Canvas deploys contain code changes that are intended to fix bugs, improve performance, and prepare for new features. These deploys take place every two weeks and can be tested in the beta environment before the production deploy date indicated in the title of this document. Institutions are responsible for conducting thorough evaluations of their custom CSS/JS with each release and deploy to assess potential impacts.
Fixed bugs are located in Known Issues. For related issues resolved in this deploy, view the 2024-07-17 Known Issues tag.
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For Canvas Platform Service changes (API, GraphQL, Canvas Data), please see the appropriate page in the Change Log
Other questions? Visit the Canvas Release FAQ
Looking to discuss the features in the Deploy Notes? Post a reply in the Features Q&A: Canvas Deploy Notes (2024-07-17)
Table of Contents
- Interface Updates
- Authentication
- SMS Multi-Factor Authentication Update (MFA)
- SpeedGrader
- Comment Drafts
- Settings
- Course Import and Cross-List Section Update
- Course
- Course Status Update
- Sort by Course Status
- People
- List Sections in Alphabetical Order
- User Settings
- Contact Information Modal Update
- Account Settings
- Profiles
- Group Profile Settings
- Feature Previews
- Discussions
- Discussion Summaries
- Navigation
- Smart Search
- Change Logs Updates
- Discussion/Announcements Redesign
Interface Updates
Authentication
SMS Multi-Factor Authentication Update (MFA)
|
Affected Feature Areas |
Authentication |
|
Account Setting to Enable |
None |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to User |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
Summary
For International users, the SMS Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) configuration is removed and the informational text is updated for clarity. For US users, the MFA modal text is updated for clarity.
Change Benefit
This update improves clarity for international users and aligns with current functionality.
Feature Workflow
International User Multi-Factor-Authentication Modal
For International users the MFA modal interface text is updated and the SMS configuration is removed.
US User Multi-Factor Authentication Modal
For US users, the text is updated for clarity [1]. Additionally, text is added in the Use SMS section [2].
SpeedGrader
Comment Drafts
|
Affected Feature Areas |
SpeedGrader |
|
Account Setting to Enable |
None |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user |
|
Related Ideas |
[SpeedGrader] Replace tiny asterisk with "DRAFT" for draft comments in SpeedGrader |
Summary
In SpeedGrader, after drafting a comment and moving on to another student, a Draft pill displays indicating that the comment has not been submitted.
Change Benefit
This update enhances the user experience by clearly indicating when a comment has not yet been submitted.
Feature Workflow
SpeedGrader Comment Draft Pill
In SpeedGrader, a Draft pill displays indicating the comment has not been submitted.
Settings
Course Import and Cross-List Section Update
|
Affected Feature Areas |
Import Content page |
|
Account Setting to Enable |
None |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
Summary
In Settings, when selecting a course to copy or course to cross- list the drop-down menus display the SIS ID and term with the course name in the list when available.
Change Benefit
This update provides additional reference information that can help users quickly identify and distinguish between courses.
Feature Workflow
Import Content Term and SIS ID
When importing content, the Search for a Course drop-down menu displays the Term and SIS ID if available.
Cross-List Term and SIS ID
When Cross-Listing a course, the term and SIS ID display when available.
Course
Course Status Update
|
Affected Feature Areas |
Home page, Settings |
|
Account Setting to Enable |
None |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
Summary
On the Home page and Course Settings page, the Publish and Unpublish buttons are redesigned as a drop-down menu.
Change Benefit
This update improves the user experience by enhancing clarity around a course’s status.
Feature Workflow
Course Status Drop-Down-Menu
On the Home page and Course Settings page, instructors can manage the Course Status using the drop-down menu.
Sort by Course Status
|
Affected Feature Areas |
Courses |
|
Account Setting to Enable |
None |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user |
|
Related Ideas |
[Admin Tools] Course Status Icon for Admins with sorting or filtering options |
Summary
On the Account-level Courses page, admin can sort the status icons column in ascending or descending order.
Change Benefit
This feature allows admins to quickly sort by course status.
Feature Workflow
Account Setting Sort Course Status Icon
On the Account-level Courses page, click the Status link to sort by course status.
Additional Details
By default, course statuses are not sorted.
People
List Sections in Alphabetical Order
|
Affected Feature Areas |
People |
|
Account Setting to Enable |
None |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
Summary
On the People page, students enrolled in multiple sections are displayed in alphabetical order.
Change Benefit
This update provides a standardized, efficient, and universally understood method for organizing and retrieving information without bias.
Feature Workflow
People Page Sections
On the People page, sections are listed in alphabetical order.
User Settings
Contact Information Modal Update
|
Affected Feature Areas |
User Settings |
|
Account Setting to Enable |
None |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
Summary
In user settings when adding a Contact Method, the Carrier drop-down menu and the SMS email field are removed. Additionally, the Cell number field is renamed Mobile Number. For International users, the Text (SMS) tab is removed.
Change Benefit
This update improves clarity for users and aligns with current functionality.
Feature Workflow
Register Communication Modal
The Cell number field is renamed Mobile number, additionally the Carrier drop-down menu and SMS email field are removed.
Account Settings
Profiles
Group Profile Settings
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Feature Areas |
Settings |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
Summary
In Account-level settings, all profile-related settings are consolidated in the Personal Profile Settings section.
Change Benefit
This change improves organization and accessibility by consolidating all profile-related settings into one section, making it easier for admin to manage profile settings efficiently.
Feature Workflow
Account Level Personal Profile Settings
In Account Settings, a Personal Profile Settings Section is available.
Feature Previews
A Feature Preview indicates a feature option in active development. Users who opt in to the feature and join the Community user group can help improve the feature through direct feedback.
Additional updates about this feature will be available in the User Group. When this feature option is available for general use, the feature option will be announced in the Canvas Release Notes.
Discussions
Discussion Summaries
|
Feature Option Name |
Discussion Summary |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Locked) |
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-07-20 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
2024-07-17 |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
No |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Discussions |
|
Feature Preview User Group |
|
|
Release Schedule |
Coming Soon! View updates via the change log in the Discussion Summaries User Group |
|
Mobile App Support |
TBD |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
TBD |
|
Enforcement Date |
To be announced |
|
Feature Option State |
Feature Preview (active development) |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
Summary
Discussion Summary is a new feature preview available in Canvas. Discussion Summarization uses a Generative AI model to give instructors summaries of the main points, questions, and ideas in a discussion thread.
Note: This feature requires the Discussion/Announcement Redesign feature option to be enabled, this feature option will be enforced July 20, 2024.
Feature Workflow
Discussions Summarize Button
To summarize discussion threads, click the Summarize button.
Discussion Summary Field
Enter the desired area or topic to summarize.
Generate Summary and Disable Summary Buttons
To Generate a summary, click the Generate Summary button [1]. To exit the Discussion Summary, click the Disable Summary button [2].
Discussion Summary
A summary is created based on the topics the instructor asked about.
Additional Details
If a course is concluded, a user with view access can still use the Smart Search feature.
Navigation
Smart Search
|
Feature Option Name |
Smart Search |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
Account (Disabled/Locked) |
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2024-07-20 |
|
Production Environment Availability |
2024-07-17 |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Course Navigation |
|
Feature Preview User Group |
|
|
Release Schedule |
|
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
|
Enforcement Date |
To be announced |
|
Feature Option State |
Feature Preview (active development) |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
Summary
Smart Search is a new feature preview available in Canvas using advanced AI and semantic algorithms. The Smart Search feature understands the context of queries, providing more accurate and relevant results without needing complex search operators or tools. Currently, the Smart Search feature is querying the following items within a course:
- Content pages
- Announcements
- Discussion prompts
- Assignment descriptions
Feature Workflow
Course Settings Navigation Page
By default, the Search link is enabled in the Navigation [1]. Instructors can choose to remove this link from the Course Navigation, then click the Save button [2].
Course Navigation Smart Search Link
To access Smart Search in a course, click the Search link.
How it Works Button
For more information related to the Smart Search feature, click the How it Works button.
How it Works Tray
A tray displays allowing users to learn more about the feature and how to use it.
Smart Search Field, Search Icon and Like/Dislike Icons
In the Smart Search field [1], enter keywords or phrases to return relevant results, then click the search icon [2], or use the enter/return key on a keyboard. Additionally, users can click the like or dislike icons [3] to provide feedback on the search results of specific items.
Help Us Improve Modal
After clicking the Like or Dislike icons, users are asked to provide feedback for improvement.
Additional Details
If a course is concluded, a user with view access can still use the Smart Search feature.
Change Logs Updates
Discussion/Announcements Redesign
For more details related to this deploy, see the Discussions/Announcements Redesign: Release Change Log.
Change Log
2024-07-18
2024-07-18
2024-07-18
2024-07-15
2024-07-15
2024-07-05
