Canvas: General Updates
Rubrics available on External Tool Assignments in Canvas
Canvas has expanded the availability of rubrics to include assignments in Canvas utilizing external tool integrations (e.g. Panopto Quizzes, FeedbackFruits, Perusall). After creating an assignment using an external tool, a
+ Rubric button is now available at the bottom of the page. Learn more about Canvas Rubrics at
Getting Started with Canvas Rubrics.
Bulk publish and unpublish module items
Canvas Modules can now be published with or without publishing the items within the modules. You can do this publishing at the individual level or in bulk. Learn more about Canvas Modules at
Getting Started with Modules.
Rich Content Editor Updates
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- Support for “Drag and Drop” of content. This update provides users with additional options when adding content to the Rich Content Editor.
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- Word counter status bar displays detailed view of words and characters. To view a detailed word count in the Rich Content Editor from the status bar click the Word Count.
Grading Updates
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- SpeedGrader quick link is added to the options menus on Modules, Assignment, Quizzes index pages. This allows graders to quickly access SpeedGrader from various areas within Canvas course.
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- Instructors can choose to display students’ first and last name in separate columns in the gradebook.
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- Instructors can use the Missing Status keyboard shortcut for bulk marking assignments as missing with the Set Default Grade option.
Canvas: New Quizzes
Rich Content Editor Update
The same Rich Content Editor (RCE) that is available throughout Canvas tools has now been integrated into Canvas’ New Quizzes tools. This change now allows the use of html and third-party tools during content creation for New Quizzes questions and some answer types. This update also provides access to the Canvas accessibility checker for improved accessibility of quiz content. Learn more about the RCE at
Getting Started with the Canvas Rich Content Editor.
Anonymous Grading
A new setting in New Quizzes allows student names to be hidden from graders. As part of this, elements of
Moderate page will be hidden. Learn more about. New Quizzes at
Getting Started with New Quizzes.
Zero-point Practice Quizzes
This update allows instructors to select specific New Quizzes to be excluded from the Gradebook in order to use the tool for practice quizzes. Despite this option, some question types will still require a “correct” answer to be identified when questions are built. Learn more about New Quizzes at
Getting Started with New Quizzes.
Feedback Fruits – Automated Feedback Coach
FeedbackFruits has released some experimental features that are available to users on request. One of these is
Automated Feedback Coach. This tool is using OpenAI and is aimed at helping students write better feedback and improve the quality of feedback they receive from peers.
Flip – AI-Powered Discussion Prompts
For those looking to engage the class in asynchronous video discussions, Flip now has a
“Topic Copilot” feature where Instructors can search for discussion prompt ideas using keywords they enter. The AI will then generate a list of prompt questions to choose from to use with students. When choosing keywords, be specific as possible, just use a couple keywords, and think about the outcomes you want from students such as “self-reflection”, “critique”, or “problem solving.”
Gradescope – Retirement of Respondus Lockdown Browser
Respondus Lockdown Browser will no longer be an available feature on Gradescope Online Assignments (beta). Gradescope explains that the lockdown browser feature is being removed because of limited use. With the removal of this feature, there is no longer a centrally supported lockdown feature at Cornell for online exams.
iClicker – Free App and Remotes
iClicker remotes and the student app are now free for all students enrolled in the Cornell Academic Materials Program (CAMP). At the Cornell Store, students can pick a new clicker remote, and register for the iClicker Student app (used on phones, laptop computers, and tablets) at no charge. Students not enrolled in CAMP must purchase a clicker and/or the iClicker Student app.
Panopto – Preference over Kaltura
Canvas@Cornell is slowly shifting away from the use of Kaltura to the use of Panopto. While Kaltura is still available (and will be for the foreseeable future), preferences for the use of Panopto for streaming media files through Canvas can be seen in CTI’s documentation. In line with this change, you may have noticed that the Kaltura symbol on the Rich Content Editor in Canvas is no longer a prominent button and has instead been moved under the external tools button (that looks like a plug). For more information about Panopto, visit
Getting Started with Panopto.
(NEW) Turnitin – Draft Coach
Beginning this summer, Cornell instructors and students now have access to Turnitin Draft Coach though their Cornell Google docs account. Available under “Extensions,” this new tool allows students to receive instant feedback on their academic writing. Students and other users can check their Google documents for grammar, similarity, and citation feedback. The advantage of using Draft Coach for students is that they can make corrections, improve their writing, and take responsibility for academic integrity prior to final submission.
Draft Coach is automatically available for Cornell students using Google Docs. There are several strategies you might consider for encouraging Draft Coach’s use in your classes. One is to encourage or require its use for low-stakes assignments or to help students learn how to write a research paper that includes properly citing original sources. Another option is to encourage students to use it before submitting an assignment to improve their papers.
Draft Coach resources for instructors. Students can access the online guide at
Understanding Turnitin Draft Coach.
