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 course discussions and their summaries, a new smart search, the ability to set availability times for files, and more. Unless otherwise specified, all Canvas updates will be available within Canvas by the 3rd weekend of the month.
Course Discussions
In Discussions, instructors can disallow threaded replies in the settings. This update enables instructors to restrict threaded replies, a feature that was available in legacy discussions.
Discussion Summary
Discussion Summary is a new feature preview available in Canvas using a Generative AI model to give instructors summaries of the main points, questions, and ideas in a discussion thread.
Enter the desired area or topic to summarize. To Generate a summary, click the Generate Summary button [1]. To exit the Discussion Summary, click the Disable Summary button.
Smart Search
Smart Search is a new feature preview available in Canvas 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.
You may need to enable Smart Search in your course navigation (course settings). The How it Works button provides detailed information about the feature.
Currently, the Smart Search feature is querying the following items within a course:
- Content pages
- Announcements
- Discussion prompts
- Assignment descriptions
In the Smart Search field [1], enter keywords or phrases to return relevant results, then click the search icon [2], or use the enter/return key on a keyboard. Additionally, users can click the like or dislike icons [3] to provide feedback on the search results of specific items.
Files Availability Times
In Files, instructors can now set file availability times and dates. This update gives instructors greater flexibility in when making a file available to students.
New Quizzes
In New Quizzes, instructors can customize the feedback displayed to all students after they complete a quiz. This feature allows instructors to reinforce key concepts, guide students on the next steps, provide additional information, and enhance their overall understanding of the material. In the New Quiz Settings, toggle on the Show custom feedback with results option [1], then add the custom feedback in the Rich Content Editor [2]. To Preview the custom feedback, click the Preview Feedback button [3].
Please Note: By default, the Show custom feedback with results setting is toggled off. After completing a quiz, the custom feedback will be displayed for all students on the Results page.
Canvas Integrations
Lucid
A Lucid Integration link is available in Course navigation.
Please Note: This is enabled in Course Navigation by default, to remove the Lucid link from Course navigation, instructors must disable the link in Course Settings. This enables students to access the Lucid integration even if instructors haven’t had the opportunity to explore the tool yet.
Panopto
Have general questions about anything Panopto? Come to the trainer office hours! Join them every Thursday at 12 p.m.
Faculty Technology Workshops This Month
OIT’s Faculty Technology Workshops have all you need to hit the ground running and make your courses the best they can be. Starting August 13, 204, join us for the latest developments and best practices for using the Canvas LMS, A.I. tools, and more in the classroom. The full schedule is available here.
Canvas LMS screenshots courtesy of Heather Ahern (Instructure).
