In our Canvas Plus Monthly, we discuss the new features and enhancements available in the Canvas LMS and any updates to the academic technology landscape integrated into Canvas. In this edition, we’ll discuss new default settings for discussions, exciting changes to integrations, such as the new Copyleaks, and some help with PlayPosit’s fullscreen issue.
- New Default Views in Discussions
- Transitioning to Copyleaks
- Streamline Grading with Copyleaks Overview
- Workaround for PlayPosit Fullscreen Mode
- Finding Alternatives to Feedback Box
New Default Views in Discussions
Instructors can now configure the default view settings when creating or editing a discussion. This includes thread collapse/expansion and sorting options for students, and these preferences can be locked if needed.
Configure your default discussion view by setting the default thread state1 and optionally locking it for students2. You can also define the default sort order3 and choose to lock it if needed4.
Transitioning to Copyleaks
As announced in January, SMU will be concluding our licensing with the Turnitin service at the end of May 2025. In preparation for this transition, you are encouraged to start using Copyleaks Plagiarism Detection today for any Spring and May 2025 courses. Copyleaks is currently integrated into Canvas and has a very similar look and feel to 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 recording of the Introduction to Copyleaks.
Streamline Grading with Copyleaks Overview
Copyleaks’ latest feature, Copyleaks Overview, is designed to streamline the grading process by providing instructors with key insights and indicators. By highlighting data points such as potential academic dishonesty, grammar patterns, and overall trends across multiple assignments, this feature enables instructors to grade efficiently and to quickly identify areas where students may need additional guidance. Copyleaks Plagiarism Detection can be enabled for any new Canvas assignment. To learn more, visit the Copyleaks Service Page.
Workaround for PlayPosit Fullscreen Mode
Following a recent update, PlayPosit identified and issue that prevents students from accessing fullscreen mode when viewing a bulb within a Canvas assignment. PlayPosit and Canvas are actively working together on a resolution. As a temporary workaround, you can adjust the assignment settings to open PlayPosit in a new tab, ensuring a smoother viewing experience for students.
Finding Alternatives to Feedback Box
Feedback Box will be discontinued on April 30, 2025, after the vendor announced 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 AcademicTechnology Services Director (ATSD) or help@smu.edu.
