Updated as of January 7, 2025
Canvas: General Updates
Canvas Credentials: Badges Changing to Credentials
The Badges feature in Canvas is updating branding to Credentials. There will be no change in functionality, merely a name change for the tool.
Canvas Pages: Block Editor & Page Templates
To streamline content creation, Canvas is adding a Block Editor to Canvas Pages. This allows instructors/TAs/admins to create well-designed, responsive content without relying on HTML, using a simple and familiar block interface. This feature will be available beginning January 18, 2025. Fill out this request form if you are interested in viewing an early beta version of the Block Editor.
Rubrics: Import, Export, & Share Rubrics
From the Rubrics page in a course, you can now import and export CSV and XML versions of rubrics, as well as copying rubrics from the current course to another course.
Speedgrader: Added Commenting Functionality
In SpeedGrader, certain Rich Content Editor (RCE) formatting features are available when commenting. Additionally, instructors can edit comment drafts.
Canvas: Discussions
Save Thread Expansion State
When expanding and collapsing a discussion thread, the selected visibility preference is automatically saved for that specific discussion.
Improved Editing Workflow
You can now choose to edit a discussion directly from the Discussions page rather than needing to navigate into a specific discussion and then edit it. This new feature can be found by clicking the three dots at the far right of any discussion on the Discussions page.
Canvas: New Quizzes
Old Quiz & Item Analysis Retired
The old Quiz and Item Analysis report has been removed from New Quizzes. It has been replaced by the Quiz and Item Analysis report.
Add Time to Ongoing Quiz Attempts
While a New Quiz attempt is ongoing, instructors can moderate a quiz and extend the time allotted for the quiz. Additionally, the student course-level accommodation modal link is moved to the Student column. Previously, this was linked in the Accommodations column. This feature allows instructors to accommodate students who may need extra time due to various circumstances by providing additional time during an active quiz session.
Schedule Release of Quiz Results & Correct Answers
In the New Quizzes Settings, instructors can select the timing and visibility of feedback and correct answers for students. This feature helps instructors enhance learning by timing feedback to reinforce understanding, encourage independent learning, and prevent cheating. It also allows for better alignment with review sessions and ensures fairness by standardizing the feedback process for all students.
Gradescope Note
For most, there is no change in Gradescope setup or functionality in Canvas. When copying existing Gradescope assignments to a new course, there can sometimes be inconsistent behavior. More information can be found in this Gradescope Guide.
Turnitin Assignment Workflow
There is a slightly different workflow now for creating and linking your assignments in Canvas for these tools. Any previously created assignments must be re-created using the new integration. For help with this, refer to this Turnitin assignment how-to guide.
NOTE: Plagiarism Review with Turnitin is still available on the Canvas Assignment configuration page.
Perusall Updates
New features are now available to enhance social annotation experiences. With improved Canvas integration, you can access files stored in Canvas, annotate Canvas pages, and enjoy a smoother assignment creation process. Additionally, Perusall can facilitate peer review assignments and help you secure digital rights for fair use.
Poll Everywhere Updates
The Windows PowerPoint app has been updated to address display issues when presenting slides. Details and download information can be found on the Poll Everywhere support page.
