Below is a running list of new/updated features and changes that impact our online learning systems. This article focuses on our Canvas and Kaltura systems, but will also highlight other systems used by our online users such as Zoom.
Here is an archived list of historical Feature and System Changes
- March 15, 2025
- January 18, 2025
- November 20, 2024
- October 23, 2024
- September 23, 2024
- July 20, 2024
- July 17, 2024
- July 03, 2024
- June 18, 2024
- June 05, 2024
- May 22, 2024
- May 18, 2024
- March 18, 2024
- January 31, 2024
March 15, 2025
Discussions default view
When creating or editing a discussion, instructors can configure the default view settings, including thread collapse/expansion and sorting options for students, with the ability to lock these preferences if needed.
This feature allows instructors to structure discussions in a way that aligns with their teaching approach, guiding student engagement and interaction.
January 18, 2025
Multiple Due Dates for Discussions
When the Discussion Checkpoints feature option is enabled, instructors can set multiple due dates or checkpoints for graded discussions to accommodate different stages of the discussion process, such as the initial post and follow-up replies.
View Multiple Due Dates for Discussions for more information.
November 20, 2024
Save Threaded Visibility Preferences
When expanding and collapsing a discussion thread, the selected visibility preference is automatically saved for that specific discussion. This update enhances user convenience by automatically saving the visibility preferences for specific discussion threads.
October 23, 2024
Announcements Timestamp
On the Timestamps for Announcements, the Created date is not visible to students and the Last edited date is only visible if the edit happened after publishing. Additionally, the Posted date now shows the date when the announcement became available. This update helps prevent students from misunderstanding the Posted and Last edited date.
Teacher view
Student view
Edit button added to Discussions Index Page
On the Discussions Index page, the edit button has been added to the kebab menu. This update allows users to navigate to the edit page directly from the Discussions index page.
September 23, 2024
Disallow Threaded Replies
In Discussions, instructors can disallow threaded replies. This update enables instructors to restrict threaded replies, a feature that was available in legacy discussions. On the Discussion Edit page, instructors can select the Disallow threaded replies checkbox. Note: Once there are threaded replies in a discussion, this setting can no longer be changed.
Line Separation Between Posts
In Discussions, a line is added to provide separation between replies. This update makes it easier to distinguish between replies.
Message Student Who Updates
In the Gradebook, the default option for Message Students Who is changed to Have not yet submitted. Additionally, the Message Students Who options in the Totals column have updated text. This update follows grammar rules and improves the user workflow by setting the most commonly used option as the default.
Rich Content Editor Features Available in Speedgrader
In SpeedGrader, certain Rich Content Editor (RCE) features are available when commenting. Additionally, instructors can edit comment drafts. The available RCE features include:
- Heading
- Bold
- Italic
- Underline
- Font color
- Insert Hyperlink
- Bullets
Note: Instructors and students can view formatted comments in all locations where comments are accessible.
This change allows instructors to provide more detailed and formatted feedback to students by emphasizing key points, organizing information clearly, and including external resources directly in their comments. This enhanced feedback improves communication, making it easier for students to understand the feedback and take action on it.
To continue editing a comment draft, click the Edit icon [1]. The saved content will then be reloaded into the Rich Content Editor for further editing [2].
Limiting Access Token Generation
We will limit the generation of access tokens within Canvas, This feature benefits users by enhancing security and control over access tokens. By limiting token generation, it reduces the risk of unauthorized token creation, helping to prevent potential misuse or security breaches.
July 20, 2024
Ungraded Discussions Assign To
In Discussions, instructors can assign ungraded discussions to students and sections. Additionally, section restricted enrollments allowing students to post discussions to a specific section is removed. Instructors can still create groups, and students within those groups can initiate discussions that are visible only to their group members.
Module and Assignment Differentiation
On the Modules page, instructors can assign students to an entire module and individual module items from the Modules page. Additionally, the Add Module and Edit Module Settings pages are redesigned as trays.
Notes:
- If a student is assigned only a specific item within a module and not the entire module, they will see only that item in the feature area, such as an assignment on the assignment page, and not the rest of the module.
- If a student is assigned an entire module, but only specific items within that module, students can only view the items they are assigned.
Notifications for Changed Content in Announcements
In Announcements, instructors can notify students when an announcement has been updated.
July 17, 2024
Comment Drafts
In SpeedGrader, after drafting a comment and moving on to another student, a Draft pill displays indicating that the comment has not been submitted.
This update enhances the user experience by clearly indicating when a comment has not yet been submitted.
Discussion Summaries
Discussion Summary is a new feature preview available in Canvas. Discussion Summarization uses a Generative AI model to give instructors summaries of the main points, questions, and ideas in a discussion thread.
Smart Search
Smart Search is a new feature using advanced AI and semantic algorithms. The Smart Search feature understands the context of queries, providing more accurate and relevant results without needing complex search operators or tools. Currently, the Smart Search feature is querying the following items within a course:
- Content pages
- Announcements
- Discussion prompts
- Assignment descriptions
July 03, 2024
Mark All As Read Button in Announcements
In Announcements, a Mark all as read button is available.
For Instructors, a Mark all as read button is available.
Available Until in Announcements
In Announcements, the delayed posting field is changed to Available from and instructors can add Until dates. This update enables instructors to specify a date when the announcement will no longer be visible to students.
June 18, 2024
Sort Course List
In the Courses page, users can sort courses. Additionally, a Favorite header text is added.
June 05, 2024
Randomize within Submission Status Sorting in SpeedGrader
In SpeedGrader Settings, instructors can randomize the order of students within submission status.
This update helps prevent grading fatigue and biases when assessing students by sorting randomly. Additionally, it provides grading efficiency by randomly sorting within submission status.
When the randomized students option is selected, the preference is saved as the default in the browser for the course. When logging in on another device, instructors must select the sort by options again.
May 22, 2024
Randomize Student Sort by List
In SpeedGrader Settings, instructors can randomize the order of students. This update improves prevention of grading fatigue and biases when grading students. In the SpeedGrader Settings, in the Sort student list field, select the randomize students option.
When the randomized students option is selected, the preference is saved as the default in the browser for the course. When logging in on another device, instructors must select the sort by options again.
May 18, 2024
Message Students Who Have Submitted Updates
For students who have not submitted, the Message Students Who feature in the Gradebook is updated to include a checkbox allowing instructors to exclude excused students from the message. These updates help instructors streamline the process of excluding excused students from messages about missing assignments, making the workflow quicker and more efficient.
Message Students Who Have Not Submitted Updates
In the Gradebook, the Message Students Who feature is enhanced to allow instructors to message students who have submitted an assignment. Options include messaging all students who have submitted on time, students with graded on time assignments, and students with ungraded on time assignments.
These updates help instructors provide positive reinforcement to students who have submitted their work and streamline the process of excluding excused students from messages about missing assignments, making the workflow quicker and more efficient.
Find and Replace Plugin
In the Rich Content Editor allows for efficient data extraction, transformation, and manipulation.
In the Rich Content Editor, click the Tools drop-down menu [1], then select the Find and Replace link [2]. Additionally, the keyboard shortcut is command+F for Mac and control+F for Windows.
March 18, 2024
Discussions Redesign for Instructors
In preparation for Canvas enforcing Discussions Redesign prior to the Summer 2024 quarter, instructors will be able to enable Discussions Redesign in their course to familiarize themselves and their students to the new interface. Read Discussions Redesign for Instructors for more information.
Multi-Select Gradebook Filters
In the Gradebook, instructors can choose multiple filter options for each filter type.
January 31, 2024
Unpublish Module Only
In Modules, instructors have the option to unpublish a module only. This option is available in the Publish All drop-down menu and individual module drop-down menus.
This functionality allows instructors to unpublish the module while leaving items within the module still published.
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