select the box next to “Can Exceed” to allow points to exceed the points specified in the “Maximum Points” field.
10. (Optional) Modify any other settings. See Creating Grade Items for more details.
11. Select Save and Close.

Modifying a Grade Category to Allow Extra Points

If a grade item that was set to exceed the maximum points is housed within a grade category, that category will also need to be set to exceed the maximum score.

1. Select the dropdown arrow next to the grade category to be modified. Use Creating Grade Categories if the category has not yet been set up.
2. Select Edit.
3. Under the “Grading” section, select the box next to “Can Exceed.”
4. Select Save and Close.

Adding a Bonus Grade Item

Creating a grade item that is set as a “bonus” means that students have the option of completing the assignment. Bonus grade items are not included in the maximum points for a category or final grade. They are added on top of the calculated final grade.

1. Select Grades from the course navigation bar.
2. Select Manage Grades.

Note: If a grade item has already been created but needs to be modified, select the dropdown arrow next to the item, then select Edit and skip to step 9.

3. Select New.
4. Select Item.
5. Select Numeric as the grade item type.
6. Enter a title for the grade item in the “Name” field.
7. (Optional) Select a grade category or create a new category to house the grade item.
8. Enter the maximum points for the bonus assignment in the “Maximum Points” field.
9. Select the box next to "Bonus".
10. (Optional) Select the box next to “Can Exceed” if submissions can exceed the maximum points specified.
11. (Optional) Modify any other settings. See Creating Grade Items for more details.
    
12. Select Save and Close.

Note: Bonus grade items cannot be displayed to students in the grade scheme like other grade items. Because bonus grades are only added to final grades after all other calculations, students can only view the numeric points, and potentially the weight achieved, for a bonus grade because the actual weight or points of the bonus grade item may not be consistent with the rest of the grade scheme.