Canvas has recently rolled out an updated design for its Discussion feature, aimed at enhancing user experience and engagement. This redesign introduces several improvements to make discussions more intuitive, visually appealing, and easier to navigate.
Key updates include:
- A streamlined interface for better readability
- Enhanced threading for clearer conversation flow
- Improved mobile responsiveness
- New sorting and filtering options
This article will guide you through the major changes and help you make the most of the redesigned Discussion tool.
New Features
Anonymous discussion topics: Discussions allow teachers to create anonymous discussions. This option displays when creating a new discussion for a course. By default this option is set to off.
When anonymity is turned on for a discussion, grading and groups are not supported
Role labels: Discussion and announcement threads display a label for users with TA roles and Teacher (Instructor) roles. This feature helps students more quickly identify users with instructor-based roles in the course.
Threads also include a label indicating the discussion or announcement author.
@Mentions: Users can mention other users in discussion replies by using the @ symbol. All available users in the course display in the drop-down menu.
For users to be able to mention other users in discussion replies, the permission Conversations - send messages to individual course members needs to be enabled. If they are mentioned, users with the Discussions - New Mention notification enabled will receive notifications.
Quote reply: Users can quote other replies as part of their discussion reply.
Discussions User Interface (UI) Changes
Inline and Split Screen views: When a reply includes additional replies, the number of replies is displayed, as well as the number of unread replies (specific to the user viewing the reply). Users can choose to view these replies inline or in a split view.
Sort threads: Users can sort replies from newest to oldest or oldest to newest. Sorting is based on the most recent response in each thread.
Canvas Discussions Comparison Chart
Resources
Need Additional Help?
- For help with Canvas, please contact [email protected]
To discuss strategies for implementing Canvas and DLD approved integrated learning tools into your course, please contact [email protected]