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. In this edition, we’ll discuss exciting new AI tools for SMU-licensed accounts with both LinkedIn Learning and Zoom.
- LinkedIn Learning
- Zoom AI Companion
- Integrations
LinkedIn Learning AI Tools
SMU employees can login to LinkedIn Learning through single sign on and access LinkedIn’s library of courses and certifications, an experience that is now augmented by a number of recently-introduced AI-powered tools and features:
- AI Coach: This feature offers users the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized, real-time coaching and suggestions for courses based on career goals.
- Role Play sections: Practice with interactive sessions such as performance reviews and coaching scenarios through courses that incorporate AI-driven role-play scenarios.
- Coding Practice: LinkedIn Learning has partnered with CoderPad to provide users the opportunity to learn content and practice coding challenges simultaneously with real-time feedback.
- New certifications available: Learners can take advantage of an expanded library of certification course offerings.
Please Note: LinkedIn Learning offers courses that may qualify for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Education (CE) credits.
New Zoom AI Companion features
Zoom AI Companion is now available for SMU-licensed users! With the new Zoom AI Companion feature, you can produce meeting summaries, highlight key points in recordings, generate whiteboard content, and provide real-time assistance to meeting participants. The following tools are now available:
Smart Recording
This feature automatically generates a transcript of your meeting with highlights, chapters, and summaries. This transcript is searchable and allows you to quickly review key points or get caught up to speed.
Meeting Summary
An AI-generated summary will capture key takeaways and action items from your meeting, identifying and organizing information into clear sections. This tool saves time by taking your notes for you, and makes it easy to review, share, and reference your meeting’s outcomes.
Digital Whiteboard
This collaboration tool uses AI to generate diagrams, organize brainstorming ideas, and provide smart suggestions in an interactive space. Meeting attendees can work together in real time or asynchronously, with the ability to save and revisit boards for ongoing projects.
Note: Zoom AI Companion is OFF by default and must be manually enabled.
Please use discretion and DO NOT enable or use AI in any meeting where sensitive information will be shared or discussed.
Visit the Zoom AI Companion Service Page for more information and usage guides, and be sure to check out the Frequently Asked Questions!
Image source: https://support.zoom.com/Integrations
Turnitin to Copyleaks Transition
SMU will be concluding our licensing with Turnitin services at the end of May 2025. In preparation for this transition, you are encouraged to consider using Copyleaks Plagiarism Detection for your January and Spring 2025 courses. Copyleaks is currently integrated into Canvas and has a very similar look and feel as Turnitin with additional features, such as multi-language plagiarism detection and programming code plagiarism detection. If you missed the most recent workshop, you can watch the Introduction to Copyleaks recording.
Feedback Box Discontinued
Feedback Box will be discontinued on April 30, 2025, after an announcement from the vendor that they will be ending their service. To assist with this transition, we have compiled this list of information on alternatives you can use for collecting anonymous student feedback both within Canvas and with external tools. We also encourage you to visit the recent IT Connect blog post to learn more.
If you have questions about this change or would like advice on how to navigate the options available to you, please reach out to your Academic Technology Services Director (ATSD) or help@smu.edu.
