[ARCHIVED] Creating Anonymous Discussions

[wallach]

Hello, I am trying to make the discussions I assign to students let them post anonymously in order to allow them comfort in sharing their thoughts, and questions.

I haven't been able to find an option for this.  I would like to know who posts, but I don't want the students to see each others names. Thanks in advance:)

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

Hi  @wallach  Welcome to the Canvas Community.  Thank you for posting your question.  Anonymous discussions aren't possible in Canvas at this time.  However, there is an existing Feature Idea here in the Community called https://community.canvaslms.com/ideas/1117-anonymous-discussion-forums which you might be interested in.  If you feel that this Feature Idea aligns with something you would like to see implemented by Instructure, I would encourage you to vote on that idea and maybe add a comment to the bottom of it letting their engineers know why this would be important to you in Canvas.

I know this probably wasn't the answer you were hoping for, but I hope that it has helped to answer your question, Hannah.

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

Hi  @wallach  Welcome to the Canvas Community.  Thank you for posting your question.  Anonymous discussions aren't possible in Canvas at this time.  However, there is an existing Feature Idea here in the Community called https://community.canvaslms.com/ideas/1117-anonymous-discussion-forums which you might be interested in.  If you feel that this Feature Idea aligns with something you would like to see implemented by Instructure, I would encourage you to vote on that idea and maybe add a comment to the bottom of it letting their engineers know why this would be important to you in Canvas.

I know this probably wasn't the answer you were hoping for, but I hope that it has helped to answer your question, Hannah.

[taenaron · Accepted solution]

I am in favor of this.  Used it for targeted purposes with Blackboard in my literature courses - never on controversial subjects.  Quite successful, and much missed since we switched over.  A shame it is not available as an option.

[vhart4]

I've also used this feature in Blackboard with great success. It emboldens the inhibited students and allows for much more honest, in-depth discussion, especially of sensitive topics. 

The only feature I wish could be added is some way for the instructor to know whether all students have participated without specifically tying their identification to their posts. Otherwise, experience tells me, at least a few students simply won't participate because they know there's no way to tell whether they have. 

[mlabbett]

I vote yes on this!!

[Chris_Hofer]

Hi @mlabbett ...

If you haven't done so yet, you might want to add your feedback to Anonymous Discussion Forums - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com).  Also, if you want, you can give that Feature Idea a star rating.  More info about that at: How do idea conversations work in the Instructure ... - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com).

[GEORGEANNEHRIBA]

I am seeking the ability of my students to post anonymously so that they are free to pose questions they may consider may be embarrassing. Going through this posting and the contradictory messages is indeed confusing. Bottom line?  Has the or when will this feature be added.

[Chris_Hofer]

Hi @GEORGEANNEHRIBA ...

There is a Discussions Redesign going on right now from Instructure (the folks that make Canvas), and so it might not be turned on for you at your school just yet.  However, I think this Guide would be of interest to you:

• How do I allow students to create anonymous course... - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)

These are the options when creating the topic for your students:

Hope this helps a bit.  Sing out if you have any other questions...thanks!