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 are introducing three exciting changes to our Canvas integrations!
Canvas
New Quizzes Text Block
In New Quizzes, instructors are now able to add Text Block sections to their quizzes for standalone text or prompts. These sections do not require a question and can include instructions or other information to guide the student. Text Blocks can also be added to Item Banks.
To add a text block to a quiz, navigate to the “Build” page and click the Add button, then the Text Block button.
Integrations
Qwickly Attendance
SMU is excited to announce the launch of Qwickly Attendance, a flexible and user-friendly tool for attendance tracking that integrates seamlessly with the Canvas gradebook. Qwickly Attendance offers a variety of attendance-taking methods and is available for your summer and fall courses. Reach out to your Academic Technology Services Director (ATSD) for more information and be on the lookout for online workshop opportunities this fall!
Copyleaks is here!
At the end of last month, SMU concluded our licensing with Turnitin services and made the exciting transition to Copyleaks for Plagiarism Detection. You are encouraged to start using Copyleaks today for your Summer and Fall 2025 courses!
To learn more about how to utilize this powerful tool, a virtual “Introduction to Copyleaks Plagiarism Detection” training session was recently recorded and is now available to help you get started.
If you have questions about Copyleaks, please reach out to your Academic Technology Services Director (ATSD) or help@smu.edu.
Introducing Poll Everywhere
Instructors now have access to Poll Everywhere, an online polling system for live audience engagement and feedback during classes and presentations. Canvas gradebook syncing makes it easy to incorporate grades and participation directly into your course. With a wide variety of polls and activities, Poll Everywhere is equipped to help you gain insights while encouraging participation and streamlining the grading process.
