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Canvas Plus: April 2024 Edition

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In our Canvas Plus Monthly, we discuss the new features and enhancements available in Canvas and any updates to academic technology/software that are integrated into Canvas. All Canvas updates will be available in Canvas by the 3rd weekend of the month.


New Quizzes in Canvas Courses

The following data is added to the Item Analysis report starting on April 20, 2024.

  • Essay and File Upload- Score distribution chart, CSV support
  • Numeric-Answer Frequency Summary, Aggregation, and CSV support

On the New Quizzes Moderate page, a configure icon is added, allowing instructors to switch between percentages and raw points in the score display column. This feature improves reporting flexibility and grading system alignment.

Screenshot highlighting the new Quizzes Score Configure Icon.
New Quizzes Score Configure Icon. Screenshot courtesy of (Instructure).

Updates to Canvas Integrations

Simple Syllabus

The Simple Syllabus Accessibility Checker is enabled and is a great tool for identifying accessibility issues within documents. The checker will look for the following issues within your class syllabus:

  • Unformatted lists
  • Table captions
  • Sequential headings
  • Table headers
  • Color contrast
  • Image alt text
  • Empty headings
  • Heading max length (< 120 characters)
white silhouette of a figure against a blue circle
Accessibility Checker icon example

You can see the number of accessibility items found by clicking the accessibility icon.

Feedback Box

Feedback Box is a tool for faculty to receive anonymous student feedback in Canvas throughout the course. To access the tool, please click the Feedback Box in your Canvas course navigation to read any feedback provided by your students. There, you can reply anonymously to students or report any abusive feedback if necessary.

Dropout Detective

Dropout Detective assists faculty teaching undergraduate courses (especially those with large classes) in proactively monitoring student engagement. In your Canvas course, you will find Dropout Detective in the course navigation. This tool will aid you in identifying students who might be at-risk throughout the term.


Need further assistance?

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact your school’s Academic Technology Service Director (ATSD), and they can help. Find your local ATSD at smu.edu/ATSD.

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Published by

Cassidy Porter and Ian Aberle

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