Canvas has released an updated Discussion interface which is currently available for courses to start using. Beginning in Summer 2024 Canvas will be enforcing the adoption of the new Discussions interface and the current Discussions tool will be retired. We encourage users to start using the new Discussion Redesign this Spring 2024 in preparation of the switch.
How to enable in your course (prior to Su24)
What's New
We've listed a few of the top improvements below. For full details about the changes and added features please check out Canvas Release: Discussions/Announcements Redesign.
- Improved Mobile experience
- Fully accessible interface
- Discussion History View - When a user edits a submitted discussion reply, instructors can view the edit history of the posts. Additionally, students can view their own edit history.
- Mentions -Users can mention other users in discussion replies by using the @ symbol. All available users in the course display in the drop-down menu.
- Inline View and Split View for Discussion Threads - In discussions, a button displays that allows Instructors and students to switch between an inline viewing experience or a split view. The Inline view displays replies as threaded and users scroll downward, similar to the legacy discussions. The split view displays threaded replies in a tray.
- Multiple Due Dates -When multiple due dates are assigned for a discussion, the discussion assignments are shown along with the assignment details. For individual students added to the assignment, the student names are displayed.
- Rubrics - The Options menu includes the Add Rubric link for teacher roles.
How-To Guides for Instructors
- How do I use Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I create a discussion using Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I publish or unpublish a discussion in Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I reply to a discussion in Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I view and sort discussion replies in Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I mark discussions replies as read or unread in Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I like a reply in a course discussion in Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I subscribe to a discussion in Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I view a rubric for a discussion in Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I view a discussion thread in Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I mention a user in a discussion reply in Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I allow students to create anonymous course discussions?
- How do I allow users to report a reply in a discussion in Discussions Redesign as an instructor?
- How do I use Discussions Redesign as a student? (feel free to pass along to students or refer to us- Submit a Ticket)
How to Enable in your Course
If you would like to start using the Discussions Redesign prior to the Canvas enforcement date of Summer 2024 please enable Discussions/Announcements Redesign in your course settings: How to Enable Feature Options in a Course.