[Mostly OT] Feedback on Python homework using Canvas LMS

[Irv Kalb]

This is for anyone who teaches Python and uses the Canvas Learning Management System (maybe a small group).

I teach Python at two colleges in Silicon Valley in California.  At both schools we use Canvas.  Overall, it works very well.  I use it to post notes, sample programs, build tests, post homework, and correct homework assignment.  

However, there is a problem (bug!) when I give feedback on student's homework assignments.  I often give feedback by writing small snippets of code to explain what a student has done wrong, or how something could be done better.  The problem is that in the feedback section for homework assignments, Canvas eliminates any leading space characters.  So, I might write:

if x == y:
    # do thing 1
else:
    # do thing 2

but when it gets posted and viewed by the student, it shows up as:

if x == y:
# do thing 1
else:
# do thing 2

Which obviously is very annoying to me, and not as helpful to the student.  

Knowing that this happens, I have started to write feedback using periods for indenting:

if x == y:
....# do thing 1
else:
....# do thing 2

I have posted about this problem on the Canvas board, pointing out the importance of leading spaces, but I've had no response.  I also even wrote the company through snail mail, and got no response.

Question 1:  Does anyone have any suggestions for indenting besides using periods?

Question 2:  Does anyone know any other way to reach the appropriate person(s) at Canvas to address this issue.

Thanks,

Irv