In our Canvas Plus Monthly, we discuss the new features and enhancements available in the Canvas LMS and any updates to academic technology/software that are integrated into Canvas. This month we look at new updates to Gradebook and Rich Content Editor, plus a reminder for those using Panopto. Unless otherwise specified, all Canvas updates will be available within Canvas by the 3rd weekend of the month.
Gradebook and Messaging Students Who Have Submitted
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.
In the For Students Who drop-down menu, select the Have Submitted option [1]. Then, instructors have the option to message all students with on-time submissions [2], students with graded on-time assignments [3], and students with ungraded on-time assignments [4].
Gradebook and Messaging Students Who Have Not Submitted
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.
In the For Students Who drop-down menu, when the Have not yet submitted option is selected, a Skip excused students when messaging checkbox displays.
Rich Content Editor gets Find and Replace
Starting May 18, 2024, users will find the Rich Content Editor (RCE) includes a Find and Replace plugin. This update allows for efficient data extraction, transformation, and manipulation of text within the tool.
To use the feature, 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.
The Find and Replace modal displays and users can use the Find field [1] to enter keywords, then use the Replace with field [2] for the desired replacement. Users can use the Replace All button [3] to replace all items simultaneously or the Replace button [4] to replace a single item. If there are multiple items to replace, use the Previous [5] and Next[ [6] buttons to scroll through each individual item.
A Reminder About Panopto Video Retention
We just want to remind users about SMU’s retention policies for old/unused instructional videos hosted on Panopto. SMU implemented a video retention policy in 2023 within the Panopto system to ensure that unused video content is regularly purged from system storage. Any video stored in Panopto not accessed within the last two years will be subject to automatic and permanent deletion. Permanent deletion enforcement begins June 1, 2024.
Key Aspects of the Retention Policy:
- Panopto Active: Videos not accessed within 12 months will automatically move to Panopto Archive.
- Panopto Archive: These videos can be restored to active status within 12 months. If not accessed or restored within this timeframe, they will be permanently deleted. Note: restores can be initiated by the content owner.
- Notifications: Panopto does not send content owners alerts before files are moved to the archive or permanently deleted.
- Ways to manage videos:
- Sign in to Panopto to verify your files.
- Manage your Panopto videos course-by-course in the Canvas LMS.
Please note: Users on macOS devices will need to update their Panopto client to version 14.0.0.
Canvas LMS screenshots courtesy of Heather Ahern (Instructure).
