[Mostly OT] Feedback on Python homework using Canvas LMS

[Irv Kalb]

> On Mar 16, 2020, at 11:31 AM, Irv Kalb <Irv at furrypants.com> wrote:
> 
> 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
> -- 
> https://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
> 

Thanks to MRAB and Ethan for their quick responses.

I like both suggestions, and will probably go with the non-breaking space (Option space on my Mac).  I tested that and it works well.

Irv