All LSUA students have access to a full Microsoft 365 account, which includes Microsoft Word with built-in version history. When students save and work on their Word documents through their LSUA Microsoft 365 account, faculty can review the development of their writing using Word’s Version History tool.
What Is Version History
Microsoft Word automatically saves earlier versions of a document when the file is stored and edited through the student’s Microsoft 365 account.
Version History allows faculty to see:
When the student made changes
What was added, removed, or revised
How the document progressed over time
Each saved “snapshot” of the student’s work
How Faculty Can Access Version History in Word
When a Student Submits a Document Link
When a student shares their Word document via link, you can open it in either Word Desktop or Word for the Web.
To view version history in Word (Desktop App):
Open the student’s document.
Go to File (top-left).
Select Info.
Click Version History.
A panel will appear on the right showing all previous versions.
Each version lists:
The date and time the version was saved
The name of the person who made the changes
Accessing Version History in Word for the Web
Open the student’s shared Word link in your browser.
Click the document title at the top center.
Choose Version History from the dropdown.
A version list will appear on the right.
How to Use Version History to Review Student Work
Opening Earlier Drafts
When you click a version in the Version History panel:
Word opens a read-only preview of that older draft.
You can scroll and review how the work looked at that point in time.
This allows faculty to confirm:
Drafting progression
Revision efforts
Whether the student completed the work in multiple sessions
Comparing Two Versions (Word Desktop Only)
Word Desktop includes a comparison feature.
To compare:
Select an earlier version from Version History.
At the top of the preview, click Compare.
Word generates a comparison document showing:
Additions
Deletions
Moved text
Formatting changes
This helps faculty see exactly what changed between drafts.
Seeing Who Made the Edits
Version History identifies:
The editor’s name (usually the student’s LSUA account)
The timestamp of each saved version
This is useful for:
Verifying the student completed the work themselves
Reviewing group contributions (if applicable)
Tracking progress over time
Tips for Faculty When Reviewing Word Version History
✔ Ask students to share a link instead of uploading a file.
Uploaded files do not retain version history.
✔ Look at timestamps to evaluate drafting patterns.
A healthy mix of versions indicates authentic, progressive work.