Purpose:
This article explains how instructors can use Microsoft Word for writing feedback while keeping submission, grading, and returned feedback inside Moodle.
Important:
This workflow uses Moodle Assignment as the collection and return point. Microsoft Word is used for document review.
Before You Begin
When creating the assignment, determine:
Which file type should students submit
Whether you will use Word Comments, Track Changes, or both
Whether students will revise and resubmit their work
Whether a Moodle Rubric or Grading Guide will be used for grading
Step 1: Configure the Moodle Assignment
Set up the assignment to accept uploaded files and return reviewed documents.
Setup
Create or edit a Moodle Assignment.
Enable File submissions under Submission types.
Enable Feedback files under Feedback types.
Add instructions explaining which file format students should submit.
Save the assignment.
Recommended File Types
DOCX (Microsoft Word)
PDF (if no edits are required)
Other supported document formats as needed
Step 2: Download the Student Submission
After students submit their work:
Open the assignment.
Select View all submissions.
Download the student's file.
Open the file in Microsoft Word.
Workflow A: Add Comments in Microsoft Word
Word Comments allow you to provide feedback tied to specific portions of a document.
Add a Comment
Highlight the text you want to comment on.
Open the Review tab.
Select New Comment.
Enter your feedback.
Repeat as needed throughout the document.
Best For
Writing suggestions
Questions for students
Feedback tied to specific passages
Content and organization comments
Workflow B: Use Track Changes
Track Changes records edits directly within the document so students can review every revision.
Enable Track Changes
Open the Review tab.
Select Track Changes.
Make edits to the document.
Save the reviewed copy.
Best For
Grammar corrections
Sentence-level revisions
Demonstrating editing techniques
Revision-focused assignments
Step 3: Return the Reviewed Document
After reviewing the paper in Word:
Return to the Moodle grading screen.
Upload the reviewed file under Feedback files.
Enter a grade if appropriate.
Add additional Moodle feedback comments if needed.
Save changes.
Students can then download the reviewed document from the assignment feedback area.
Step 4: Combine Word Review with Moodle Grading Tools
Word review workflows work well alongside Moodle grading methods.
Word Comments: Provide detailed feedback tied directly to the student's writing.
Track Changes: Show students exactly how edits and revisions were made.
Moodle Rubric: Score the assignment using predefined criteria and performance levels.
Moodle Grading Guide: Provide criterion-based scores and narrative feedback.
Feedback Files: Return the reviewed document alongside grades and Moodle feedback.
Step 5: Support Revisions and Resubmissions
If students will revise their work, provide clear instructions before the assignment opens.
Consider the following:
Should students submit a new file or revise the reviewed file?
Should Track Changes remain visible in revised submissions?
Does the assignment allow additional attempts?
Would a separate revision assignment be easier to manage?
Clear expectations help students understand how to use the feedback they receive.
Recommended Workflow Combinations
Goal | Recommended Workflow |
Provide detailed comments on a paper | Word Comments + Moodle Feedback Files |
Show sentence-level edits | Track Changes + Moodle Feedback Files |
Return a graded paper | Word Review + Moodle Grade Entry |
Combine detailed feedback with structured grading | Word Comments + Moodle Rubric or Grading Guide |
Support revisions and resubmissions | Word Review + Moodle Attempts/Resubmissions |
Instructor Checklist
☐ File submissions enabled
☐ Feedback files enabled
☐ Student submission downloaded
☐ Comments and/or Track Changes added in Word
☐ Reviewed file uploaded back to Moodle
☐ Grade entered if applicable
☐ Student access verified
☐ Revision instructions provided if resubmissions are required